11-day Cruise to Caribbean: Dominican Republic & San Juan from New York, New York on Norwegian Gem

Each of its five boroughs is a county: Manhattan (New York county), an island; the Bronx (Bronx county), on the mainland, NE of Manhattan across the Harlem River; Queens (Queens county), on Long Island, E of Manhattan across the East River; Brooklyn (Kings county), also on Long Island, on the East River adjoining Queens and on New York Bay; and Staten Island (Richmond county), an island SW of Manhattan across the Upper Bay.

The nation’s largest city, New York is a major U.S. port, the country’s trade center and with its banks and stock exchanges, the financial center of the world.

Theaters, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants draw millions of visitors. With all the sights to see, New York is sure to be a fun filled getaway!

Although first visited by Columbus, it was Ponce de Leon who named and established the area.

Because of its strategic location, Spain chose San Juan to be one of its strongholds in the New World. The El Morro Fort,rising defiantly from the sea, is living testament to the days when Puerto Rico was a cornerstone of Spain’s efforts in North America.

Today the fort is still an attraction, in addition to the walled city of Old San Juan, the beautiful hotels and casinos and the nearbyresort areas and golf courses.

Tortola is the largest island, located in the Virgin Islands, first settled by the Dutch, and is now under British rule. Warm temperatures prevail most of the year, typically staying at about 75 to 85 degrees during the day. Visit Mount Sage, the Virgin Islands’ highest peak. This destination is also known for its wonderful beaches, and a few are accessible only by boat.

Soper’s Hole in West End is a popular center of activity yet still retains a quaint charm for a busy marina, offering many amenities.