Watch CBS News

Destination Spotlight: Puerto Rico

(Courtesy: MSC Cruises)

MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned cruise line, has the remedy for kicking off the best end-of-summer getaway and it includes an escape to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

The best time to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico and other alluring destinations like St. Maarten and The Bahamas is in September and departing Miami on September 10th, is a 7-Night cruise aboard the stunning MSC Divina, awarded the #1 Best Large Cruise Ship by the Travvy Awards 2016, known as the "Academy Awards" of the travel industry.

One of the best parts of this cruise itinerary is that it features one of the world's most popular cruise destinations, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a gorgeous island to spend a day discovering its diverse topography of green mountains, sparkling waterfalls and tropical rainforests. San Juan, in particular, features Viejo San Juan, translated in English, Old San Juan—a keeper of Spanish colonial relics. Located in a seven block area, Old San Juan has been deemed a World Heritage Site with its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. Some of its buildings are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The streets are paved with iridescent bricks and cobblestone streets that lead to the beautiful scenery, sights and sounds of San Juan, including the city wall called La Muralla.

Experience Old San Juan with Coffee

Savor the taste Puerto Rican coffee and enjoy Puerto Rican café con leche adorned with latté art served by a local barista. The church's tie-in to this lush liquid on the island is highlighted with views of some of the oldest churches in the hemisphere. If there is an Old San Juan, quite naturally there is a New San Juan. In contrast to the historic buildings, beautiful masonry and forts, New San Juan is modern and bustling with tropical beaches, beachfront hotels and world-class dining.

Panoramic Views of San Juan & Bacardi

Starting with the town of Cataño, guests are delightfully welcomed to Casa Bacardi to learn about rum history, the Bacardi family and how to make the tasty spirit. From rum sampling to a keepsake Bacardi Cup and a welcome drink, guests can really experience the true taste of Puerto Rico. After a libation-infused experience in Cataño, guests journey to New San Juan and Old San Juan, with a stop at Plaza Colon for breathtaking panoramic views of the impressive San Cristobal Fortress.

Nature Voyages    

If the great outdoors are appealing, a journey through the El Yunque rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in U.S. territory, will simply amaze. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are available to experience the rainforest of the northeast countryside of Puerto Rico in this hour-and-a-half adventure. The northeast countryside also provides the luxury of horseback riding. El Yunque tropical rain forest can also be experienced by riding a gentle, spirited horse with the help of knowledgeable guides. There's a less demanding way to see the beauty of the floral tropics and fauna. The El Yunque Forest Tour is a pleasant vehicle ride through the tropical rainforest paradise.

An All-Around Good Time

To further enjoy the culture, food and people of the island, MSC Cruises offers sangria tasting opportunities in the city of Caguas; plus walking tours of the diverse landscape and architecture; and rope guided canopy tours of the rainforest. There's no need to miss the incredible food—like the world-famous duck nachos and the lovely people and incredible music of Puerto Rico - by staying at home.

End this summer with MSC Cruises and have an all-around good time in Puerto Rico by way of a 7-Night Caribbean cruise. MSC Cruises offers all the above excursions and more.

To find out more about the September 10th cruise starting from just $399 per person, contact your travel agent, visit the MSC Cruises website or call 1-(844) 220-9878. 

Above content provided by MSC Cruises.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.