Costa Fascinosa - February 23, 2025

The official name of this Dominican Republic island is Isla Catalina. The island is only 9.6 square kilometers, but packs a big entertainment punch nonetheless. Don't get the wrong idea, though--this is a protected ecological area, and for good reason. The pristine sand dunes, mangrove swamps, and coral stone formations are a splendid rarity in the Caribbean.

Samana Bay is the gateway to Puerto Plata, located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Luxury resorts and casinos give way to the tourist bazaar where you can shop for straw goods and other tropical specialties, like unique amber jewelry. If shopping is not your bag, check out the 70 miles of beaches.

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial outpost featuring shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies, as well as beautiful beaches.

Tiny and charming, Roseau offers visitors an intimate look at the nation of Dominica. Stroll past the houses on Castle Street, marked by quaint tin roofs and gingerbread fretwork. Tour the Dominican Museum and the plentiful shops in Post Office Square. Pose for scenic nautical photos in front of the Bay Front Sea Wall. Enjoy the chattering antics of native parrots at the local bird sanctuary.

Expect to be immediately immersed in the French Caribbean way of life. Vendors hawk everything from hairpins to bouquets of anthuriums on the congested narrow streets, and the markets are some of the Caribbean's most colorful. The largest, Marche St. Antoine, at the corner of Rues Frebault and Peynier, teems with activity all day long, with tropical produce and spices in madras bags sold by very vocal market women.

Originally established as a British settlement in the 17th century, Antigua certified its independence in 1981. Today, it is a vastly popular oasis, famed for its spectacular climate and 366 pristine beaches. St. John's is a splendid jewel on this tropical crown, boasting lush greenery and limitless recreation options. Take a hiking safari and be dazzled by the sights of the island at 1200 feet.