These are just three of many beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Each one of the three has different historical influences including Spanish, Duch and French.

The Caribbean is famous for its pirates who seem to have visited most of the islands. Of these three, St. Thomas appears to have been the most popular, having received visits from Blackbeard and Sir Francis Drake.

Nowadays life on the islands is more peaceful - until the daily cruise liners anchor and passengers disembark. But, with a very wide choice of on-shore excursions they quickly take off to various parts of the islands.

Puerto Rico

Until the late 19th century, this was a Spanish island and much of its culture and buildings reflect this.

The capital, San Juan (in particular Old San Juan), is a delight to stroll through. It is very easy to imagine that you are in Spain.

This is the place for shoppers, especially those looking for jewelry. Not only is it fairly inexpensive, but the designs are unique. Even if you aren't in the market for jewelry, it is worth strolling and admiring and, maybe, stopping off at one of the bars where you can sit in a shady patio to enjoy a drink.

While in the town take time to visit San Juan Cathedral, the San Jose Church and the Cristo Chapel. Alternatively - or maybe as well - take a ride out to the fort, San Felipe El Moro, for some spectacular views of San Juan.

For those not wanting to shop there are excursions to the El Yunque Rain Forest, walking tours to see the flora and fauna, cycling and, of course, a visit to the Bacardi Rum Factory.

St. Thomas, American Virgin Islands

This is best known as the "duty free island", but it would be a shame to miss exploring the glorious countryside by spending all day in the capital, Charlotte Amalie, with its Dutch influenced architecture.

Take a tour of the highlights which includes seeing the beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, historical corners, drinking a Banana Daquairi, then finishing in Charlotte Amalie for some shopping. As well as duty free liquor there are shops selling fine porcelain and crystal.

Alternatively, laze on a beach such as Morningstar or Lime Tree or participate in some water sports.

For a piratical experience take a tour to Blackbeard's Castle.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

This is an island with two distinctive halves. One half is Dutch and the other is French.

Originally it was settled by the Spanish,. When they left in 1648 some Dutch and French soldiers hid and divided the island between them. Subsequently those two countries agreed to share it.

Philipsburg is in the Dutch half and looks it with its houses in pale blue, white, peach and cream topped with blue, red or green roofs. To see and compare it with the French half, take an Island Tour.

In Marigot, on the French side of the island, there are small colorful buildings of shops and restaurants, an up-market shopping center and a Flea Market.

For the really adventurous there are tours by 4-wheel drive vehicles. These climb the mountains, visit beaches and explore country roads.

Lovers of butterflies should go to the Butterfly Farm to enjoy hundreds of these colorful and exquisite insects.

Sailors have the splendid opportunity to compete in a race on an America's Cup shortened course.

Like St. Thomas, St. Maarten has great jewelry shopping.

General

On all of the islands there is snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and swimming to be enjoyed by the energetic.

Most cruise lines visit Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and a select few drop anchor at St. Maarten.

Throughout the year there are cruises around the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, with most of them during the winter months.