Ponce Cruises, Puerto Rico

Ponce is a certified member of the get rich quick club. It became a rum-and-sugar-trading heavyweight in the late 19th century, and there are nods to its prosperous past everywhere you turn. It’s Puerto Rico’s second city, behind San Juan, but it positions itself as the more sophisticated of the two. Here, the streets are lined with Neoclassical buildings, Victorian-esque street lights, museums and glistening fountains. Even the city’s fire station's a work of art.

• Check out the famous Dennis the Menace-like firehouse. In a city renowned for its architectural triumphs, this red-and-black striped landmark is one of the most photographed of the lot.
• Take in the sea air and salsa beats on Ponce’s seaside boardwalk. At the weekends, things get really lively – grab a bite to eat in a waterside restaurant, feed the pelicans or dance to live music.
• Admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte de Ponce. It’s considered one of the Caribbean’s top museums, and houses a 4,500-piece collection of European, African and American art.