ENJOY HISTORY WITH ~ You already know Puerto Rico is a wonderful place to vacation. But did you know it provides critical security to the United States? The USA has the military manpower and equipment to defend Puerto Rico. But Puerto Rico provides the best location for satellite scanners and sea platforms to watch out for possible invaders against Uncle Sam. Starting with Columbus discovering Puerto Rico in 1493, European nations have tried repeatedly to capture this perfectly placed island in the Caribbean, thereby having a foothold in North America. That's why they fought over an island that's just 90 miles long and 30 miles wide. Only Delaware or Rhode Island is bigger. Clear nights over Puerto Rico, along with having a dense rain forest, make it easy for clandestine satellite transmissions and electronic intelligence gathering. Having mild weather makes it an ideal place for military training too. And it's just 1000 miles southeast of Florida with easy access to South America. When you see the sculptor Lindsay Daen created in 1975 (top photo by Cynthia Neu) overlooking San Juan you will appreciate it more if you know Puerto Rico's history. "La Rogativa," which means "The Procession," tells the legend of a Catholic bishop and his church followers who feared losing their island to England. On the night of April 30, 1797, Great Britain filled the entire port of San Juan with ships. It had every intention the next morning to battle it out for Puerto Rico. In a last ditch effort to defend themselves, the bishop and his church members marched throughout San Juan that same night carrying lanterns, clanging pots and pans and crying out prayers begging Puerto Ricans to stand up and fight. Sir Ralph Ambercrombie, leading the British fleet, thought the ruckus meant reinforcement troops had arrived from Spain. Not interested in fighting with Spain, he and his ships took off without ever firing a shot. The French, Spanish, British, and even Holland, have all tried to dominate Puerto Rico, but without any real success. By 1899 Spain ceded any claim it had over Puerto Rico to the United States, but only because the USA promised Puerto Rico it would merely 'defend it,' and not try to 'rule it.' Puerto Rico does not want to marry Uncle Sam. It just wants us to live together. Today our two populations still debate whether Puerto Rico should become a true United State. What is not up for debate is how splendid will be this cruise from San Juan next winter. Bask in warm sunshine while you enjoy ceviche, Puerto Rico's signature dish. It's made from boneless white fish, red onions, cilantro and red hot peppers. Dip it with crispy plantain chips. Each day on the cruise enjoy water aerobics classes taught by your favorite certified home town instructor in the ship's indoor heated Solarium pool. Take yoga, tai chi, deck walking and ballroom dance lessons too. All exercise classes are held in private for club members only. Book now for the ship's best mid-ship cabins at their lowest prices. Deposits are 100% refundable up to Nov.18th. No travel insurance is required for this travel club benefit. Call 800-955-9942

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO is the largest and busiest port in the Caribbean. Prudent cruisers reserve their pre-and post-cruise hotel rooms in San Juan at the same time they book their cruises departing from this historical city. For best air and hotel rates in San Juan call Twins Travel at 703-583-2008. Because the ship departs San Juan at 8:30 PM on February 25th there is ample time for guests to arrive that same day to board ship. Royal Caribbean's last bus from the airport to the ship is at 6 PM February 25th. will suggest a post-cruise tour later in the year for guests who fly out of San Juan late on March 3rd. Air fares to San Juan now are high. Twins Travel can give advice on when to find the best air rates for this city. `