DAY 1
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Like many southeast Florida neighbours, Fort Lauderdale has long been revitalising. In a state where gaudy tourist zones often stand aloof from workaday downtowns, Fort Lauderdale exhibits consistency at both ends of the 2-mile Las Olas corridor. The sparkling look results from upgrades both downtown and on the beachfront. Matching the downtown’s innovative arts district, cafés, and boutiques is an equally inventive beach area, with hotels, cafés, and shops facing an undeveloped shoreline, and new resort-style hotels replacing faded icons of yesteryear. Despite wariness of pretentious overdevelopment, city leaders have allowed a striking number of glittering high-rises. Nostalgic locals and frequent visitors fret over the diminishing vision of sailboats bobbing in waters near downtown; however, Fort Lauderdale remains the yachting capital of the world, and the water toys don’t seem to be going anywhere.
Arrive: 23/02/2024- Depart: 23/02/2024
DAY 4
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
From the harbour you see an idyllic-looking village that spreads into the lower hills. The city has a rich history and is known for its colonial-era architecture, including historic buildings like Fort Christian and Government House. It is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Magens Bay Beach, Blackbeard’s Castle and the Coral World Ocean Park. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the duty-free stores and markets, sampling local cuisine and taking in the stunning views of the harbour and surrounding hillsides. Charlotte Amalie is a vibrant and bustling city, and its unique blend of culture and history make it a must-visit destination.
Arrive: 26/02/2024- Depart: 26/02/2024
DAY 5
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village’s dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It’s generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots. Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander’s home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.
Arrive: 27/02/2024- Depart: 27/02/2024
DAY 6
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes. The island has a rich history, having been settled by the Dutch, English and Spanish before being colonised by the British in the 17th century. Visitors to Tortola can explore its historic sites, such as the Old Government House Museum and the Callwood Rum Distillery, or take a stroll through its charming towns and villages. The island’s beaches are a major draw, with soft white sand and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities. Popular beaches include Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, and Long Bay Beach. Tortola is also a hub for sailing, with numerous charter companies offering trips around the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
Arrive: 28/02/2024- Depart: 28/02/2024
DAY 7
Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy
Gustavia is a charming and picturesque town located on the island of St. Barts in the Caribbean. Originally founded by the Swedish in the 18th century, Gustavia is known for its beautiful architecture, luxury boutiques and stunning harbour views. Visitors to Gustavia can stroll along its cobblestone streets, admire the colourful facades of its buildings and enjoy the many cafes, restaurants, and bars that line its waterfront. The town’s main attraction is its marina, which is home to a number of luxurious yachts and sailboats. Gustavia is also a great place to shop for high-end designer clothing, jewellery and other luxury items. For those seeking a bit of history, the town is home to a number of interesting landmarks, including the Gustavia Lighthouse and the Wall House Museum.
Arrive: 29/02/2024- Depart: 29/02/2024
DAY 8
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and a vibrant hub of culture, history, and tourism. Founded in 1521, the city is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, colourful neighbourhoods and rich cultural heritage. Visitors to San Juan can explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as the 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress and the colourful streets of Old San Juan. The city is also home to a number of museums, art galleries and cultural centres, where visitors can learn about Puerto Rico’s history and culture. San Juan is a great place to enjoy Caribbean cuisine, with a wide range of restaurants and street vendors offering everything from traditional Puerto Rican dishes to international cuisine.
Arrive: 01/03/2024- Depart: 01/03/2024
DAY 9
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the West Indies. It is also the main port and commercial centre for the island nation. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of European colonisation. The city was named by the French after Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. The city was then known as Basseterre de Guadeloupe, or Basseterre of Guadeloupe. It was one of the first European settlements in the Caribbean and quickly became an important trading port. In the 17th century, the British took control of the island and renamed it Basseterre. The city remained an important port and commercial centre under British rule. Today, Basseterre is a busy and vibrant city with a population of around 13,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and lively nightlife.
Arrive: 02/03/2024- Depart: 02/03/2024
DAY 10
Saint John’s, Antigua
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.
Arrive: 03/03/2024- Depart: 03/03/2024
DAY 11
Roseau, Dominica
Roseau lies in a small area on Dominica’s west coast, where rugged green hills meet a deep blue sea. A mix of French and British colonial structures run along its narrow streets, punctuating the modern concrete buildings and recalling the capital’s history. Most visitors gather along the Bayfront before browsing through the Old Market. Historically speaking, the area hosted the slave trade. These days, its craft and souvenir stalls are popular among cruise-ship passengers. Tourists should also explore the compact museum in the Old Post Office if time allows. Otherwise, seeing the island’s natural beauty should be the priority. The botanical gardens are certainly a worthwhile stop in this regard. A hillside enclave called Morne Bruce lies above them and offers a breathtaking view of Roseau.
Arrive: 04/03/2024- Depart: 04/03/2024
DAY 12
Castries, Saint Lucia
The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets.
Arrive: 05/03/2024- Depart: 05/03/2024
DAY 13
Port Elizabeth, Bequia
Bequia is a Carib word meaning “island of the cloud.” Hilly and green with several golden-sand beaches, Bequia is 9 miles (14½ km) south of St. Vincent’s southwestern shore; with a population of 5,000, it’s the largest of the Grenadines. Although boatbuilding, whaling, and fishing have been the predominant industries here for generations, sailing has now become almost synonymous with Bequia. Admiralty Bay is a favoured anchorage for both privately owned and chartered yachts. Lodgings range from comfortable resorts and villas to cozy West Indian—style inns. Bequia’s airport and the frequent ferry service from St. Vincent make this a favourite destination for day-trippers, as well. The ferry docks in Port Elizabeth, a tiny town with waterfront bars, restaurants, and shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs—including the exquisitely detailed model sailboats that are a famous Bequia export.
Arrive: 06/03/2024- Depart: 06/03/2024
DAY 14
Saint George’s, Grenada
Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa those heady aromas fill the air in Grenada. Only 21 miles (33½ km) long and 12 miles (19½ km) wide, the Isle of Spice is a tropical gem of lush rain forests, white-sand beaches, secluded coves, exotic flowers, and enough locally grown spices to fill anyone’s kitchen cabinet. St. George’s is one of the most picturesque capital cities in the Caribbean, St. George’s Harbour is one of the most picturesque harbours, and Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach is one of the region’s finest beaches. The island has friendly, hospitable people and enough good shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and natural wonders to make it a popular port of call.
Arrive: 07/03/2024- Depart: 07/03/2024
DAY 15
Bridgetown, Barbados
Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison.
Arrive: 08/03/2024- Depart: 08/03/2024