Exotic Caribbean In Depth

Emerging from brilliant blue waters, Saint Lucia’s lush, green slopes offer a stunning contrast, rising dramatically to meet the iconic Pitons and creating one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the Caribbean. Docking in the lively capital, a variety of shore excursions invite you to explore – delve into the island’s history and Creole culture or combine nature with adventure, soaring through the rainforest canopy by zipline or gliding through the treetops on an aerial tram.

There’s plenty to do on board as you cruise gracefully through the waves – the sun terrace and spa promise unadulterated relaxation, while the fitness centre offers an energising alternative with its state-of-the-art equipment and inspiring ocean views.

Exuding a quiet, untouched charm, the small Caribbean island of Montserrat is your next stop. As you approach Little Bay, its shimmering waters surrounded by lush, tropical hills, the island reveals a landscape shaped by both beauty and dramatic natural forces. Boat trips and road excursions offer the chance to explore its striking volcanic terrain and the sobering history of the world’s “modern-day Pompeii”, the former capital of Plymouth, buried under layers of ash and debris during the 1990s. Alternatively, a swimming and snorkelling excursion to the secluded Rendezvous Bay offers a more tranquil escape.

Antigua’s abundance of beaches - 365, one for every day of the year - creates an irresistible coastal rhythm across this Caribbean isle, where soft sands and turquoise waters meet top-tier resorts. Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage. Other highlights include Shirley Heights, with its panoramic views over the east coast, and North Sound Marine Park, where lush mangroves and serene lagoons are a haven for native sea and bird life.

Carambola Beach’s luxurious beach clubs and restaurants set the stage for effortless, sun-drenched relaxation on day 8. For those wishing to explore, discover wonderfully preserved plantation houses, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill Fortress, or take in the island’s captivating scenery from the comfort of the Caribbean’s first scenic railway.

The smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke may be modest in size, but its heavenly beaches, including White Bay - regularly ranked among the finest in the region - have earned a reputation that goes far beyond its shores. Enjoy a carefree day by the coast – charter a boat or snorkel among manta rays, reef and nurse sharks, colourful parrotfish and squid – or explore on land with a hike to the Bubbly Pool, a natural, Jacuzzi-like rock pool formed by the crashing Atlantic swell.

Your cruise docks in the capital of the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, a unique destination consisting of two nations peacefully sharing one island. Philipsburg’s thriving duty-free outlets will excite fashion enthusiasts and souvenir shoppers alike, while there’s also the chance to discover the island’s interior and French side. For a truly unforgettable experience at sea, take part in a race around a shortened America’s Cup course, sailing aboard a multi-million-dollar yacht with an experienced crew on hand to guide you through every winch and manoeuvre.

Expect a warm welcome on the British Virgin Islands’ most populated island, Tortola, where a resilient island community has rebuilt with strength and spirit following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The scenery on this lush, mountainous island is absolutely enchanting and can be fully appreciated from an open-air safari bus, 4x4 or boat, with stops along the way to relax on beautiful beaches and swim in the crystalline Caribbean Sea.

Return to Saint Kitts and Nevis. With so much still to discover, you may choose an experience you didn’t have the chance to enjoy on day 8 or instead revisit a favourite spot.

Daytime downtime flows effortlessly into an atmospheric evening on board, with gourmet dining, curated drinks and captivating entertainment, including live shows and a casino.

European elegance meets tropical splendour and vibrant Caribbean culture in Martinique, an overseas region of France. Epicureans will be in their element on the Taste of Martinique tour, sampling rum from world-renowned distilleries and authentic French West Indian cuisine, while other excursions delve into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Martinique’s coral-fringed coastline is teeming with marine life – snorkel through the clear waters and you might be lucky enough to encounter green sea turtles alongside an array of colourful fish.

Bequia’s authentic, low-key charm awaits. Discover its beautiful beaches, blissfully uncrowded and wonderfully unspoilt, or venture inland to explore lush, rolling hills, traditional villages and traces of the island’s maritime and plantation heritage. If you’d like a taste of celebrity life, choose the Mustique shore excursion and spend the day rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous at the local hotspots of this legendary escape, while a speedboat ride to the small, uninhabited island of Isla Quatre offers the opposite – a deserted, Robinson Crusoe-esque experience, with untouched shores, crystal-clear waters and complete seclusion.

Your cruise glides serenely into Saint George's, known as one of the most picturesque harbours in the Caribbean and your gateway to Grenada’s emerald hills, spice-scented air and golden shores. The ship’s shore excursions reveal its highlights, uncovering colonial architecture and historic sites amid the lush landscape. Meanwhile, thrill seekers can embark on a river tubing trip, spinning and swirling through the water surrounded by the tropical rainforest.

Your journey concludes with an early morning arrival in Bridgetown. Disembark the ship and continue to the west coast for four nights of post-cruise relaxation at The Colony Club – the perfect finale to your unforgettable Caribbean escape.

Travel to Grantley Adams International Airport to depart on your flight back to the UK.