ITINERARY FOR LUXURY CARIBBEAN CRUISE FROM BARBADOS
DAY 1: Bridgetown, Barbados
Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.
DAY 2: St. George’s (Grenada), Grenada
Nestled in the horseshoe of the caldera, with candy-coloured houses spilling down the hillsides to the water, this deep natural harbour is often considered the prettiest in the Caribbean. Wander the Georgian buildings of the Carenage, elegant masts swaying in the breeze, to market stalls brimming with tropical fruit and island spices, the colonial-era Fort George, the Catholic cathedral and Anglican church – painstakingly rebuilt after the 2004 hurricane – and the House of Chocolate, a shop, café and micro museum deliciously devoted to Grenada’s cacao trade. From here, head to the mountainous and lush, jungly green interior, hike to the island’s famed falls and cool off beneath the cascade, or travel to the quieter north on a spice journey, nutmeg scenting the air.
DAY 3:Castries, Saint Lucia
Wind your way through the romantic island of St Lucia. Hike up the majestic UNESCO-listed Pitons, wallow in a volcanic mud bath, lounge on black sand beaches, explore botanical gardens and venture into a tropical jungle scattered with banana, coconut and mango plantations. Choose between calm Caribbean or choppy Atlantic seas to skim through waters by catamaran, private boat or kayak. Refresh beneath a waterfall, watch gliding whales and enjoy freshly caught mahi mahi with local Piton beer. Or just relax into an inner glow of serenity as you unwind in this tranquil tropical isle.
Day 4: Fort-de-France, Martinique
Follow the French flag waving over the hulking fortress that gave the city its name then dive into the island’s Afro-French-West Indies culture. Green is the island’s colour for sustainability, spicy is its flavour, and Creole is its soul. This “island of flowers” lives up to her name as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots. Hike beside waterfalls, ponder the flying buttresses at Cathédrale St-Louis, and savour cocoa farms, local rum, and artisan sorbet in the shade of one of the island’s enchanting gardens.
Day 5: Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy
Mingle amongst other discerning guests on this French isle that exudes relaxed glamour. Wander along secluded beaches, harbourside Creole huts, drop into bohemian bars and snorkel gently through warm turquoise waters. Visit La Tourmente, the peaceful salt ponds and admire uninterrupted views on a local boat trip. And as you sip your second (or third) glass of champagne to the lull of the gentle waves, it might be time to learn the French for “paradise found”.
Day 6: Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda), British Virgin Islands
Slip into a tranquil, tropical paradise of sparkling waters, coral reefs and powder white beaches. Switch off and slowly shop, swim, snorkel and sip within the peace of sand, sea and sky. Sink into a beachside boulder-forming pool at The Baths, admire spectacular villas scattered on the Great Mountain, sit back on a safari bus ride or sunbathe aboard a catamaran. Prepare to be mesmerised by this softly lit, sun-drenched heaven.
Day 7: At sea
Day 8: At sea
Day 9: Miami, USA
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach – backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana – the heartbeat of this great city – where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis.
