| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 6th06 | JanJan | 202424 | Bridgetown, Barbados, embark on the Emerald Azzurra | | |
| 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. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades. Your luxurious yacht cruise begins in Bridgetown, where you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Southern Caribbean. Please book your flight to arrive into Bridgetown prior to 03:00 PM. |
| 7th07 | JanJan | 202424 | Mayreau Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | | |
| The small island of Mayreau, just one and 1/2 square miles in area (3.9 square kilometres) is the smallest inhabited island of The Grenadines, and is part of the independent state of St.Vincent in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Two of the best known islands in The Grenadines are Mustique and Bequia, the second largest island in this group. The Grenadine Islands are strung out in a gentle sweep between St.Vincent and Grenada. Most visitors to Mayreau arrive from cruise ships, on the regular ferry, or by yacht. There are no proper roads on the island, only a few vehicles, no airport and only a single unnamed village. Mayreau and the neighboring Tobago Cays are very popular for divers and snorkellers. Saline Bay, on the west coast of the island, has a wonderful broad beach and a few local vendors selling T-shirts and local craft. A climb up the road to the hilltop village on the island provides breathtaking views across Mayreau, Canouan, the Tobago Cays and Carriacou. Mayreau is the smallest of the Grenadines' uninhabited islands, with a surface area of only 4 square kilometres (1.5 square miles). The population of Mayreau is no more than 250 people who live in the village on the island's highest hill, Station Hill'. The charming little church and community centre at the top of the hill provide spectacular views over the islands. On a clear day, one can see both Grenada and St. Vincent, as well as other nearby islands, showcasing the pretty colours of the reefs and waters around the Tobago Cays. EmeraldPLUS BBQ lunch on fully equipped beach with live band |
| 8th08 | JanJan | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 9th09 | JanJan | 202424 | Oranjestad, Aruba | | |
| Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean. The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad is a unique blend of old and modern, giving a special charm to the colourful city. It is a bustling harbour city whose streets are dotted with international luxury retailers and diverse boutiques, as well as dazzling residential buildings. Among the remarkable restored buildings is the green "Stadhuis', which houses the City Hall. Another interesting sight is the Aloe Museum and Factory, which dates to 1890 and tells the fascinating story of aloe production, on which the economy was once dependent. Included Excursion Photo ops in Aruba DiscoverMORE Aruba's expedition by UTV (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Aruba's outback adventure (extra expense) |
| 10th10 | JanJan | 202424 | Willemstad, Curaçao | | |
| Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam. The lively capital of Curacao Island is a welcoming and energizing travel destination, consisting of two neighborhoods on either side of the beautiful St. Anna Bay. The narrow, well-kept streets of Punda are full of stores and museums. Otrobanda, on the other side of the bay, is a residential area with winding streets, a real maze, contrasting with the right angles of the streets on the other side of the bay. Wilemstad's colorful colonial architecture has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included Excursion Treasures of Curacao EmeraldACTIVE Highlights by e-bike |
| 11th11 | JanJan | 202424 | Cabo de la Vela, Colombia | | |
| In the very north of Colombia's La Guajira region lies the unmissable destination of Cabo de la Vela, considered to be one of the Colombia's best kept secrets. Here you will find one of the calmest and most paradisiacal beaches located in the widest desert area of Colombia. This privileged location just off the shores of the Caribbean offers some spectacular landscapes showcasing different ecosystems and provides the ideal conditions to enjoy unforgettable experiences. Opportunity to spend the day swimming off the yacht and enjoying our marina toys. |
| 12th12 | JanJan | 202424 | Santa Marta, Colombia | | |
| The welcome sign of Santa Marta reads, 'Here you can have it all' - and this is truly the case when it comes to the wide variety of activities available in Santa Marta. Alongside its beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, Santa Marta boasts a rich history and culture - it is the oldest remaining city in Colombia, dating back to 1525. Simon Bolivar, the South American liberator, took his dying breath in La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, and until 1842, the Cathedral kept his remains. Today, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is open as a museum celebrating Bolivar's life and includes a visit to the astonishing nearby gardens which are home to many of Colombia's most beautiful tropical flora. Included Excursion History, Gold & Colour of Santa Marta |
| 13th13 | JanJan | 202424 | Cartagena, Colombia | | |
| Cartagena's magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena's walls protected the city's riches as well as the New World's most important African slave market. Located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias uniquely combines the charm of colonial architecture and the excitement of vivid modern life. The city is well known for its fascinating cultural festivals, breathtaking landscapes and excellent cuisine. This fabulous city holds secrets of Latin American history within its Old Town walls city and narrow stone walkways. It is among the most well-preserved cities in the Americas and has inspired many artists throughout history, such as the author Gabriel García Márquez, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982. EmeraldPLUS Salsa Lessons DiscoverMORE Comprehensive Cartagena (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Cartagena Culinary Experience (extra expense) |
| 14th14 | JanJan | 202424 | San Blas Islands, Panama | | |
| The San Blas archipelago is located off the Caribbean coast, east of Colon, and is made up of 365 islands that range in size from tiny ones with a few coconut palms to islands on which hundreds of Kuna Indians live. Only about fifty are inhabited. The Kuna rule the San Blas Territory with internal autonomy, and have tightly preserved their language and cultural traditions over the centuries despite influences from European colonies. In addition to their own language, Spanish is widely spoken and many men work on the mainland, but live on the islands. Women wear costumes with unique designs based on local themes, geometric patterns, and stylised fauna and flora. The island of El Porvenir is one of the main seats of government for the Kuna Indians. Many Kunas from the other islands came to settle on El Porvenir, bringing with them their traditional arts and crafts, including the famous molas. These intricately hand-sewn designs are made by the women of the tribes as part of their blouses and dresses. With the increased tourism, molas are now a favoured souvenir and craft item for visitors. The San Blas archipelago is a group of islands located just north-west of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. There are 378 islands within the archipelago spread around in an area of roughly 100 square miles. Most of the islands are uninhabited, but on a some of the larger ones, one can meet the native people known as the Kunas. Formally called Kuna Yala ("Land of the Kuna'), San Blas is an autonomous territory of Panama famous for its untouched nature and traditional culture. Included Excursion Spirit of San Blas |
| 15th15 | JanJan | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 16th16 | JanJan | 202424 | Panama City, Panama, disembark the Emerald Azzurra | | |
| Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away. Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Panama City. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. |
