West Indies Island Hopping

If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.

Your memorable voyage begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s historic capital and the oldest European-founded city in the Americas. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your enthralling discovery of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and St. Barths.  

Please book your flight to arrive into San Juan prior to 04:00 PM.

St. John, the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, is best known for its dozens of post card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows of tropical fish endless vistas of green velvet hills. Only nine miles long (14.5 kilometres) and three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide, two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, so its spectacular beaches & untouched forests will remain that way for generations to come and remain accessible to all. There are tours of the National Park by Jeep or safari bus and hikes on spectacular trails led by Park Rangers who enrich the experience with talks on the island's history and geology as well as its flora & fauna. While it is only twenty minutes from St. Thomas by convenient hourly ferry, St. John is the peaceful, uncommercialised paradise of island fantasies. It has no high-rise buildings, cruise ship docks or airport. Visitors can obtain discounted air fares to St. Thomas. Despite its unspoiled atmosphere, it offers every facility and amenity found at major resorts.

Welcome to Cruz Bay, the economic and social hub of St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, which are situated amid the Caribbean Sea. Here, a busy inter-island ferry dock connects with the other beautiful islands in the region. The busting bay is lined with restaurants and shops, while striking Caribbean architecture in Mongoose Junction can be admired on a leisurely stroll through town.

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.

With its blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, Philipsburg presents a bustling port town with a vibrant atmosphere, striking colonial architecture, and stunning beaches. Situated on the Dutch side of Saint Martin, this capital of Sint Maarten offers a range of fascinating activities and attractions, including historic sites and a lively street market, where you can sample the local cuisine, and peruse the islands’ arts and crafts.

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. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.

Today, you’ll arrive in St. John’s, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean. You’ll find St. John’s a vibrant and compelling blend of rich history, beautiful Antiguan beaches, and a lively Caribbean culture. The city is also the gateway to other attractions on the island, such as British colonial-era, Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout and gun battery.

Nestling along the peninsula of St. Kitts Island, South Friars Bay shelters one of the Kittitians’ most popular beaches. Today, you’ll find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand perfect for a spot of sunbathing or relaxation, or you may prefer to go and discover the history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and of cultural and historical significance, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park presents a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. This hilltop fortress reveals commanding views of the island’s pretty coastline.

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vivid marine life, Norman Island offers a natural playground for a diverse range of activities, including hiking trails and caves to explore.  

The island also comes steeped in pirate lore, with local legend claiming that this was a favourite hiding spot for pirates to bury their treasure; hence why it is nicknamed ‘Treasure Island’ by locals and visitors alike. Without doubt, this is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil and alluring tropical getaway.

The Island of Virgin Gorda, named after its resemblance to a reclining woman, is part of the exquisite British Virgin Islands and popular for its laid-back pace and picturesque landscapes. Among the incredible natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, The Baths are arguably the most famous, a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders formed by volcanic eruptions.

If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.

Your time on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht concludes, as you cruise back to San Juan, Puerto Rico. After bidding farewell to the crew and guests, from your yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of San Juan after 01:00 PM.

This 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 stated above.