| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202424 | Marigot, Saint Martin (French part), embark on the Emerald Sakara | | |
| French and Dutch have lived side by side on St. Maarten/St. Martin for hundreds of years—with no border patrols or customs between them. The French side has a more genteel ambience, more fashionable shopping, and a Continental flair. The Dutch tends to be less expensive, has casino hotels, and more nightlife. Water sports abound all over—diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing are all top draws. And it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling the boardwalk of Dutch-side Philipsburg, and exploring the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the island’s excellent eateries. The best way to explore St. Maarten/St. Martin is by car. Though often congested, especially around Philipsburg and Marigot, the roads are fairly good, though narrow and winding, with some speed bumps, potholes, roundabouts, and an occasional wandering goat herd. Few roads are marked with their names, but destination signs are common. Besides, the island is so small that it's hard to get really lost—at least that is what locals tell you. If you’re spending a few days, get to know the area with a scenic "loop" around the island. Be sure to pack a towel and some water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Head up the east shoreline from Philipsburg, and follow the signs to Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. The road winds past soaring hills, turquoise waters, quaint West Indian houses, and wonderful views of St. Barth. As you cross over to the French side, turn into Le Galion for a stop at the calm sheltered beach, the stables, the butterflies, or the windsurfing school, then keep following the road toward Orient Bay, the St-Tropez of the Caribbean. Continue to Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Marigot, and Sandy Ground. From Marigot, the flat island of Anguilla is visible. Completing the loop brings you past Cupecoy Beach, through Maho and Simpson Bay, where Saba looms in the horizon, and back over the mountain road into Philipsburg. Welcome to Marigot, enjoy an overnight stay. |
| 8th08 | DecDec | 202424 | Marigot, Saint Martin (French part) | | |
| French and Dutch have lived side by side on St. Maarten/St. Martin for hundreds of years—with no border patrols or customs between them. The French side has a more genteel ambience, more fashionable shopping, and a Continental flair. The Dutch tends to be less expensive, has casino hotels, and more nightlife. Water sports abound all over—diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing are all top draws. And it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling the boardwalk of Dutch-side Philipsburg, and exploring the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the island’s excellent eateries. The best way to explore St. Maarten/St. Martin is by car. Though often congested, especially around Philipsburg and Marigot, the roads are fairly good, though narrow and winding, with some speed bumps, potholes, roundabouts, and an occasional wandering goat herd. Few roads are marked with their names, but destination signs are common. Besides, the island is so small that it's hard to get really lost—at least that is what locals tell you. If you’re spending a few days, get to know the area with a scenic "loop" around the island. Be sure to pack a towel and some water shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Head up the east shoreline from Philipsburg, and follow the signs to Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. The road winds past soaring hills, turquoise waters, quaint West Indian houses, and wonderful views of St. Barth. As you cross over to the French side, turn into Le Galion for a stop at the calm sheltered beach, the stables, the butterflies, or the windsurfing school, then keep following the road toward Orient Bay, the St-Tropez of the Caribbean. Continue to Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Marigot, and Sandy Ground. From Marigot, the flat island of Anguilla is visible. Completing the loop brings you past Cupecoy Beach, through Maho and Simpson Bay, where Saba looms in the horizon, and back over the mountain road into Philipsburg. Transfer to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Eastern Caribbean and St. Barth. |
| 9th09 | DecDec | 202424 | Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy | | |
| You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats. Named for Sweden’s King Gustav III, Gustavia is the charming capital and main seaport of the island of Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barth. It is often considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and a tropical paradise with French flair. You will enjoy the beauty of its large idyllic beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses. DiscoverMORE
Snorkelling in St. Barth. (extra expense, must be pre-booked) DiscoverMORE
Discover St. Barth. (extra expense, must be pre-booked) |
| 10th10 | DecDec | 202424 | Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda | | |
| The British colonial influence is everywhere in pretty English Harbour. And yet, located on Antigua’s south coast, you are just minutes away from some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean. With its long ribbons of white sandy shores including the superbly named Rendez-Vous Bay Beach, the cold English drizzle and chimes of big ben have never been farther away! English Harbour is how the Caribbean is meant to be. Beautifully restored, the area still retains much in the way of its rich historic past. Nelson’s dockyard is absolutely not to be missed; a working dockyard that dates from the 18th century, this is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site (Nelson’s Dockyard and National Park) which also contains Clarence House and Shirley Heights. Perhaps one of the best examples of British colonial development, the dockyard is named after the famous Admiral who lived on the island in the 1780’s. The fascinating naval history is palpable in all the buildings of this historic site and just a little further along you find beautifully restored warehouses that are now home to enchanting restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and hotels, all proudly stating their historic credentials on prominent, easy to read signs. Venturing beyond the “town” and you’ll find nature trails for all levels of fitness. Famous for having 365 different beaches, it is unsurprising then that a lot of Antiguan life takes place on its sandy shores. Beaches here offer all things to everyone so whether you want to rekindle the romance, indulge in some adrenaline fueled water sports, swim, snorkel or sail your way around the island, you’re sure to find you’re your own personal paradise here. The tropical haven of Antigua offers hundreds of beaches to choose from – but this island is also famous for those in search of active exploration. From the remnants of British rule, such as rich plantations, crumbling mansions and sugar-cane industry ruins, are still visible today, as well as the beautiful Nelson’s Dockyard with its restored buildings dating back to 18th century. EmeraldPLUS
Antigua local Life DiscoverMORE
Segway Fort Conquerors tour (extra expense) DiscoverMORE
Antigua Canopy experience (extra expense) |
| 11th11 | DecDec | 202424 | Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe | | |
| This small group of islands lies opposite the western part of Guadeloupe. They were discovered in November 1493 by Columbus, who named them Los Santos. French settlers established themselves in 1648 and changed the name to Iles des Saintes, commonly known as Les Saintes. Since then the islands have been closely connected with Guadeloupe. Until a recent influx of tourism, Les Saintes were among the Caribbean’s most unspoiled destinations. Only two of the eight islands are inhabited: Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. The latter is known for its impressive Fort Napoleon built in the early 19th century to replace an earlier 17th-century fort. From its vantage point there are fine views of the many tiny islets scattered in the bay and across to Guadeloupe. Terre-de-Haut is the main island of Les Saintes, with steeply scarped hills, scenic valleys, hidden coves and beautiful beaches. Its main settlement consists of a charming village of red-roofed houses situated along a curving bay. A number of small boutiques and gift shops invite browsing. Quaint cafés and restaurants offer food and drink. To the east of the village lies Grande Anse, a fine sand beach. Most of the attractions on this small island can be seen on foot. With just a few vehicles on the island, there are no organized tours possible. Time ashore here is at your leisure. A visit to Terre-de-Haut is like taking a trip to the South of France – with the addition of just a few more palm trees and white-sand beaches. Situated off the beaten path, Les Saintes’ eight peaceful tropical islands are part of a volcanic archipelago fully encircled by shallow reefs. The history and culture of the Îles des Saintes are to be discovered in Fort Napoléon, where one can also get to know the local flora and fauna at the botanical gardens. Don’t miss the chance to try the island’s signature dish, le tourment d’amour, a small tart with coconut jam and covered in sponge cake. Included Excursion
A whirlwind of colours DiscoverMORE
Blue escape kayaking (extra expense) DiscoverMORE
Snorkelling tour (extra expense) |
| 12th12 | DecDec | 202424 | Martinique, Martinique | | |
Home to around 5,000 people, the village of Saint-Pierre was once almost wiped off the map in less than two minutes during an eruption of the Mount Pelée volcano in 1902. In more recent years, Saint-Pierre (also known as ‘Little Paris’) has been named as the 101st ‘City of Art and History’. A visit to Saint-Pierre will allow you to discover a few remnants of Martinique’s colonial history: the old theatre, the ruins of the island’s fort and the dungeon of Cyparis, as well as the wonderful site it is today, facing a gorgeous bay and leaning in the foothills of Mount Pelée. DiscoverMORE
The best of Martinique (extra expense) |
| 13th13 | DecDec | 202424 | Soufrière, Saint Lucia | | |
| The oldest town in St. Lucia and the island’s former French colonial capital, Soufrière was founded by the French in 1746 and named for its proximity to the volcano of the same name. The wharf is the center of activity in this sleepy town (population, 9,000), particularly when a cruise ship anchors in pretty Soufrière Bay. French colonial influences are evident in the second-story verandahs, gingerbread trim, and other appointments of the wooden buildings that surround the market square. The market building itself is decorated with colorful murals. Soufrière, the site of much of St. Lucia’s renowned natural beauty, is the destination of most sightseeing trips. This is where you can get up close to the iconic Pitons and visit colonial capital of St. Lucia, with its "drive-in" volcano, botanical gardens, working plantations, waterfalls, and countless other examples of the natural beauty for which St. Lucia is deservedly famous. Soufrière was the original capital of Saint Lucia and is one of the island’s most memorable spots. The town has kept the spirit of the French colonialists who first settled there but were later followed by the British. Soufrière is situated in the Qualibou Depression, the crater of a dormant volcano, so one can enjoy hot springs and geothermal fields, as well as botanical gardens and waterfalls all in the same area. Included Excursion
The essence of Saint Lucia EmeraldACTIVE
Stairways to the Pitons DiscoverMORE
Tree to Bar Chocolate Experience (extra expense) DiscoverMORE
Bird sanctuary, hiking trail and farm visit (extra expense) |
| 14th14 | DecDec | 202424 | Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | | |
The Tobago Cays are an archipelago located in the southern Grenadines, famous for five small uninhabited islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tobac and Jamesby. The main attraction here is the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a national park and wildlife reserve. Renowned for its massive 1,400-acre lagoon, the park is surrounded by the vivid horseshoe-shaped reef. This is an idyllic area to enjoy sand-bottomed and crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful fish and turtles.
Opportunity to spend the day swimming off the yacht and enjoying our marina toys. |
| 15th15 | DecDec | 202424 | Bridgetown, Barbados, disembark the Emerald Sakara | | |
| 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 time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Barbados. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. |
