Classic Caribbean

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 Caribbean cruise begins in the bustling capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald luxury yacht to embark on an exciting voyage in search of paradise. 

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

An awe-inspiring archipelago known globally as the ultimate paradise destination, Tobago Cays is a popular yacht anchorage spot, where the warm, sandy-bottomed aquamarine waters are brimming with turtles, stingrays, starfish and all manner of brightly coloured fish. One of the islands outside the reef, Petit Tabac, is where the hit film, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (2017) was partly filmed.

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 ranks as the smallest of the Grenadines inhabited islands, measuring only four-square kilometres (1.5 square miles) with a population of approximately 250 people. From the church on top of the hill, you can see both Grenada and Saint Vincent islands on a cloudless day, along with the vivid hues of the coral reefs. In the evening, you’ll sail to Tobago Cays. 

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.

The original capital of Saint Lucia, Soufrière dramatically rests within the Qualibou Depression, the crater of a dormant volcano. Here, you can indulge in therapeutic mud baths and sulphur springs, and discover the pair of lava domes, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. The local cuisine is simply delicious — be sure to savour everything from green figs and salt fish to signature callaloo soup made with crab or shrimps.

Welcome to Saint-Pierre, a charming town located on the Caribbean Island of Martinique. Often referred to as the ‘Little Paris of the Caribbean’ before the 1902 eruption, Martinique charms with its rich history and unique fusion of French and Creole culture. The town is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the towering Mount Pelée, offering stunning views.

Explore the ruins of the former city, including the iconic Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Volcanological Museum, which provides insight into the tragic volcanic eruption of 1902.  In addition to its historical significance, Saint-Pierre offers visitors beautiful beaches, colourful markets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

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.

Îles des Saintes, also known as Les Saintes, is a miniature archipelago of eight tropical islands with a distinctive French and Caribbean cultural fusion. Discover the quaint island towns, with their collection of quaint petite stone buildings and lovely white-sand coves.  Don’t miss Fort Napoleon, a significant historical site with incredible views of one of the islands.

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.

Located on the stunning island of Antigua, Falmouth Harbour is a peaceful port encircled by historic buildings and plantation mansions of a bygone era. Nelson’s Dockyard is worth visiting; this World Heritage-listed Site dates to the 18th century and houses interesting naval heritage, as well as boutiques, bars and restaurants. 

The capital city of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre welcomes as a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and a mix of French and English colonial influences. Known for its picturesque setting, with colourful colonial buildings, stunning beaches, and a bustling harbour, it also offers a variety of cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and lively markets, making it a wonderful destination for those seeking a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

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.

The capital of the Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy, Gustavia was named after Sweden’s King Gustav III, who boldly declared it his own exclusive island getaway in 1785. In this vibrant city, uncover distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping enclave, photograph the brightly painted wooden houses, and feast on unique cuisine that fuses French and Creole culinary influences.

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.

Today, your time on board your Emerald luxury yacht draws to a conclusion, returning to Philipsburg and Sint Maarten. After you farewell your crew and new friends, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your journey.

Please book your flight to depart out of Sint Maarten after 11:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.