Caribbean Island Hopping: Sint Maarten to Barbados

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.

Your exciting Caribbean cruise begins in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, located on the Dutch side of Saint Martin. Here, you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of your voyage through paradise.

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

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

This stunning island is also steeped in pirate lore, with local legend claiming that this was a favourite hidden 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, so-named because it resembles a reclining woman, is part of the gorgeous British Virgin Islands and is popular for its laid-back pace and picturesque landscapes. Among the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, The Baths are arguably the most famous; a breathtaking series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders formed by volcanic eruptions.

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

Welcome to Nevis and Saint Kitts, a dual-island nation embedded in the Lesser Antilles archipelago of West Indies and the sparkling Caribbean Sea; Nevis is the smaller island of the two. Fringed with unspoilt curves of white sand, this beautiful island is dotted with Georgian-era buildings, remnants of former sugar plantations and casual, beach-shack eateries.

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.

The capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, another twin-island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, St. John’s welcomes with a vibrant and picturesque blend of rich history, beautiful beaches, and a lively local culture. St. John’s is also the gateway to other key attractions on Antigua, such as the historic Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights.

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.

Known as Les Saintes, delightful Îles des Saintes, presents a miniature archipelago of eight tropical islands with a distinctive fusion of French and Caribbean culture.  Discover quaint villages with their collection of petite stone buildings and small, white-sand beaches. Don’t miss a visit to Fort Napoleon, a significant historical site, which also provides incredible views of one of the islands.

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.

Today, you’ll arrive in Soufrière, the original capital of Saint Lucia, which is dramatically located within the Qualibou Depression, the crater of a dormant volcano. Here, you can indulge in therapeutic mud baths and sulphur springs, as well as admire the iconic pair of lava domes, Gros Piton and Petit Piton – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find the local cuisine is delicious; savour everything from green figs and salt fish to traditional callaloo soup made with fresh crab or shrimp.

Bequia is a Carib word meaning "island of the cloud." Hilly and green with several golden-sand beaches, Bequia is 9 miles (14½ km) south of St. Vincent's southwestern shore; with a population of 5,000, it's the largest of the Grenadines. Although boatbuilding, whaling, and fishing have been the predominant industries here for generations, sailing has now become almost synonymous with Bequia. Admiralty Bay is a favored anchorage for both privately owned and chartered yachts. Lodgings range from comfortable resorts and villas to cozy West Indian—style inns. Bequia's airport and the frequent ferry service from St. Vincent make this a favorite destination for day-trippers, as well. The ferry docks in Port Elizabeth, a tiny town with waterfront bars, restaurants, and shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs—including the exquisitely detailed model sailboats that are a famous Bequia export. The Easter Regatta is held during the four-day Easter weekend, when revelers gather to watch boat races and celebrate the island's seafaring traditions with food, music, dancing, and competitive games.To see the views, villages, beaches, and boatbuilding sites around Bequia, hire a taxi at the jetty in Port Elizabeth. Several usually line up under the almond trees to meet each ferry from St. Vincent.

Welcome to Bequia Island, a true hidden paradise amid Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, offering tranquil secluded spots and a distinct lack of traffic. This beautiful island allows visitors a chance to experience an authentic Caribbean lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of mainstream beach tourism. Delight in exploring untouched pristine beaches and truly relax and unwind in stunning natural beauty.

Today, we set sail to Tobago Cays, an awe-inspiring archipelago universally known as the ultimate paradise destination. This is a popular Caribbean yacht anchorage spot, and the warm, sandy-bottomed aquamarine waters are simply brimming with turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, and starfish. One of the islands outside the reef, Petit Tabac, is where the popular film franchise, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’(2017) was partly filmed.

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 Emerald Cruises luxury voyage draws to a close in alluring Barbados and its vibrant capital, Bridgetown. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow guests, from the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Bridgetown after 12:00 PM.

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