Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths

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 exciting Caribbean journey begins in Barbados, an island-nation renowned for its vibrant culture, colonial heritage and picture-perfect beaches. In Bridgetown, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on a memorable voyage into paradise.

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

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 sail into Soufrière, the original capital of Saint Lucia, which is dramatically located in 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. Be sure to sample the delicious local cuisine, savouring anything from green figs and salt fish to traditional callaloo soup made with fresh crab or shrimp.

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 revealing a 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.

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

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

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.

Today, you’ll arrive in Gustavia, the capital of the chic Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy (also known as St. Barths). This charming city was named after Sweden’s King Gustav III, who boldly declared it his own island getaway in 1785. Stroll along the streets and uncover distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping region and photograph the city’s iconic brightly painted, wooden houses. Be sure to also feast on the unique local cuisine, a delicious blend of French and Creole influences.

The island of Virgin Gorda, so named because it resembles a reclining woman, is part of the gorgeous 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 breathtaking series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders, formed by volcanic eruptions.

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 Emerald Cruises luxury voyage draws to a close in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, located on the Dutch side of Saint Martin. 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 Sint Maarten 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 be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above