Cruising the Leeward Islands

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 Eastern Caribbean journey 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 memorable yacht cruise into paradise.

Please book your flight to arrive into Sint Maarten prior to 05:00 PM.

Mountainous St. Kitts, the first English settlement in the Leeward Islands, crams some stunning scenery into its 65 square miles (168 square km). Vast, brilliant green fields of sugarcane (the former cash crop, now slowly being replanted) run to the shore. The fertile, lush island has some fascinating natural and historical attractions: a rain forest replete with waterfalls, thick vines, and secret trails; a central mountain range dominated by the 3,792-foot Mt. Liamuiga, whose crater has long been dormant; and Brimstone Hill, known in the 18th century as the Gibraltar of the West Indies. St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Anguilla, achieved self-government as an associated state of Great Britain in 1967. In 1983 St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent nation. English with a strong West Indian lilt is spoken here. People are friendly but shy; always ask before you take photographs. Also, be sure to wear wraps or shorts over beach attire when you're in public places.

Today, you’ll cruise to the southwestern coast and lush hills of St. Kitts  for Basseterre, one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean and vibrant capital of dual-island nation, St. Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre’s storied colonial history is reflected in the striking architecture of several buildings, including Georgian structures that date back to the British colonial era.  The bustling harbour area is particularly noteworthy, providing a picturesque backdrop for the port city and a fascinating place to explore.

Welcome to beautiful Anguilla, the most northerly of the British Leeward Islands, justifiably popular for its diving, snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat rides amid crystalline waters brimming with multi-coloured marine life. This low-lying island of coral and limestone dazzles all who are fortunate enough to visit, with its distinctive scenery of swaying palm trees, old plantation houses and vivid, viridian waters contrasting with powdery white sand beaches.

Enjoy your two days exploring the island of Virgin Gorda, so named, as its shape resembles a reclining woman. Part of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is 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.

Enjoy your two days exploring the island of Virgin Gorda, so named, as its shape resembles a reclining woman. Part of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is 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.

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.

During your two-day stop, you’ll find plenty of time to explore Gustavia, capital of the chic Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy. This charming city was named after Sweden’s King Gustav III, who boldly declared it his own island getaway in 1785.  Today, stroll along the vibrant streets, uncovering distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping region and photographing 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.

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.

During your two-day stop, you’ll find plenty of time to explore Gustavia, capital of the chic Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy. This charming city was named after Sweden’s King Gustav III, who boldly declared it his own island getaway in 1785.  Today, stroll along the vibrant streets, uncovering distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping region and photographing 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 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 Cruises 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 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.