Tropical Charms of the Caribbean

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 Marteen, situated on the Dutch side of Saint Martin. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of your voyage into paradise.

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

Nestled along the peninsula of Saint Kitts, South Friars Bay shelters one of the island’s most popular beaches. You’ll find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand ideal for a spot of sunbathing, or you may prefer to uncover the fascinating history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries and reveals an exceptional view of the island’s beautiful coastline.

Welcome to Deshaies, located on the north-west shores of the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe a picturesque village renowned for its traditional fishing village atmosphere, colourful Creole architecture and stunning beaches framed by verdant hills. Not surprisingly, Deshaies has emerged as a popular destination, charming visitors with a warm welcome from the amiable locals and delicious French-Caribbean cuisine.  

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, Îles des Saintes presents a miniature archipelago of eight tropical islands, revealing a distinctive blend of French and Caribbean culture. Discover the island's quaint towns, with their collection of petite stone buildings and small, white sand beaches. Be sure to also visit Fort Napoleon, a significant historical site offering incredible views of one of the islands.

Today you’ll visit Montserrat, one of the Caribbean’s most captivating and extraordinary islands. Known for its rich musical heritage, it was once home to the legendary producer George Martin’s Air Studios Montserrat, where icons like Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney created timeless albums. Today, Montserrat offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, and a resilient spirit that makes it unlike any other island in the region.

Today, you’ll arrive in Virgin Gorda, so-named after its striking resemblance to 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, The Baths are the most famous of all, a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders formed by volcanic eruptions. In the evening, you’ll set sail bound for Norman Island.

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

The island comes 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.

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 island getaway in 1785. Within this vibrant city, uncover distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping region, photograph the brightly painted, historic wooden houses, and feast on delicious cuisine infused with a unique blend of French and Creole influences.

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.

Welcome to the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation embedded in the Eastern Caribbean. You’ll find St. John’s a vibrant and intriguing mix of rich history, beautiful beaches and a lively culture and gateway to other key attractions on the island, such as the historic Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights.

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 Emerald Cruises luxury voyage draws to a conclusion, sailing back into Philipsburg. 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.