Pearls of the Caribbean Cruise

Each Pearls of The Caribbean cruise offers a different route but similar visits. Below are the possible destinations for each departure; your Adventure Specialist can confirm the exact route based on your departure date.

Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island
In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

Mayreau Island
Among the string of paradisiacal islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites relaxation. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkeling, to observe the colorful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Tobago Cays
Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkelers.

Union Island
Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and endless coral reefs–Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of “the Tahiti of the West Indies” to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be the best-kept secret in the Grenadines–Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.

Pigeon Island Beach
Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. Also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkeling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. Thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.

Soufriere
Nestled in the crook of a breathtaking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.

Marie-Galante
It is undoubtedly because Marie-Galante concentrates all the charms of the Caribbean into one island that it is today one of the most in-demand destinations in the region. “The island of 100 mills” or the “great galette” as it is sometimes known, in reference to the form of its 9.3-mile (15km) diameter limestone plateau, is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean In Saint-Louis, you can take the time to bathe in its turquoise waters, relax under the palm trees and almond trees or stroll along the colorful streets of the village.

Portsmouth
With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.

Les Saintes
During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named The Saints. Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands’ history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local specialty, the “tourment d’amour,” a cake made with coconut.

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze with the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline that’s considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. At the harbor mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. Those who climb up to it can see some breathtaking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colorful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places for a breather, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

Each Wonders of The Caribbean cruise offers a different route but similar visits. Below are the possible destinations for each departure; your Adventure Specialist can confirm the exact route based on your departure date.

Antigua
Between white sandy beaches and lush tropical forest, discover Antigua, the largest of the two islands that make up Antigua-and-Barbuda, a sovereign Commonwealth state. From its British colonial heritage, this picture-postcard island has kept English as its official language and a pronounced taste for cricket! The steep hillsides of the south of the island offer splendid vistas over English Harbor and the Antigua shipyard, a building dating from the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and over Indian Creek, where the first Awarak Indians settled. To the east, the clear waters of the village of Seatons are the ideal site for snorkeling alongside the rays.

Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is one of the British Virgin Islands archipelago’s largest islands. Here, discover The Spring Bay National Park and its renowned picture-postcard beaches. Gigantic volcanic boulders sit surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, creating spectacular geological formations. Indeed, over the years a network of basins, caves and natural pools has formed, resulting in a sublime aquatic maze in which it is enjoyable to lose oneself. On the island’s southeastern tip, Copper Mine National Park is still home to many ruins of an abandoned copper mine that looks out over the sea.

Jost van Dyke
Discover the pearl of the British Virgin Islands, said to have been named after a fearsome Dutch pirate from long ago. The hilly landscape offers beautiful wild expanses lined with immaculate beaches where the breeze gently caresses the coconut palms. In this slice of heaven with crystal-clear waters, enjoy the lively atmosphere of White Bay. As for the wildlife: iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have taken up residence on these islands.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts
On land as in water, there’s plenty to do in St Kitts and Nevis, an island duo in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. British colonial architecture in Basseterre on St Kitts contrasts starkly with the surrounding tropical countryside, which offers hiking adventures and leisurely walks in the national park. However, most visitors come to the islands for the golf, beaches and watersports.

Gustavia
Lovers of this island call it Saint-Barth. This French island in the Lesser Antilles was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Ever since, this tiny mountainous volcanic gem with its unspoiled nature has been enchanting visitors. Enjoy the beauty of its large paradisiacal beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses and its sumptuous colonial manors. Saunter through the rues de Gustavia or Saint-Jean and come across jewelers, top fashion boutiques and fine restaurants, yet there is also a simplicity that money can’t buy.

Deshaies
The port of Deshaies has a magnificent setting on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre Island, the western half of Guadeloupe. Nestling in the crook of a pretty bay on the Caribbean Sea, the village of wooden Creole-style houses extends along the foot of hillsides covered in tropical rainforest. Beyond the bay, the former property of famous French comedian Coluche is now a magnificent botanical garden where you can wander among West Indian trees and flowering plants and spot exotic birds. A little farther to the north is Grande Anse beach, one of most beautiful on the island.

Marie-Galante
It is undoubtedly because Marie-Galante concentrates all the charms of the Caribbean into one island that it is today one of the most in-demand destinations in the region. “The island of 100 mills” or the “great galette” as it is sometimes known, in reference to the form of its 9.3-mile (15km) diameter limestone plateau, is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean In Saint-Louis, you can take the time to bathe in its turquoise waters, relax under the palm trees and almond trees or stroll along the colorful streets of the village.

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze with the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline that’s considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. At the harbor mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. Those who climb up to it can see some breathtaking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colorful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places for a breather, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named The Saints. Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands’ history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local specialty, the “tourment d’amour,” a cake made with coconut.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

Among the string of paradisiacal islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites relaxation. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkeling, to observe the colorful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkelers.

Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island’s south-west coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you will see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbor and St Ann’s Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican cathedral church of St Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. There’ll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Disembark the ship at 7:00/8:00am and travel home or onward. Vieux Fort lies to the far south of the island of Saint Lucia. This town, which was a strategic location in the sugar industry from the 18th to the 19th centuries, derives its authenticity from its rich history. Renowned for its lush nature and beaches typical of the Caribbean, it is also famous for its mythical Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse. Built in 1912 and standing 656 feet tall, this lighthouse will be visible upon arriving on the Saint Lucian coastlines. The beauty of Vieux Fort is also reflected in the underwater kingdom that surrounds it. It is home to an abundance of marine species, such as eagle rays and leatherback sea turtles. Vieux Fort is most likely to evoke feelings of enchantment and it reserves a soothing welcome, paced by the rhythm of its waves, for each of its visitors.