From St George's to St John's · Caribbean · 10 nights
True clipper ships, these beautiful four-masted vessels reflect a proud seafaring heritage in their elegant sails, warm woods and polished brass.
Sister ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer certainly stand out
from the crowd. In full sail they are an awe-inspiring sight,
reminiscent of a bygone age, yet combining this tradition with the
comfort of a modern cruise line, ideal for those who wish to
experience a tall ship cruise. Climb the mast or relax by the small
pool; you can be as involved as you wish on these easy-going and
friendly ships.
Browse the markets of charming St George's, fragrant with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, and you'll soon understand why Grenada is known as the 'isle of spice'. This is one of the Caribbean's most enchanting islands, fringed by gorgeous beaches and largely unsullied by mass market tourism.
Carriacou is one of three islands that make up the nation of Grenada. It’s a small and rather hilly place, with a sleepy, laid back atmosphere that evokes the Caribbean of old. It’s also known as the ‘Land of Reefs’, with world class snorkelling and scuba diving just offshore.
Situated just to the west of the Tobago Cays, Mayreau is a tiny, barely inhabited island that can only be reached by boat. There is very little to do, which is the main attraction for those lucky few who wash up here; the palm-fringed beaches and gently lapping waters are the Caribbean island idyll par excellence.
Accessible only by boat, the five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays are surrounded by some of the best reefs for snorkelling anywhere in the Caribbean. The area was declared a protected wildlife reserve in 2006, and the crystal clear waters are home to sponges, sea turtles and a kaleidoscopic array of colourful fish.
Bequia is an incredibly friendly, laid-back island blessed with pristine golden sand beaches and some excellent restaurants. It’s also a popular sailing destination; the yachts tend to congregate around Admiralty Bay, where you’ll find the little waterfront town of Port Elizabeth.
The volcanic French Caribbean island of Martinique is a land of contrasts, from the lush rainforests of the north to the busy streets of the capital, Fort-de-France. There are plenty of lovely beaches geared towards relaxation, and the French influence also means that the cuisine is a cut above the usual Caribbean fare.
Eight tiny islands make up the Iles des Saintes, a sparsely inhabited archipelago off the southern coast of Guadeloupe. The most interesting island is hilly Terre-de-Haut, almost entirely populated by the fair-skinned descendants of Breton sailors and home to a beautiful bay reminiscent of a mini Rio de Janeiro.
Guadeloupe is made up of two main islands that resemble the wings of a butterfly, and several smaller islands offering a diverse array of cultural, historical and natural attractions. The islands are swathed in lush rainforest and fringed by golden beaches, and a strong French influence is discernible in the flavoursome Creole cuisine.
The beach at South Friars Bay is a lovely sweep of golden sand at the southern end of St Kitts, although it can get a little busy when the larger cruise ships are docked on the island. There are several bars and restaurants along this half-mile stretch, with watersports equipment and loungers available to rent.
Antigua is famously home to 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - and there is an undeniable allure to the many white sand coves dotted along the coast. The capital, St John's, is worth a look, but if you've got time to visit the south coast you'll find historic Nelson's Dockyard a lot more interesting.
