Caribbean Explorer

Make your own way to the port for your 35 night cruise

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. The island is dominated by the dormant volcano Mount Teide; hop on a cable car to marvel at the views or take a hike along the trail. Tenerife is also known for its famous Carnaval de Santa Cruz with its spectacular parades, music, dancing, and colourful costumes. Siam Park is a Thai-themed water park packed with swimming pools, exhilarating slides, and plenty of family fun. Experience up-close encounters with gorillas, tigers, penguins, and other species at the landscaped Loro Park. Party animals can discover Playa de las Americas and its famed nightlife scene. Try your hand at windsurfing, kite surfing, or parasailing on El Medano Beach. The island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is home to Auditorio de Tenerife, Museum of Fine Arts, and Museum of Nature and Man. The UNESCO-listed colonial city of San Cristobal de la Laguna is well worth a visit too.

Grenada is a Caribbean country comprising smaller surrounding islands and the main island also called Grenada. Referred to as the 'Spice Isle'; Grenada is home to numerous nutmeg plantations. A crater lake in an extinct volcano, Grand Etang Lake, is a fascinating place to visit. Discover the art of traditional-style rum-making at River Antoine Rum Distillery and marvel at scenic views from the hilltop early-18th-century Fort George. The cascading waters and lush surroundings of Annandale Falls will leave you in awe and the pretty harbour and fishing destination of The Carenage is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll along the water's edge. Splash in the water, sunbathe, or snorkel near the powder-white shores of Grand Anse Beach.

The port city of Bridgetown nestles on Barbados' southwest coast. It's easy to see why Bridgetown is known as 'Little England' with its colonial architecture, Lord Nelson Statue, and Parliament Square. Explore National Heroes Square, Trafalgar Square, St Michael's Cathedral, the 1000-year-old Baobab tree in Queen's Park, and the Garrison Historic area. Delve into Barbados's Jewish history on a visit to the UNESCO-listed Nidhe Israel Synagogue's museum and indulge in retail therapy on Broad Street. Make a beeline for Carlisle Bay with its six shipwreck dive sites, Browne's Beach, and yacht club. Admire stunning views and rugged island landscapes on a jeep island safari or witness the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison's Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience - sail on a catamaran to swim with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Arrive in Castries, the capital city of St Lucia. Step ashore and shop for bargains at La Place Carenage Shopping Plaza in downtown Castries, or venture to the heart of the city to the vibrant Central Market. Pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square, and the Government House; before climbing to the top of Morne Fortune to view Fort Charlotte. Spend a few hours at Vigie Beach or head south to Marigot Bay. Take an island tour and admire the majestic Piton Mountains, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Half-Moon Bay, or enjoy a picnic on a lemon grass lawn at Pigeon Island National Park.

Arrive in Willemstad — founded in 1634 and now the capital city of Curaçao. Explore the Hato Caves or see beautiful flora and fauna at Christoffel National Park. There are sea lions to visit at Curaçao Sea Aquarium; lots of shops at Punda; and a church and museum at the nearly 400-year-old Fort Amsterdam. Stroll by pastel-coloured buildings with a hint of Dutch design in the city centre and head to the Maritime Museum or Kura Hulanda to learn about the island's history. You can buy souvenirs from Willemstad's floating market and even visit a distillery to try the local liquor. Sunbathe on the beach, have a go at snorkelling and diving, swim with dolphins, and dine on cuisine influenced by Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

The capital of Dominica, Roseau, is a small and compact urban settlement off the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Head to the historical French Quarter where the streets are lined with graceful wooden buildings housing vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops. View the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven of Roseau, one of the most beautiful structures in Dominica, and shop for souvenirs at the Old Market. Escape to the tranquil Dominica Botanic Gardens or step back in time at Dominica Museum. Venture further afield to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park to see Bolling Lake, Victoria Waterfall, Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Emerald Pool, Titou Gorge, and the Valley of Desolation.

The independent Commonwealth country of Antigua and Barbuda sits where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet and comprises two namesake islands and a few smaller ones. It is famous for its secluded pink and white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees; which are the perfect locations to explore and relax. Hike through the rainforest to get to Rendezvous Bay, one of Antigua's most remote but nevertheless stunning beaches; or take a rainforest canopy tour by zip-wire. Get up close and personal with the marine life as you swim with stingrays at Stingray City or encounter the local birdlife at Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Get cultural at English Harbour’s Georgian-era marina, Nelson's Dockyard, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. St John's, the islands’ capital, boasts the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John’s Cathedral, and the 17th-century Government House.

Basseterre is the capital city of St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. Explore the shops and bars of The Circus or pay a visit to the cathedral, courthouse, and fountain of Independence Square. On the outskirts of the city, you'll discover Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens and to the northwest are Romney Manor and the Wingfield Estate. Take a ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway to discover deep ravines, black-sand beaches, and Mount Liamuiga volcano. Admire the views over sugarcane fields from the 17th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.

Rich in history and old-world Caribbean charm, Road Town – the capital of the British Virgin Islands - is the perfect place to spend the day. Visit the historic Sunday Morning Well where the 'Proclamation of Emancipation' - giving freedom from slavery - was read in 1834. Explore the shops and eateries on Main Street or pick up locally-made crafts by the waterfront. Taste authentic Caribbean rum cocktails at the legendary Pusser's Bar or unwind on the powder-white sand of Cane Garden Bay. Discover colourful exotic plants at JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens or join a hiking trip to Sage Mountain National Park. A short boat trip to view The Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda's north shore is a must-do, too.

The ship drops anchor today at St Maarten's Dutch capital city - Philipsburg. Stroll along the shops on bustling Front Street or enjoy a couple of hours’ beach time at Great Bay. Fly through the trees at the Fly Zone at Loterie Farm or explore the island by quad bike. Witness local plant and animal life at St Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, get up close to parrots and monkeys at St Maarten Zoo, and encounter caterpillars and butterflies at the Butterfly Farm. Experience the displays of artefacts from the indigenous Arawak people at the Sint Maarten Museum and the ruins of the 17th-century Fort Amsterdam. You can also swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Anguilla or admire heart-stopping views in the Pic du Paradis hills.

It is very easy to see why Madeira has gained the name of 'The Garden Island'. Lush greenery with an array of tropical fruits, this island is a favourite on many cruise itineraries. Take gondola ride to the mountain village of Monte to experience some of the most breathtaking views of the island, then take the thrilling way down on a local toboggan, winding and bending over the cobbles; this is something you won’t want to miss. For wine lovers, venture out into the vineyards and experience some of the famous wine of the region.

Disembark and make your own way home