14-night Caribbean Cruise: San Juan, St. Lucia & St. Kitts

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an old city of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and shaded courtyards. It reflects its Spanish past in such famous fortresses as El Morro and San Cristobal. San Juan is also a modern world capital -- a cosmopolitan metropolis of wide boulevards, lively cafes and highly regarded shops and galleries. San Juan is two unique destinations -- and you'll be fascinated by them both.

Destination Guide

Enjoy the fabulous underwater world of the British Virgin Islands. For those who wish to get wet and enjoy the thrill of viewing coral formation and other marine life without diving, you can take a professionally guided snorkel tour of the famous Norman Island underwater sea caves and the Indian Reef. Cruise along Sir Francis Drake Channel to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. Or take a short drive to the baths at Spring Bay for swimming, snorkeling and sunning amid the mammoth boulders and sea caves for which the area is well known. The only viewing gear you need are your eyes!

Destination Guide

The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The towers are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many of whom arrive by boat. St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining.

Destination Guide

Saint-Pierre, Martinique, is often called the Pompeii of the New World—in 1902, about 30,000 people perished under a cloud of molten ash and poisonous gas there, about 20 mi/32 km north of Fort de France. Before Mount Pelee erupted, Saint-Pierre was often likened to Paris for its beauty and sophistication. As you walk the streets that were dug out of the ashes, consider what Saint-Pierre was like a century ago. The town had three newspapers, several consulates and an intricate trolley line. Some of the stone two-story homes were equipped with running water, electricity and telephones.

Only one person survived the Saint-Pierre disaster: a prisoner sleeping off a raucous night in a stone cell. He went on to fame in the U.S. as part of the Barnum and Bailey circus. His cell can be seen in the ruins of the prison, situated right next to the ruins of the old theater, also worth a visit.

The town of Le Carbet, south of Saint-Pierre, marks the spot where Columbus landed in 1502, and has beautiful gray sand beaches.

Destination Guide

A lively blend of French and English cultures, St. George's has steep hills to climb, spectacular views to photograph and a rum distillery to tour. St George's has one of the prettiest harbour settings in the Caribbean. Tourist infrastructure is still generally small-scale and locally owned and offers a good balance between comfort and price, making Grenada a great getaway for those who want to avoid the resort experience.

Destination Guide

The capital of Tobago, Scarborough, is also one of its busiest tourist destinations. While visiting the city, see the historical Fort King George which was built in the 1780’s as a British colonial outpost. And what town would be complete without an open-air market? At the Scarborough Market, shop with the locals for fruits, vegetables, livestock and other goods.

Destination Guide

The island’s capital, Bridgetown, is one of the Caribbean's major free ports, bustling with activity. Trafalgar Square features the monument to Horatio Nelson. Facing the square are handsome structures of the House of Assembly and the Legislative buildings. George Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s Cathedral during the only trip he made outside of the United States. Housed in former British military prison buildings, the Barbados Museum is divided into various galleries that feature exhibits depicting the history of Barbados from the pre-Columbian period to modern times. Built in 1816, Gun Hill Signal Station is the finest of several signal stations on the island. The white limestone lion behind the garrison is a well-known landmark. Barbados boasts excellent golf courses. A wide range of watersports is available at hotels and special watersports centers.

Destination Guide

Castries is the capital of St Lucia, an independent Windward Island in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. What Castries may lack in sophistication it more than compensates for in its colourful Creole mood. Wander amid the lively street market with its fresh fruit, pottery and baskets. Then explore this most scenic of Caribbean islands, whose green mountains are draped in lush vegetation, and whose landmarks include the twin peaks of the Pitons rising sheer from the sea, the steaming sulphur springs of the 'drive-in' La Soufriere volcano and its unspoiled golden beaches. Further sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where visitors can walk the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Essence of St. Lucia — Optional Private Excursions
Enjoy an authentic St. Lucian experience blending  the past and  present as you See, Taste and Smell the flavors of the island while discovering, exploring  and learning about life here in days gone by.
 
Depart your hotel/or Cruise Ship for Greenwood Terrace where you stroll through the gardens amidst tropical fruit trees and flowering plants growing in profusion.
See a Traditional Medicinal herb Garden and learn how our forefathers and local folklore used those herbs.
 
Travel back in time as you view the ancient “Platene” used in the making of Sugar and Farine (a by -product of Cassava – an Amerindian dish). See an “Old Styled Fowl Coop” (Chicken House), the outdoor cooking fireplace, and Clay Oven used for baking bread. Discover the secrets of local Coconut Oil and of Bay Rum, a by- product of the Bay Leaf  
 
Learn intriguing facts about our Traditional Creole Headwear and Dress. View a brilliant and interesting display of Historic artifacts depicting the Amerindian, European and African influences on our history.
 
Taste a variety of tropical fruits, island delicacies, local rums and much more.
 
An interactive experience which showcases the island and offers you a deep insight into the “Essence of St. Lucia.”

HIGHLIGHTS:
. Guided tour through herbal tropical garden
. Tour of the onsite museum
. Tasting of local fruits juices and delicacies

Tour Duration: 2.5 hours

Further Information
Resort and Cruise passengers will be met and escorted by a Barefoot Holidays Representative.

Flavors of St. Lucia — Optional Private Excursions
Enhance your visit to St. Lucia as you explore the island’s creole cuisine through a specially designed “Culinary Experience” and learn how over the years, St. Lucian folk lore combined and blended a fascinating number of herbs, vegetables and fruits into an array of cooked foods that must be tasted to be believed.
 
Participate in the preparation of the various dishes ……get involved in the process ….. Try your hand (if you wish) under the guidance of our expert island chef. See the transformation take place right before your very eyes. Enjoy the tasty dishes.
 
Take home not only fond memories of this authentic “Island Culinary Experience” but also those of a relaxing  walk through  the beautiful  garden , replete with an array of tropical fruits, flowering plants, a local medicinal garden. Visit to the onsite museum, and much more. A Hands On, Informative, Relaxing and Educational experience for all.
 
 
HIGHLIGHTS
· An authentic culinary experience
· Discover the secrets of authentic St. Lucian cooking
. Learn from a renowned island Chef
. Become a certified St. Lucian cook
. Enjoy a delicious meal
· Admire our onsite museum
· Visit a traditional herb garden and a walk amidst beautiful tropical flora and fruit trees
 

Duration – 3 hours

With the island’s colonial background, the capital Roseau features both historic and modern buildings. Situated above town, on the slopes of Morne Bruce, are the beautiful Botanic Gardens with rare native and imported plants. The prominent 18th-century Fort Young is now part of the Fort Young Hotel complex.

Destination Guide

Basseterre, St. Kitts’ capital, still shows signs of colonial architecture. However, its setting against the emerald green hills ensures a distinct Caribbean ambiance. Many travelers agree Basseterre is one of the prettiest of the Caribbean’s small capitals.

Destination Guide

Charlestown is a Caribbean town with remnants of the Colonial era. It’s the capital of the island of Nevis of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. The town was developed as early as the 17th century by the British building Fort Charles and mounting 26 cannons to protect its harbor. The British had a lucrative sugar trade much profitable than that of North America. Historical figure Anthony Hamilton, the first US Secretary of Treasury was born and raised in Charlestown. 

Travelers visiting Charlestown can tour the Nelson Museum, Philatelic Bureau or Museum of Nevis History. Visitors can either horseback ride by the beach or relax by it under the Caribbean sun!

Destination Guide

The island of St. Martin is divided between French St. Martin in the north and Dutch St. Maarten in the south. Although the cultural flow transcends any borders, each side manages to retain its own distinct flavor. This 37-square-mile island promises beautiful vistas, first-rate water sports and stunning beaches. Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Its two main streets, Frontstreet and Backstreet, are bustling thoroughfares lined with shops and restaurants.

Destination Guide

Tortola became notorious as the haunt of buccaneers; nearby Norman Island is said to have provided the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Approximately 80 percent of the population live on Tortola, the largest island in the archipelago. The capital, Road Town, is the administrative and business center of the B.V.I. Its Main Street features typical island-style buildings. Banks, government offices and a small craft village are built on filled land, named Wickhams Cay. While scenic and rugged Tortola offers a number of attractions, the main focus are the beautiful waters surrounding the island. They attract a large number of sailing vessels throughout the year. The annual Spring Regatta is held in Sir Francis Drake Channel, considered one of the best sailing venues in the world. Visitors keen on watersports and swimming will find beautiful white sand beaches and clean, warm waters.

Destination Guide

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an old city of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and shaded courtyards. It reflects its Spanish past in such famous fortresses as El Morro and San Cristobal. San Juan is also a modern world capital -- a cosmopolitan metropolis of wide boulevards, lively cafes and highly regarded shops and galleries. San Juan is two unique destinations -- and you'll be fascinated by them both.

Destination Guide