Experience true magic as you look upon the peaks of the Piton Mountains, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty, in Rodney Bay. While the white, sandy beaches and crystal waters are a major allure of Les Trois-Îlets – a municipality created by the intersection of Le Diamant, les Anses-d’Arlet and Sainte-Luce – they also contain an area of lush forest perfect for nature walks, hiking and ecotourism. Near the tropical paradise of Carambola Beach lies the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a historical landmark that exemplifies the ingenuity of Britain’s military engineering and one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas. Destinations like St. Barts and Anguilla offer picturesque scenes perfect for snorkeling adventures.
Cultural Expedition
FREE Cultural Immersion
Shore Excursions selected by AFAR as exceptional experiences to connect with local culture
The historic capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, contains centuries of colonial architecture that display the spread of the British Empire. The Barbados Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of many old buildings filled with the fascinating history of how the island grew into what it is today. Lying along the southwest coast of Carlisle Bay, it also offers beautiful and serene beach scenes with soft, white sand. And it’s an enticing destination with ancient shipwrecks to dive and explore near the coast, like the S.S. Stavronikita, one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. A trip to Barbados is not complete without a sampling of the local rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean.
May 03Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
A manmade lagoon sitting within the Gros Islet, Rodney Bay entices you with bars, restaurants and shops that invite you to take things slow. Make a trek to Pigeon Island National Landmark, a highlight that encompasses the island’s rich history with monuments depicting the many influences across its West Indian culture. Experience true magic as you look to the peaks of the Piton Mountains, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their natural beauty. Spend a day on the sunny, pristine beaches with opportunities for water sports like snorkeling, kitesurfing, big-game fishing and diving. Find your way to the north side of Gros Islet to discover a small fishing village that offers a taste of local life, street food, rum shops and Calypso music.
May 04Les Trois-Ilets, Martinique
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Les Trois-Ilets, Martinique
The coastal community of Les Trois-Îlets – a municipality created by the intersection of Le Diamant, les Anses-d’Arlet and Sainte-Luce – is perhaps best known as the birthplace of French Empress Joséphine, Napoléon Bonaparte’s first wife. Her family’s sugar plantation now stands as the site of Musee de la Pagerie, where you can find mementos from her childhood and a love letter that Napoléon once wrote to her. Nearby sits Maison de la Canne (House of Sugar), where you’ll learn about the influence the sugar industry had on the community’s development. While the white, sandy beaches and crystal waters are a major allure of the three islets, they also contain an area of lush forest perfect for nature walks, hiking and ecotourism.
May 05Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
On the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe sits Pointe-á-Pitre, a charming town known for its energetic markets. At Marché de la Darse, watch the fishermen peddle their catch from boats harborside. Marché Saint-Antoine comes alive with the enticing aroma of local spices, fruits and vegetables. Explore the island’s history at Place de la Victoire, constructed in 1763 when the city itself was established. Colonial-style homes clustered around the square tell a story of the past that leads to the city’s colorful personality today. A visit to Pointe-á-Pitre is only complete with a stop at Musée St-John Perse, a museum dedicated to Alexis Leger, better known as Saint-John Perse, a renowned Nobel laureate poet.
May 06Carambola Beach, St. Kitts & Nevis
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Carambola Beach, St. Kitts & Nevis
Among St. Kitts’ stunning beaches is South Friar’s Bay, a shoreline filled with snorkeling and tanning opportunities. Within this stretch of sand lies Carambola Beach, inviting you to unwind in a tropical paradise with a landscape of palm trees and lush mountain peaks. The luxury of a beach club and restaurants, loungers and umbrellas beckon you to take it easy and relax for a day in the sun. Or feel free to play in the water with options for water sports. Not far from the beach lies the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a historical landmark that exemplifies the ingenuity of Britain’s military engineering and one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Americas.
May 07Gustavia, St. Barts
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Gustavia, St. Barts
St. Barts, an island within the archipelago of the French West Indies, contains deep valleys, stunning beaches and verdant, formerly active volcanic hills. Within all this sits the capital city of Gustavia with a diverse cultural heritage on display through Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture most easily seen in its signature red-roofed buildings. The beaches are the main attraction, offering unspoiled coves such as Gouverneur and quiet scenes like Saline for more intimate beach days. For a more active adventure, do the Colombier hike that leads you to the perfect snorkeling spot. Savor the exquisite flavors of Cajun and Creole seafood and staples like conch gratin, minced beef and the island specialty – banana flambé.
May 08Sandy Ground, Anguilla
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Sandy Ground, Anguilla
White, sandy beach shores, azure waters and palm trees on the horizon make Anguilla an absolute paradise. Rendezvous Bay Beach is a popular destination for a relaxing beach day with comfortable amenities. Stop by the renowned Elvis’ Beach Bar in Sandy Ground to sample their famous rum punch. Walk along the main beach to take in the electric energy of dozens of restaurants and a bustling harbor. For quieter adventures, head to Sandy Island and enjoy a day of snorkeling and other water sports away from the crowds. Or venture a little further inland toward North Hill Village to satisfy your appetite at a local restaurant. Find your way to the Pamead shipwreck for an exciting adventure that sparks the imagination.
May 09Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Arrive: 6:00 am
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
The island’s diverse environment truly makes St. Maarten a marvel, as it is home to over 100 nationalities who speak more than 80 languages. The Dutch capital, Philipsburg, attracts visitors with its many art galleries, zoo and casinos. Soft white sands against serene blue waters make Great Bay Beach a perfect paradise to lie back and relax or go jet skiing and snorkeling. Shop for jewelry, clothing, electronics and perfume, all duty-free, along Philipsburg’s famous Front Street. The Sint Maarten Museum can be found on this street too, rife with the country’s history dating as far back as the Arawaks, the indigenous people of the Caribbean and South America.
Always Included
FREE cultural immersion
FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on all Antarctica expeditions
FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions
Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
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