A Caribbean cruise, the ideal antidote to winter
NEED a life-affirming boost to look forward to? A sun-drenched cruise around the Caribbean islands offers a welcoming slice of paradise to help keep the coming winter at bay.
This joyous riot of tropical islands is perfect winter cruising territory, offering hot, sunny and dry weather, low humidity, gentle sea breezes and a wonderful palette of zingy colours and uplifting experiences.
Spectacular turquoise waters teem with exotic fish, emerald rainforests are home to tropical birds and rustling palms fringe arcs of soft white sand it would be unthinkable to walk across in shoes.
From the rainbow of food found in the markets to costume-filled carnivals, street parties, jazz festivals and pastel-shaded houses, there’s every colour but grey here.
Not for nothing is the Caribbean the most popular destination for UK cruise travellers during the colder months back home.
MAGICAL VOYAGE
DROP anchor in a new destination each morning on a Jewels Of The Caribbean cruise on MSC Fantasia, available as an exclusive package via Cruise Club UK. This 14-night circular cruise starts and ends in Bridgetown, Barbados, affectionately known as Little England, where everything has a familiar feel.
First stop on this magical voyage is Port of Spain, Trinidad, where former plantations are now nature reserves brimming with rare birds.
Head off on a scenic drive or Jeep adventure, or go kayaking in the island’s beautiful mangrove swamps, before setting sail for Grenada overnight. On board, take your pick of numerous dining options, from the grand main restaurant to intimate Red Velvet. After dinner, head to the piano or jazz bar, watch a show, or catch up on sport.
The Spice Island of Grenada offers diving over some of the best shipwreck sites in the world, as well as glass-bottom boat rides and colourful spice markets.
MSC Fantasia’s next port of call is Dominica, where botanical gardens and great views beckon. Take a dip in the lakes at the base of the island’s stunning waterfalls, see the hot springs or book a thrilling rainforest drive.
Parisian chic blends with the laidback Caribbean vibe in Frenchinfluenced Martinique – and in Guadalupe, also an overseas region of France, so you shop in euros.
St Maarten has a delightful dual Dutch/French identity, plus plenty of watersports on the stunning sandy beaches.
Drop anchor in lovely Tortola before arriving in St Vincent on day nine of your cruise, to enjoy a blissful afternoon snorkelling in turquoise waters packed with rainbow-coloured reefs and marine life.
On to Antigua, to try delicious Creole cuisine, shop for local handicrafts and relax on one of the island’s 365 beaches – one for every day of the year!
Watersports and colonial history await on St Kitts and Nevis. And en route to St Lucia, you’ll spend another day in Martinique and Guadalupe before docking in Castries to spend your last day enjoying the dramatic backdrop of the Pitons, a striking pair of volcanic peaks, as you shop in markets or explore charming fishing villages. Of course, your holiday continues as you spend your final night aboard MSC Fantasia.
MSC Cruises is renowned for European glamour and you’ll find this in abundance, with stunning Swarovski staircases, panoramic lifts and 14 bars and restaurants, making for endless choice.
You can enjoy the company of new-found friends, download your professional holiday pictures and visit the 1,600-seat theatre to see one of the unique shows. Heading home after visiting 13 amazing picturepostcard destinations, you disembark in Bridgetown and transfer to the airport for your flight, with plenty of vivid and magical Caribbean memories to treasure.