CARIBBEAN DREAMS
Join Azura or Britannia to sample the flavours of island life on a colourful winter-sun cruise
IF EVER there was a part of the world that Mother Nature created as the perfect cruise destination, it has to be the Caribbean, with its kaleidoscope of colourful islands, many of which are conveniently dotted an overnight sail apart. Join Azura or Britannia for a sun-drenched winter fly-cruise, taking in picture-postcard beaches, spectacular landscapes, fascinating historical landmarks and enriching cultural experiences. And really get under the skin of the place by staying late or even overnight in some destinations – some cruises offer a late departure in St Lucia or overnight stay in Barbados.
EMBRACE THE SPICE OF LIFE
IN St Lucia, the twin pitons that rise from the lush landscape are just one of the magnificent sights that make this a popular destination for nature lovers, who love the exotic hibiscus and bougainvillaea dotted with parrots and hummingbirds, and marvel at the Soufriére volcano.
‘A beach for every day of the year’ beckons in Antigua, or maybe you prefer to soar above the island on a helicopter tour, or take to the fairways at the beautiful Cedar Valley golf course. Beautifully restored Georgian architecture in Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts, makes for a stunning backdrop to a leisurely stroll, or why not discover local flavours with a Caribbean cooking class on this enchanting island?
St Vincent, which lies between St Lucia and Grenada, is a jewel of the Caribbean. With white sands and clear blue water, it’s a perfect place to relax and take in the atmosphere. Kingstown, the island’s capital, is a more bustling place to explore, with picturesque narrow streets and arched stone doorways.
St George’s, Grenada’s beautiful horseshoe-shaped port, has long welcomed those arriving on the island, flanked by two forts and with elegant French colonial buildings along its front. It’s known as the ‘spice island’, and the heady scent of nutmeg and a variety of other edible delights wafts through the air as you explore the waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and volcanic craters there.
The half-French, half-Dutch island of St Maarten, in the Leeward Isles, is a beguiling mix of two distinct cultures married with a generous dose of Caribbean spice. If you love life on the water, spend an afternoon aboard a multimillion-dollar America’s Cup racing yacht, on the Golden Eagle catamaran, or at a floating snorkel park.
Rich in British heritage, Barbados offers the chance to join a Bajan pro photographer on a picture-taking safari, or enjoy a unique perspective on the magnificent surrounding marine life aboard the Atlantis submarine.
Meander around Bridgetown with a local guide, head off on a 4x4 adventure and shipwreck snorkel or visit two leading rum distilleries to sample the most famous export of this beautiful island. † Select Price of £1,149 per person is based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of Inside cabin available on cruise B024 and is subject to availability.
The heady scent of nutmeg and a variety of other edible delights wafts through the air as you explore waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and volcanic craters