11 Nt Ultimate Southern
Carib Holiday - Christmas
at Sea

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of
islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways.
With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise
ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town
situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and
couples from all over the United States, and beyond.

Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling,
or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort
Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in
the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting
facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world
renown golf courses.

Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward
Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual
Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort
Lauderdale's downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las
Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries,
restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Diners are supremely well catered
for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort
Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafés to al fresco waterfront
terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses.
As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.

Fort Lauderdale's facilities and attractions will please any
visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of
Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.

Philipsburg

The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.

Castries

The main reason for the existence of the town of Castries capital of St Lucia is as a port of call for hundreds of cruise ships that dock in the deep harbour every year disgorging thousands of day-trippers who shop till they drop in the market and duty-free shopping malls. Visitors who linger find the town has a certain charm surrounded by hills although little to offer in the way of sightseeing or architectural heritage. Most of the buildings are fairly new with Castries having been destroyed several times by fire during its history most recently in 1948. There is a very vibrant and colourful market on the go every day except Sunday some good waterfront restaurants and a few remains of the defences of the island's various occupiers to claim the attention. Castries also serves as a good base for island exploration whether it is by road or water.

Saint George's

Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa those heady aromas fill the air in Grenada (pronounced gruh-nay-da). Only 21 miles (33½ km) long and 12 miles (19½ km) wide, the Isle of Spice is a tropical gem of lush rain forests, white-sand beaches, secluded coves, exotic flowers, and enough locally grown spices to fill anyone's kitchen cabinet. St. George's is one of the most picturesque capital cities in the Caribbean, St. George's Harbour is one of the most picturesque harbors, and Grenada's Grand Anse Beach is one of the region's finest beaches. The island has friendly, hospitable people and enough good shopping, restaurants, historic sites, and natural wonders to make it a popular port of call. About one-third of Grenada's visitors arrive by cruise ship, and that number continues to grow each year. Grenada's capital is a bustling West Indian city, much of which remains unchanged from colonial days. Narrow streets lined with shops wind up, down, and across steep hills. Brick warehouses cling to the waterfront, and pastel-painted homes rise from the waterfront and disappear into steep green hills. The horseshoe-shaped St. George's Harbour, a submerged volcanic crater, is arguably the prettiest harbor in the Caribbean. Schooners, ferries, and tour boats tie up along the seawall or at the small dinghy dock. The Carenage (pronounced car-a-nahzh), which surrounds the harbor, is the capital's center. Warehouses, shops, and restaurants line the waterfront. The Christ of the Deep statue that sits on the pedestrian plaza at the center of The Carenage was presented to Grenada by Costa Cruise Line in remembrance of its ship, Bianca C, which burned and sank in the harbor in 1961 and is now a favorite dive site. An engineering feat for its time, the 340-foot-long Sendall Tunnel was built in 1895 and named for Walter Sendall, an early governor. The narrow tunnel, used by both pedestrians and vehicles, separates the harbor side of St. George's from the Esplanade on the bay side of town, where you can find the markets (produce, meat, and fish), the Cruise Ship Terminal, the Esplanade Mall, and the public bus station.

Fort-de-France

The largest of the Windward Islands, Martinique is 4,261 mi (6,817 km) from Paris, but its spirit and language are decidedly French, with more than a soupçon of West Indian spice. Tangible, edible evidence of the fact is the island's cuisine, a superb blend of French and creole. Martinique is lushly landscaped with tropical flowers. Trees bend under the weight of fruits such as mangoes, papayas, lemons, limes, and bright-red West Indian cherries. Acres of banana plantations, pineapple fields, and waving sugarcane stretch to the horizon. The towering mountains and verdant rain forest in the north lure hikers, while underwater sights and sunken treasures attract snorkelers and scuba divers. Martinique is also wonderful if your idea of exercise is turning over every 10 minutes to get an even tan and your taste in adventure runs to duty-free shopping. A popular cruise-ship excursion goes to St-Pierre, which was buried by ash when Mont Pelée erupted in 1902.

Saint John's

St. John’s is the vibrant capital of Antigua and Barbuda, and one of the most alluring cities in the Caribbean. Situated on the island of Antigua, St. John’s is a bustling city that is both exciting and picturesque. From the Caribbean-infused cuisine, to the historical landmarks and lively attractions, St. John’s is a place that should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

The city is alive with activity, including plenty of colorful markets and shopping areas, and is known for its diverse population. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by music, art and culture. Strolling through St. John's Old Town will give you a delightful glimpse into the past, as local craftsmen display their wares in British colonial-style buildings. From there, head to the lively Independence Square and take in the sights and sounds.

Catch a glimpse of local wildlife at the nearby Antigua Recreation Ground, or head to deep sea fishing for fun and adventure. St. John’s also plays host to a few annual festivals, like the April Carnival which features a mix of costume parades, stilt walkers, drum circles, floats and masquerade performers.

For those looking to relax in the sun, the city’s numerous beaches are ideal. The pristine sand and crystal-clear waters make them a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, and more. If you’re looking for a peaceful time with friends and family, why not have a picnic on an isolated beach? Or try an island tour and explore the waters on a guided boat cruise.

With its combination of sun-soaked beaches, expansive parks and traditional buildings, St. John’s is a place that everyone can enjoy. Its friendly locals will welcome you with open arms, and its diverse selection of restaurants will satisfy any taste buds. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, St. John’s has it all waiting for you in Antigua.

Charlotte Amalie

St Thomas is the second largest and most
sophisticated of the Virgin Islands, serving as an extremely
popular port for cruise ships. There's a strong Danish influence,
especially evident in the main town and capital of Charlotte
Amalie.

Being the most accessible of the islands
also means it's the most heavily developed, with visitors from
around the world attracted by the town's reputation as an
international shopping and cruise hub.

But it's also beautiful, with numerous
headlands, coves, and forested hills providing stunning vistas over
the Caribbean. St Thomas also has some of the best white-sand
beaches in the region: Magens Bay Beach is acclaimed as one of the
finest in the world, and the sparkling waters and coral reef of
Coki Bay are superb for snorkelling. Fabulous panoramas can be
viewed from Drake's Seat, a high point in the centre of the island
from where Sir Francis Drake used to watch for enemy ships.

Combining natural beauty with first-rate
amenities, St Thomas offers numerous activities on and off the
water, fine international cuisine and a variety of accommodation
including luxury hotels and villas.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of
islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways.
With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise
ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town
situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and
couples from all over the United States, and beyond.

Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling,
or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort
Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in
the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting
facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world
renown golf courses.

Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward
Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual
Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort
Lauderdale's downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las
Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries,
restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Diners are supremely well catered
for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort
Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafés to al fresco waterfront
terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses.
As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.

Fort Lauderdale's facilities and attractions will please any
visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of
Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.