13 Night 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.

Oranjestad

Aruba's capital, Oranjestad, is the first stop for most
visitors. Its small harbour, once reserved for schooners and
fishing boats, now attracts cruise ships from all over the world,
and the island's Queen Beatrix airport is located just south of the
city. Despite the thousands of tourists that pour into the town it
has managed to retain its traditional charm.

Oranjestad's downtown streets are lined with pastel-coloured
Dutch colonial houses with ornate gable roofs. The orange-coloured
façades not only point to the capital's name, but to the island's
connection to the Netherlands and William of Orange, a Dutch
monarch instrumental in the gaining of Dutch independence

A highlight in Oranjestad is the Archaeological Museum, with
exhibits on Aruba's original Arawak inhabitants. In the restored
18th-century Fort Zoutman, the Museo Arubano displays Aruba's
pre-European and colonial eras. The fort itself is one of
Oranjestad's most popular attractions, built in 1796. It played a
pivotal role in battles between Curaçao and British troops in 1803.
In the late 1800s, the Willem III tower (named after the Dutch king
at the time) was added to act as a lighthouse.

Enthusiastic shoppers will find central Oranjestad packed with
boutiques, shopping complexes and glitzy 24-hour casinos. However,
it is possible to escape this tourist zone and discover the more
authentic town with its lively, if slightly run-down bars, where
visitors can enjoy a quiet beer and meet the locals.

Willemstad

Curacao, a gem in the Caribbean Sea, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. The island, known for its distinctive European architecture painted in vibrant colours, provides a picturesque backdrop that mesmerises visitors. The capital city, Willemstad, boasts well-preserved colonial buildings, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the colourful floating market showcases fresh produce and catch from nearby Venezuela.

The island's pristine beaches, like Playa Kenepa and Cas Abao, are perfect for relaxation and adventurous water activities such as snorkelling and diving. The underwater world of Curacao is teeming with marine life, making it one of the top diving destinations in the Caribbean. Exploring the Curacao Sea Aquarium or taking a stroll through the Christoffel National Park provides a deeper connection to the island's diverse flora and fauna.

Curacao’s gastronomic scene is a delightful fusion of Dutch, Caribbean and South American flavours, offering a mouthwatering culinary adventure. The local music and dance, deeply rooted in African traditions, enliven the island, especially during festivals like Carnival. Whether you are interested in lounging on the beach, exploring cultural sites, or diving into vibrant marine life, Curacao offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Kralendijk

Meaning in French and nestled in deep in the Caribbean, Bonaire forms part of the ABC chain of islands in the Lesser Antilles (the others being Aruba and Curacao). With crystalline turquoise waters brimming with coral reefs for miles in every direction, this tiny island boasts the Bonaire National Marine Park, widely regarded as one of the best offshore diving destinations in the world. Originally inhabited by the tall Caquieto Indians, the Spanish first named the ABC islands ' , meaning 'the island of the giants' and Caquetios rock paintings can be seen at Spelonk, Onima, Ceru Pungi, and Ceru Crita-Cabai. Besides being one of the biggest scuba diving meccas in the world, Bonaire is also famed for its Flamingo population, which is drawn here by the abundance of shrimp found in the brackish waters. Donkeys can also be seen roaming freely and the Donkey Sanctuary is a major tourist attraction. Colonised by the English and Dutch, the latter of which is still prevalent today in the language and architecture, evidence of Bonaire's oppressive past can still be seen in the saltpans in Rincon where African slaves were put to work alongside Indians and convicts in the 1600s. The Caribbean is known a major thoroughfare for drug smuggling from South America and visitors should be vigilant with their luggage. There are no major health threats associated with visiting Bonaire, but travellers should arm themselves with insect repellent and be cautious of excessive exposure to the sun. With a perfectly consistent tropical temperature, which is moderated by Atlantic trade winds, Bonaire is the ideal playground for lovers of all things aquatic. From scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing to sea kayaking, wind surfing and kite boarding, this little slice of tropical paradise will beautiful memories to be relived for years for all who visit Bonaire.

Kingstown

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city center has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary’s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby

Roseau

Roseau lies in a small area on Dominica's west coast, where
rugged green hills meet a deep blue sea. A mix of French and
British colonial structures run along its narrow streets,
punctuating the modern concrete buildings and recalling the
capital's history.

Most visitors gather along the Bayfront before browsing through
the Old Market. Historically speaking, the area hosted the slave
trade. These days, its craft and souvenir stalls are popular among
cruise-ship passengers. Tourists should also explore the compact
museum in the Old Post Office if time allows. Otherwise, seeing the
island's natural beauty should be the priority. The botanical
gardens are certainly a worthwhile stop in this regard. A hillside
enclave called Morne Bruce lies above them and offers a
breathtaking view of Roseau.

All in all, the destination appeals to travellers who want a
friendly, relaxed atmosphere, though the local hotel bars and clubs
can be lively. The World Creole Music Festival makes visiting in
late October a special treat.

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.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts

Basseterre is the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the West Indies. It is also the main port and commercial center for the island nation. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of European colonization.

The city was named by the French after Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. The city was then known as Basseterre de Guadeloupe, or Basseterre of Guadeloupe. It was one of the first European settlements in the Caribbean and quickly became an important trading port.

In the 17th century, the British took control of the island and renamed it Basseterre. The city remained an important port and commercial center under British rule.

Today, Basseterre is a busy and vibrant city with a population of around 13,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and lively nightlife.

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.