Virgin Islands Voyage

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Cruising the Bahamian Waters

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

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.

Saint John's

Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands and is usually the first stop for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. The island boasts a whopping 365 glorious beaches a near-perfect climate and plenty to occupy the visitor. Antigua is home to St John's the island's capital with the magnificently evocative white Baroque towers of St John's Cathedral dominating the city's skyline. Built in 1845 the church is now in its third incarnation as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The towers are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year many of whom arrive by boat.With its recently completed cruise ship dock and many hotels St John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining. Most tourist activity is confined to the harbour-front complexes of Heritage Quay a favourite for cruise ship passengers and the more traditional Redcliffe Quay. For those interested in the early history of the island there is the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda housed in the colonial Court House (circa 1750). The museum displays artefacts from the colonial period and from the earlier Arawak settlers who lived on the islands between 35 and 1100 AD. On Friday and Saturday mornings there is a vibrant farmers market on the southern edge of the city where folk crafts colourful tropical fruits and a buzzing crowd make for a lively morning.Antigua's highest point is Boggy's Peak at 1 319 feet (402m) but the island is mostly flat and covered with sugar cane tropical fruit trees palms and exotic flowers. For those tired of lazing on the beach there is sailing diving snorkelling beachcombing and other leisurely pursuits on offer.

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.

Pointe-à-Pitre

This warm city is located in Guadeloupe and offers a choice of activities and places to visit for all the family. From markets to educational theme parks, children and adults alike will find something to entertain them.

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.

Tortola

Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a beautiful group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green hills, Tortola is a tropical paradise that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

One of the main draws of Tortola is its spectacular beaches. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, swim in the warm waters, or try your hand at water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, Tortola has a beach for everyone. Some of the most popular beaches include Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove, and Brewer's Bay. These beaches offer calm waters, palm-fringed shores, and a relaxed atmosphere that encapsulates the essence of a Caribbean getaway.

Beyond its beaches, Tortola also boasts a diverse and vibrant culture. The island's capital, Road Town, offers a charming mix of British colonial architecture and Caribbean charm. Here, you'll find colorful buildings, bustling markets, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars that cater to both locals and tourists alike. The combination of local cuisine and international flavors creates a culinary experience that is truly unique to Tortola.

For those interested in history and culture, Tortola has a rich heritage to explore. The Virgin Islands Folk Museum in Road Town provides an insight into the island's history, culture, and traditions. The 18th-century Callwood Rum Distillery and the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum offer a glimpse into Tortola's colonial past and the island's once-thriving sugar industry.

Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy on Tortola. Sage Mountain National Park, located at the highest point on the island, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and lush rainforest trails to explore. The park is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Virgin Islands dwarf gecko. Smaller islands like Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke are great destinations for day trips, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and hiking.

Tortola's warm and welcoming atmosphere extends beyond its natural beauty and cultural offerings. The locals, known as "Belongers," are friendly and hospitable, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and at home during their stay. The island's laid-back vibe and slower pace of life make Tortola the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in a tranquil and serene environment.

In terms of accommodation, Tortola offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Luxurious resorts, cozy guesthouses, and self-catering villas can all be found on the island, providing ample choices for travelers.

Getting to Tortola is relatively easy. The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport serves as the main gateway, with flights from various international destinations. Alternatively, travelers can also reach Tortola by ferry from neighboring islands such as St. Thomas or St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In conclusion, Tortola is a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. With its stunning beaches, vibrant local culture, and abundance of outdoor activities, Tortola is an idyllic destination for those in search of a memorable and rejuvenating vacation.

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Bahamian Waters

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.