Western Antilles Cruise - From Philipsburg
Embark on a captivating Western Antilles luxury cruise, navigating the heart of the Caribbean from the vibrant island of St. Maarten to the charming Barbados. This itinerary starts in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on Day 1, winding through idyllic destinations such as Gustavia in Saint-Barthelemy, Deshaies in Guadeloupe, and Saint-Pierre in Martinique, culminating in the vibrant city of Bridgetown, Barbados on Day 7. As you sail, you'll have the opportunity to explore enticing locations steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Delight in Gustavia's chic boutiques and explore its historical forts, or traverse the lush rainforests of Guadeloupe. Experience the resilience of Saint-Pierre amidst its historic ruins or admire the breathtaking Pitons of Soufriere, St. Lucia. Each stop offers a unique blend of culture and scenery, from the serene beaches of Mayreau to the vibrant streets of Bridgetown. Throughout this journey, immerse yourself in an array of engaging activities designed to enrich your Caribbean experience. Revel in optional shore excursions, including a catamaran tour around Martinique's beautiful bays or a hands-on Creole cooking class. Embark on a rainforest exploration or unwind with a natural wellbeing experience. Dive into the adventure of snorkeling in crystal waters or simply relax on the sun-kissed Caribbean shores, each moment promising new memories.
Highlights
• Explore the lush tropical botanic garden Jardin Botanique de Deshaies.
• Wander through the historic UNESCO-listed old town of Bridgetown.
• Witness the resilience of Saint-Pierre after the devastating 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten's Dutch capital, with colourful houses, a bustling bayside boardwalk, beachfront eateries and excellent duty-free shopping, provides an enchanting gateway to the island. Nearby, 17th-century Fort Amsterdam ruins grace a peninsula. Soft-sand beaches like Great Bay and Little Bay, featuring colourful reefs and shipwrecks, are within easy reach, and hiking trails lead to Geneve Bay's natural swimming pool and Guana Bay.
The seaside town of Gustavia, Saint Bart's capital, was founded in 1785 by King Gustav III of Sweden. Among the world's most beautiful harbours, Gustavia is encircled by French-inspired boutiques, restaurants and bars along Rue de la République. On the western side of the bay, the remains of 17th-century Fort Karl is one of three forts that defended the island during Sweden's rule. Shell Beach is the only beach in town bordered by restaurants.
Known for its colourful Creole architecture and cuisine, Deshaies is a picturesque fishing village on the western side of Basse-Terre Island in Guadeloupe. The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies hosts an impressive collection of lush tropical plants, exotic flowers and serene ponds. Grande Anse Beach lures beachgoers with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, often regarded as one of Guadeloupe's most picturesque coastal stretches.
The towering twin volcanic spires of the Pitons dominate the scenery of spectacular Soufriere Bay. Below the peaks, Soufriere - St Lucia's original capital - is charming, with colourful wooden houses and a relaxed vibe. St Lucia's highlights include the 18th-century cocoa plantation Morne Coubaril, Sulphur Springs mineral-rich mud baths at a collapsed crater, and Rainforest Adventures where a zipline and open-air cable car glide over the trees.
Tiny Mayreau island in the Grenadines offers a special Caribbean retreat accessible only by boat. With just 250 residents and no airstrip, Mayreau remains unspoilt. Salt Whistle Bay's pristine sands rank among the Caribbean's top ten beaches. Mayreau provides all the ingredients for a secluded island haven with charming hillside villages, and divine beaches and bays for swimming and kitesurfing.
Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
Length: 115 metres
Passenger Capacity: 152
Built: 2020-2021-2022
Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Sophisticated Elegance. We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.
Your Wellbeing. The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories.
Cabin Types. Our 76 cabins including 6 suites have all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. Our stylish cabins all have desks, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Inclusions
• Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (only available for Antarctica voyages starting or ending in Ushuaia, and Arctic voyages starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages, available 24 hours per day
• Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
• In polar regions: Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka to take home and use of rubber boots for wet zodiac landings.
Exclusions
• Kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
• Additional shore excursions are also offered (excluding polar regions, where all excursions are Zodiac-based and included). At each destination/ port of call, one pre-selected shore excursion will be included free of charge. All other excursion offers will be available at additional cost.
• Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
• Purchases from the ship’s boutique, laundry expenses, premium WiFi packages, and spa treatments
• Visas where required, travel insurance, flights, domestic transfers, and any hotel requirements pre- or post-cruise, unless otherwise stated within the itinerary description.
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
