West Indies Explorer
| Resort: | West Indies Explorer |
| Operator: | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Destination: | Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Islands, Puerto Rico |
| Price From: | £2790.00 |
OverviewAmid unspoiled turquoise waters and emerald vistas, visit a new port every day, experiencing the British, French and Dutch cultures of the Lesser Antilles. Set sail on a roundtrip voyage from San Juan to explore the colorful Caribbean. Youll avoid the long sea days associated with most Caribbean cruisesallowing you to visit more ports and spend more time immersing yourself in rich island cultures. Vikings small ship sizejust 930 guestsgives you access to ports that larger ships cannot reach. On board, you wont find casinos, kid zones and umbrella drinks. Instead, youll really explore the Caribbean, with delicious meals inspired by Caribbean culinary traditions, enriching shore excursions, onboard lectures and more. All This Is Included
Itinerary DetailsDay 1 Puerto Rico (San Juan), USAArrive in San Juan to embark your ship today. You will stay aboard your ship overnight, giving you ample time to explore El Viejo San Juan, or Old San Juan, with its seductive colonial charms, easy island tempo and authentic culture. Wander its narrow lanes, literally paved with history, laid with blue adoqun stone once used to ballast Spanish galleons. This evening, stroll the Old Towns azure byways romantically illuminated by street lamps. Day 2 Puerto Rico (San Juan), USAYou have another day to take in the history and architectural beauty of San Juan, from its fanciful Condado district to the magnificent 16th-century Fort San Felipe del Morro, set on a promontory at the entrance to San Juan Bay. Or visit the lush woodland of El Yunque national rainforest. Later today, you will sail away into the Caribbeans blue waters. With Vikings destination-focused itinerary, you will call on a new port daily, with not a single day spent at sea. Day 3 Tortola (Road Town), BVIWitness the lush beauty that once lured the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd to Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands. You will traverse Tortola, ascending to its greatest heights to admire spectacular Caribbean vistas. Experience some of its British flavor, pass through charming fishing villages and cast your eyes on magnificent blue-green seascapes. Alternately, take to the waters to explore the grottoes of Virgin Gorda. Day 4 Antigua (St. Johns), Antigua & BarbudaVisit Antigua today, once Britains Gateway to the Caribbean. On an island tour from our berth in St. Johns, you will admire lush green beauty all around and visit English Harbor. Its restored Georgian dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named for Admiral Horatio Nelson, who commanded the Crowns fleet here in the 18th century. Today, yachts line the quays. But the islands stunning scenery hasnt changed since Nelsons day, blanketed with tropical forests and punctuated by sheer cliffs dropping into blue waters. Day 5 Castries, St. LuciaCall on the lush and mountainous island of St. Lucia, with its sheltered harbors, quiet byways and Creole-inspired cuisine. A short drive from our berth in Castries, admire breathtaking views of azure waters and hillsides shrouded in tropical green. Witness the art of batik making here and glimpse prolific banana plantations. Or, venture across the island to view the spectacular Pitons, towering twin peaks draped in forests. Day 6 Bridgetown, BarbadosRelish the intense Caribbean beauty of Barbados today when you call on its capital, Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will discover ample evidence of British rule here, from cricket matches and afternoon tea to the Commonwealths third oldest Parliament. You will marvel at spectacular vistas from the heights of Farley Hill, descending to sea level and the roiling waves of Bathshebas Soup Bowl, popular with surfers. Or head underground to explore the stalactites and stalagmites of Harrisons Cave. Day 7 Guadeloupe (Pointe–Pitre), FranceExperience the colorful culture and breathtaking natural beauty of French Guadeloupe, often called the Butterfly Island because its two main islands are joined with bridges. See both sides from our berth in Pointe–Pitre. The national parks of the west island attract adventurers to mountainous, lush rainforests. The flatter east island boasts a rich culture, fine Caribbean cuisine and craft villages awash in island flavors, from pungent spices to fresh tropical fruits. Experience both, or hike in Guadeloupe National Park to marvel at the towering Carbet Falls. Day 8 St. Kitts (Basseterre), St. Kitts & NevisCall on St. Kitts today, Britains first Caribbean settlement that grew into a sugar-producing powerhouse; 68 plantations operated at the height of the boom. You will learn about this lucrative colonial era at St. Kittss Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden, a fascinating repository of relics and beautifully preserved rooms that provide a glimpse of the lives of sugar barons. Or visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 9 St. Martin (Philipsburg), The Netherlands & FranceExplore two countries on one island today when you call on St. Martin. You will dock on the Dutch side, in Philipsburg, and have the chance to contrast the two cultures. See the great salt pond on the Dutch side, the charming old village of Quartier-dOrleans and the French capital, Marigot, called the Caribbean Paris. Or, choose to simply relax on the islands famous Orient Beach, one and a half miles of gorgeous white sand. Day 10 St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), USVIExplore one of the Caribbeans most beloved islands today, St. Thomas. You will dock within walking distance of its capital, Charlotte Amalie, set on one of the most picturesque harbors in the region. Get acquainted with the beauty of St. Thomas during a scenic drive along a spectacular route, stopping at the famous Mountain Top for breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding islands. Alternately, you might cross the emerald-green island to Magens Bay, home to one of the worlds most beautiful beaches. Day 11 Puerto Rico (San Juan), USADisembark this morning and return home, or continue your exploration of the Puerto Rican capital with our extension here. |
