On the wild and rugged east coast of Barbados, the isolated beaches are the color of sunrise, the red sands having blown all the way across the Atlantic from the Sahara. The easternmost island of the Windwards, and indeed, of the entire Caribbean, reaches out to Africa and the Old World, as if not quite part of the New. Bridgetown, Barbados, is an interesting town full of contrasts. George Washington actually slept here! Trafalgar Square reminds you that the laidback, rum- and fun-loving island's British-influenced heritage includes revered traditions like cricket and high tea.

A lush island of tropical beauty, St. Lucia is part of the Windward Islands. Its 238 square miles are covered with rainforests, banana plantations, palm-lined beaches, mountains, and even a drive-in volcano. Prettier sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where you can walk the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls. One of St. Lucia's truly spectacular attractions is the Pitons, two volcanic cones rising up from the sea that have become a symbol of the island itself. Today, St. Lucia offers its guests a wide range of natural charm with beautiful beaches, lush scenery, fishing villages unchanged by time, and friendly Caribbean hospitality.

The charming four-masted Star Flyer and the magnificent five-masted Royal Clipper will sail alongside each other as passengers travel towards Cabrits, on the north-western tip of Dominica. This breathtaking 525-hectare national park is home to a beautiful tropical forest, vibrant coral reefs, and wetlands that are teeming with native wildlife. It is also home to Fort Shirley – a restored 18th-century British garrison that offers panoramic views of Prince Rupert Bay.

Dominica is a dream-like island, full of surprises. Glide through a steamy orchid-festooned rainforest in a fascinating boat ride or hike to breathtaking Trafalgar Falls and a bubbling lake.

The dockyards, marinas, old inns, venerable pubs, and convivial crowds of sun-tanned yacht crews - this is the epicenter of the Caribbean yachting world. Today, every faded pink brick and weather-worn bollard of Nelson's Dockyard evokes the presence of the greatest naval commander in history.

St. Kitts' was the first successful colony in the British West Indies. Shop in colorful Basseterre, play golf, and tour old plantation houses. For the adventuresome there's a brisk hike through the rainforest.

Les Saintes is a thoroughly entrancing group of islands lying off Guadeloupe. Enjoy the superb beaches, snorkeling, diving, and other watersports on offer.

Martinique is the classic French Caribbean island. Wild and mysterious, yet urbane and sophisticated, it is France with a tropical twist, with something for almost everyone. You won't be able to resist the charms of spicy Creole cooking and tempting boutiques in Fort de France.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.