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Learn about the history of the Caribbean

Western Antilles

Saint Martin to Barbados - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Experience the best of the Caribbean with this 8-day itinerary. Start your trip in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this Dutch capital. Enjoy the lively beachfront establishments, excellent shopping, and stunning beaches like Great Bay and Little Bay. In Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy, discover a charming seaside town with a luxurious harbor, French-inspired boutiques, and the beautiful Shell Beach. Explore the fishing village of Deshaies in Guadeloupe, famous for its Creole architecture and cuisine. Visit the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies and relax on Grande Anse Beach. Explore the historic ruins and coastline of Saint-Pierre, Martinique, and immerse yourself in the history of the town. In Soufriere, St Lucia, admire the Pitons, indulge in the mineral-rich mud baths at Sulphur Springs, and explore a cocoa plantation. Conclude your trip to Bridgetown, Barbados, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed historic district, shop for duty-free treasures, and indulge in delicious Bajan cuisine.
Sunset over PhilipsburgRelax on the beaches of St. MaartenFrench side of St. MaartenA stunning sunset over the CaribbeanMagnificent sailing ship moored in the Soufrière Bay, on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia.Relax on the sunny beaches of the CaribbeanLearn about the history of the Caribbean
Highlights
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
  • Discover the charming seaside town of Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy
  • Explore the fishing village of Deshaies in Guadeloupe
  • Admire the Pitons in Soufriere, St Lucia, and explore a cocoa plantation
  • Explore the historic ruins and coastline of Saint-Pierre, Martinique
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed historic district in Bridgetown, Barbados
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2: Philipsburg, St. Maarten | Embarkation

Philipsburg, the lively capital of St. Maarten's Dutch side, provides an enchanting gateway to the island with colorful houses, a bustling bayside boardwalk with lively beachfront establishments, and excellent duty-free shopping. Nearby, the 17th-century Fort Amsterdam ruins grace a peninsula. Beautiful soft-sand beaches like Great Bay and Little Bay, featuring colorful reefs and shipwrecks, are within easy reach, while hiking trails lead to Geneve Bay's natural swimming pool and Guana Bay.

Day 3: Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy

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 harbors, 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.

Day 4: Deshaies, Guadeloupe

Known for its colorful Creole architecture, Deshaies is a picturesque fishing village on the western side of Basse-Terre Island in Guadeloupe. Local restaurants are renowned for their Creole cuisine, featuring dishes infused with the bold flavors of local spices and the freshest seafood. The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies hosts an impressive collection of lush tropical plants, exotic flowers, and serene ponds. Adjacent to the village, Grande Anse Beach lures beachgoers with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters

Day 5: Saint-Pierre, Martinique

St. Pierre, once dubbed the Paris of the West Indies and a thriving hub of commerce and culture, received a tragic blow in 1902 when Mount Pelée erupted, decimating the entire town in a matter of minutes. The Musée Volcanologique Franck Perret stands as a poignant testament to that catastrophic event, housing a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the eruption. Today, St. Pierre's resurgence is a testament to human resilience, with its historic ruins of the old town, including the cathedral, the prison and the library, museums, and a captivating coastline.

Day 6: Soufriere, St. Lucia

The towering twin volcanic spires of the iconic Pitons dominate the scenery of spectacular Soufriere Bay. Below the peaks, the town itself - the original capital of St Lucia - is charming, with colorful wooden houses and a relaxed vibe. Other highlights on St Lucia include the 18th-century Morne Coubaril cocoa plantation, a collapsed crater at Sulphur Springs with mineral-rich mud baths, and Rainforest Adventures with a zipline and an open-air cable car that glides over the trees.

Day 7: Mayreau

Tiny Mayreau Island in the Grenadines offers a special Caribbean retreat accessible only by boat. With just 250 residents and no airstrip, Mayreau remains unspoiled. Salt Whistle Bay's pristine sands rank among the Caribbean's top ten beaches. Mayreau provides all the ingredients for a secluded island haven: stunning vistas, charming hillside villages, and divine beaches and bays for swimming and kitesurfing.

Day 8: Bridgetown | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,880 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • 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
  • 24-hour room service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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