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.

Four small islets, virtually deserted but enormously appealing for those who love underwater exploration, Tobago Cays is a national park where snorkeling is superb.

The aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla baking in the sun - these are the tropical flavours of Grenada. From the horseshoe shaped Carenage at St. George's, follow the Sendall Tunnel (hand-built in 1895) to the Esplanade and old Ft. George for a spectacular view of Grenada.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time onboard, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship.

The gabled houses and warehouses of Dutch colonial Willemstad march in tight formation along the entrance to St. Anna Bay, an incongruous vision of a tropical Amsterdam where the floating market sells mangos and papayas instead of tulips. In Curacao's interior cunucu, a few Dutch landhuis or farm owners still wrest a living by ranching on the near-desert soil.
 

Pink flamingoes, divi-divi trees, Papiamento, and the best diving in the Caribbean - you can only be in Bonaire. The blinding white salt flats of Bonaire were once marked by tall obelisks of red, white, blue and orange (the colors of the old Dutch flag) to guide mariners. Today they are marked by clouds of pink - enormous flocks (500 or more!) of fluttering flamingoes feasting on the orange brine shrimp that gives the flamingos their unmistakable color.

Bon boni means welcome in the local dialect, Papiamento, and it's universally understood by all who visit little Aruba. Just 15 miles from Venezuela, this almost independent nation still has a ceremonial Dutch Governor General. Once it depended on oil for income, but tourism is the new king. No wonder Aruba's endless beaches and spectacular diving are too tempting to pass up.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time onboard, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship.

Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia. It's beautiful beaches are backed by the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Range. Tayrona National Park is a great place to explore ancient ruins amidst the lush mangrove forests. Enjoy a meal in one of the many cafes that serve meals that combine a fusion of Latin American, Caribbean and European flavours.

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the north coast of Colombia, Cartagena host a spectacular collection of buildings and massive fortifications dating from the early 1600's. The Fortresses were built to protect Cartagena from pirates. City highlights include Saint Philip of Barajas Fortresses and the Fort Ferdinand Fort.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges, a revitalising spa (Royal Clipper only) and a peaceful library.

The vivid colors of the San Blas Islands are undoubtedly the inspiration for the fanciful birds, fish and animals in brilliant reds, oranges, blues and greens that decorate the intricately appliquéd molas created by the indigenous Kuna women. Strung along the throat of Panama's dramatically beautiful Kuna Yala coast, the remoteness of these coral atolls protects an independent people who prize their communal culture with its rich oral history and artistic heritage.

Today transit the Panama Canal.

Along the piers of Balboa, the port marking the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, you can see yachts from all over the world. Balboa was built to house American administrative headquarters for the Canal and many of the buildings are handsome examples of the American colonial style of the early 1900s. Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.