Cruising the Caribbean's Windward Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys

Vieux Fort, located at the southern tip of Saint Lucia, is steeped in history as a key hub of the island’s sugar industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. This charming town is celebrated for its Caribbean beaches, the iconic Moule-à-Chique Lighthouse—built in 1912 and standing 200 meters tall—and its vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, including eagle rays and leatherback turtles. Offering a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking coastal views, Vieux Fort captivates visitors with its authentic charm and the soothing rhythm of its waves.

Dominica is the Caribbean's most untamed island with its rugged mountains, lush tropical forests, hot springs, rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls. Nestled between Guadeloupe and Martinique, this hidden gem, safeguarded by national parks, invites adventure and discovery. Visiting the enchanting Indian River is a must—glide through dense mangroves where tangled creepers, towering ferns, and ancient tree roots create a mystical, otherworldly landscape.

Included Excursions:

The Indian River by Rowboat: The Indian River in Dominica offers a serene journey through lush mangroves teeming with unique flora and fauna. Guided by skilled boatmen in hand-rowed boats, you can spot herons, kingfishers, iguanas, and recovering vegetation, with a stop at the Bush Bar for a signature rum punch.

The Syndicate Nature Trail: The Syndicate Nature Trail, nestled near Morne Diablotin, offers a serene forest hike with panoramic views of the Dublanc River Valley. Perfect for birdwatching, it's home to diverse flora, hummingbirds, and possibly the rare Sisserou Parrot. Enjoy refreshments at Syndicate Café before returning to the ship.

Chocolate Factory Visit & Tasting: Enjoy a scenic drive to Pointe Baptiste, a hub of sustainable cocoa production on Dominica's northeast coast. At the family-run Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory, explore their estate, learn about cocoa farming and chocolate-making, and sample a variety of unique chocolate flavors.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands named "The Saints." Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long, shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. On the island, don't forget to taste the local specialty, the "tournament d'amour," a cake made with coconut.

Included Excursions:

Fort Napoleon & Walking Tour: Join your guide for a visit to Fort Napoléon, perched 300 feet above La Baie des Saintes with stunning views of the Îles des Saintes and Guadeloupe. Explore the fort, visit a traditional shipyard, and enjoy free time in town to browse shops and sample the famous Tournament d'Amour tart.

Les Saintes by Boat, Swim, & Snorkel: Embark on a scenic motorboat tour around the Les Saintes archipelago, passing Marigot Bay, Îlet à Cabrit, and Terre-de-Bas with its wildlife and pottery remnants. Stop at Pain de Sucre for swimming, snorkeling, and refreshments before returning to the pier.

Clear-Bottom Kayak Discovery: Take a short walk to begin your kayaking adventure in La Baie des Saintes. Paddle with your guide to Pain de Sucre for swimming and snorkeling, then explore the bay's coral and tropical fish on the return journey.

Fort Napoléon & Local Specialties: Board a mini-bus to Fort Napoléon, perched 300 feet above La Baie des Saintes, offering stunning views of the Îles des Saintes and Guadeloupe. After exploring the fort, enjoy tasting local specialties, including fish crepes and Tourment d'Amour, before returning to the waterfront and reboarding your ship.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands comprising the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Enjoy the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island's main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens, and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting conducive to lovely walks and spending time on the beach.

Included Excursions:

Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling: Embark on a three-hour catamaran sailing and snorkeling adventure in the Caribbean, exploring Bequia's crystal-clear waters. Sail past Moonhole, a unique stone-built community, before anchoring off Petit Nevis for snorkeling, then return to your ship after a 30-minute sail.

Scenic Bequia: Board island-style jeeps for a scenic tour of Bequia, passing through Port Elizabeth with its vibrant markets and crafts. Stop at Mt. Pleasant for panoramic views, visit a model boat shop to see skilled craftsmanship, and then explore Hamilton Fort for insights into the island's history before returning to the pier to browse local markets.

Bequia Exploration: Board island-style jeeps for a scenic tour of Bequia, passing through Port Elizabeth and its vibrant markets. Visit Hamilton Fort for stunning views, explore Firefly Plantation's tropical orchards on a guided tour, and then head to Mt. Pleasant for panoramic vistas. Finish with free time to browse local markets at the pier.

Mayreau is the smallest of paradisiac islands, with sandy beaches forming the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkeling if you like to observe the colorful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Included Excursions:

Private Beach and BBQ Lunch: Spend the day relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sun, surf, and a drink at the shaded bar. The ship's staff will serve a barbecue buffet while a local steel band sets the perfect tropical vibe for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding.

Between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprise five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac, and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers, and snorkelers.

Included Excursions:

Day at Leisure to Swim and Snorkel: In the Tobago Cays, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or diving in pristine coral reefs, or relax aboard the ship while spotting wildlife like pelicans, terns, iguanas, and sea turtles.

Delicately set in the curve of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George's lively commercial fishing harbor is especially colorful when the boats are loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighboring islands and when all the little fishing boats return from their day out at sea. This "spice island" capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites: its picturesque coast or the artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada's gold. Five kilometers (3 miles) to the south, you can visit Grande Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches.

Included Excursions:

Grenada Highlights: Enjoy a relaxed day touring Grenada's natural beauty, learning about chocolate-making, and sampling local cuisine. From St. George's, visit Concord Falls, then head to Diamond Chocolate Factory to see the chocolate-making process and sample award-winning products. After a Creole lunch at Belmont Estate, explore Grand Etang National Park before returning to the ship.

Trekking to Bamboo Falls: Hike through Grenada's rainforest to experience its stunning natural beauty. Drive to Grand Etang Forest from St. George's, then trek through tropical vegetation to reach the picturesque Bamboo Falls. After a challenging but rewarding hike, enjoy a refreshing organic fruit juice at the pier.

Tea at the Tower Estate: Visit the Tower Estate, where a Victorian-style Great House sits atop a peak in St. George. Explore the historic house and its award-winning garden, filled with tropical plants and spices. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, and Grenada's signature Blue Tea from the Butterfly Pea Flower.

Snorkeling the Underwater Sculpture Park: Cruise along Grenada's western coast to visit the world's first underwater sculpture park, created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Snorkel around life-size sculptures, including the famous "Vicissitudes," before continuing through scenic bays and the historic Carenage harbor.

Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's south-west coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you can see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbor and St Ann's Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican cathedral church of St Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum, and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. You can have plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Included Excursions:

Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling: Board a coach for a short transfer to your catamaran, then cruise along Barbados' coastline. Stop at a sheltered bay to snorkel with vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles or relax on deck. Enjoy refreshments on the return journey.

Barbados Rum Experience: Drive through Bridgetown and the Garrison to the Foursquare Rum Distillery, an award-winning facility. Take a guided tour to learn about rum production and sugarcane history, then enjoy tasting local rums before returning to the ship.

Highlights of Barbados: Board a coach for a 30-minute drive to Gun Hill Signal Station, offering panoramic views of Barbados. Then, visit St. John's Parish Church, known for its Gothic architecture and historic significance, followed by Codrington College, founded in 1714. Return via the South Coast, passing through Bridgetown and the Garrison.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today.