Barbados to Panama

Barbados' wild and rugged east coast features secluded beaches tinged with sunrise hues as red sands from the Sahara settle along its shores. Barbados is the easternmost island of the Windward chain—and the entire Caribbean—extending toward Africa and the Old World, maintaining a unique connection to both. Bridgetown, the island's capital, is a city of striking contrasts. Notably, George Washington once stayed here. Trafalgar Square serves as a reminder of Barbados' British heritage, where traditions like cricket and high tea coexist with the island's relaxed, rum-infused lifestyle.

Tobago Cays, a national park comprising four small, uninhabited islets, is a paradise for underwater exploration and superb snorkeling.

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 flamingoes 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 was the new king. No wonder Aruba's endless beaches and spectacular diving are too tempting.

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 and a peaceful library.

Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia. Its beautiful beaches are backed by the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Range. Tayrona National Park is great for exploring 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 flavors.

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Colombia's north coast, Cartagena hosts a spectacular collection of buildings and massive fortifications dating from the early 1600s. 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, and a peaceful library.

The vivid colors of the San Blas Islands inspire the fanciful birds, fish, and animals in brilliant reds, oranges, blues, and greens that decorate the intricately appliqued 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.

A Panama Canal transit is a captivating and engineering marvel that takes ships through the heart of the Americas, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This extraordinary journey involves navigating a series of locks and channels, providing a front-row seat to the incredible feat of human ingenuity. As vessels make their way through the lush tropical landscape of Panama, passengers can witness the intricate process of rising and descending through the locks, which is both educational and awe-inspiring. The experience offers a unique perspective on the country's rich history, stunning landscapes, and the canal's vital role in global trade and connectivity. A Panama Canal transit is a bucket-list adventure that combines natural beauty with an appreciation for human innovation.

Disembark after breakfast and continue your independent trip back home.