Pearls of the Caribbean Cruise

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up 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 a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

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 being 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 with its picturesque coast and artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada’s gold. Consider visiting Grande Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches located three miles (five kilometers) to the south.

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

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises 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 safe 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.

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 will 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. There’ll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town center.

Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. Also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkeling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. Thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing.

Nestled in the crook of a breathtaking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he 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 “tourment d’amour,” a cake made with coconut.

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze with the splendor of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline that’s considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. At the harbor mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. Those who climb up to it can see some breathtaking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colorful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places for a breather, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.