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Peregrine Travel Centre

Caribbean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)

Caribbean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)

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Description

When it comes to pure escapism there are few places in the world more fitting than the Caribbean, particularly during the UK’s winter months. Escape the cold at home, join the MS Serenissima in Antigua and set sail on our island hopping voyage through sub-tropical waters. Every island has its own culture and this colourful mix of island personalities, varied terrain and lifestyles makes for a marvellous winter break.

During our in-depth itinerary, which will take us all the way to the fascinating Colombian city of Cartagena, we will discover some of the most beautiful tropical isles, many still untouched by the hands of mass tourism. We will explore historical sites and forts of the Spanish, Dutch and British colonial periods combined with the pretty ports, pastel painted towns, wonderful beaches and the flora and fauna of the region. In addition to our included excursions, we have allowed time for individual exploration of the islands and opportunities to relax on some beautiful beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Trip Name
Caribbean Island Odyssey (Serenissima)
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2019 MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Antigua.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 2 - Day 2 Antigua.
We have a day here and on a morning tour will enjoy the views from Shirley Heights before heading to Nelson’s Dockyard, beautifully located in English Harbour. See the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 till 1899. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon in St John’s or maybe visit one of the beaches.
Day 3 - Day 3 St Eustatius, Dutch Antilles.
In the 18th century the port of Oranjestad was a major player in the trade between Europe and the new world. Today the island maintains a low key existence and has avoided the modernisation and development of its neighbours. We will explore the small town including the 17th century fort and the museum with information on slavery, colonial relics and historical artefacts. Meanwhile, the more active may wish to take the strenuous hike to ‘The Quill’, the 600 metre hill that dominates the landscape. This afternoon is at leisure for further exploration.
Day 4 - Day 4 Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. Following the damaging volcanic eruptions of 1995 and 2010, the island is slowly recovering. We will visit the volcano observatory and learn how the islanders coped with the devastation the eruptions caused. We also see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.
Day 5 - Day 5 Dominica.
Stepping back in time, the island of Dominica is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493. An area of tropical rainforests, flowers of incredible beauty and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. We arrive this morning in the small port of Cabrits, just below the national park and the former British garrison of Fort Shirley. Those feeling active active can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum and maybe wander the surrounding trails. For the keen birders we will offer a tour to the Morne Diablotin National Park where, from the viewpoint we hope to see the two endemic parrots of Dominica.
Day 6 - Day 6 St Lucia.
Today we will anchor in sight of the island’s best known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2400 feet. In the nearby town of Soufriere we can visit the bubbling sulphur springs, part of a low lying volcano which erupted thousands of years ago. Our island tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens and one of the local plantations.
Day 7 - Day 7 Bequia, Grenadines.
We have the whole day on this delightful Grenadine island which is totally unspoilt and a place of pure escapism with a charming old world atmosphere. Only seven miles by two it is a long way from the well beaten tourist track, a serene and peaceful island with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Join a scenic drive around the island including the main town of Port Elizabeth, followed by some time on a local beach to relax or have a swim.
Day 8 - Day 8 Grenada.
Explore this wonderful Windward Island which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, rum distilleries, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. We will moor in the picturesque capital of St George’s and will drive through the rainforest to beautiful Grand Etang Lake, 1700 feet above sea level. After lunch on board, enjoy some free time to explore before sailing in the early evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Due to its location close to the South American mainland, Trinidad has a unique diversity of plant and animal species which we will discover today. From our berth at Port of Spain we will drive inland to the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Founded on a former cocoa and coffee plantation in 1967 it comprises 1500 acres of forest providing habitat for a range of wildlife. On a series of guided walks we will explore the area searching for the 166 species of birds. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and later this afternoon we head to the Caroni Nature Sanctuary, a mangrove swamp covering an area of 40 square miles. On arrival at the sanctuary we board a flat-bottomed boat and slowly travel along the beautiful peaceful waterways and lagoons admiring the beauty of the landscape and a variety of birds including the scarlet ibis, a large bright red bird feeding and nesting here and we hope to catch them as they return to their nests at sunset.
Day 10 - Day 10 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board.
Day 11 - Day 11 Bonaire, Dutch Antilles.
Arrive over breakfast in Bonaire, famous for the variety of its corals, fish and clear waters. Our morning will be spent at the Washington Slagbaai National Park, which was created to protect some of the Caribbean’s last remaining desert habitat. The island’s birdlife is remarkable including native parrots and, in one of the lagoons, a resident flock of flamingos. Alternatively join a scenic tour of Bonaire to see the salt water lagoon at Lake Goto followed by Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture.
Day 12 - Day 12 Curacao, Dutch Antilles.
Moor this morning at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and the island’s colonial Dutch heritage sets a genteel tone amid markets, museums and cafes. Enjoy an excursion to explore the historic downtown district including Fort Amsterdam.
Day 13 - Day 13 At Sea.
Spend a day on board as we sail towards Colombia.
Day 14 - Day 14 Santa Marta, Colombia.
The Santa Marta area is renowned for the eco-diversity and dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, that sweep down to the sea. From our berth we will travel slightly inland to the Tayrona National Park this morning. Covered in large part by virgin tropical forest, the park is home to many varied species of mammals, birds and reptiles. On a walk through this semi-tropical jungle we will be joined by a local guide who will offer insights into the park’s vegetation, animals and eco-system.
Day 15 - Day 15 Cartagena.
Cartagena is one of the most fascinating cities in South America and this morning we enjoy a walking tour of the walledcity which is virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. Return to the ship for lunch and spend an afternoon at leisure to explore.
Day 16 - Day 16 Cartagena to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 17 - Day 17 London.
Arrive today.
Day 18 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Discover St Eustatius & Curacao, Dutch Antilles.
    • Explore Montserrat.
    • Visit Dominica.
    • Explore St Lucia.
    • Sail to Colombia.

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