An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey (Serenissima)

Description

When it comes to pure escapism there are few places in the world more fitting than the Caribbean. Join the MS Serenissima in Barbados and set sail on our voyage through sub-tropical waters of beautiful scenery and island diversity. Each island has its own culture and this colourful mix of island personalities, varied terrain and lifestyles makes for a marvellous break.

We have developed our island hopping itinerary to enable exploration of the southern chain of Caribbean islands with the additional benefit of ending our voyage on the wonderful island of Bermuda to the north. On our way to Bermuda we will explore some historical sites of the colonial periods combined with pretty ports, wonderful beaches and the rich natural world of 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 swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

By and large we will head for the smaller, less visited islands and having the MS Serenissima as the base for our cruise makes all the difference. With just 95 passengers on board, not only is the atmosphere peaceful and perfect for this type of voyage, it means we can access the ports of call with ease. This is in direct contrast to the cruise juggernauts in the region which spend an age disembarking their passengers and can only visit a limited number of ports which can accommodate their size.

Trip Name

An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey (Serenissima)

Days

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 Barbados.

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

Day 2 - Day 2 St George’s, Grenada.

Many regard the wonderful Windward Island of Grenada as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, rum distilleries, tropical forests, secluded coves and nature trails. Arriving at lunchtime we will moor in the picturesque capital of St George’s and will drive through the rainforest to beautiful Grand Etang Lake.

Day 3 - Day 3 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. Choose to spend time in the main town of Port Elizabeth or find a spot on a local beach.

Day 4 - Day 4 St Lucia.

Today we will discover this splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. From our anchorage at Rodney Bay we will run a choice of tours this morning. Discover Pigeon Island which changed hands 14 times between the British and French and at Fort Rodney we will learn more about the history as we walk through the ruins. Alternatively, experience the Aerial Tram where 16 open-air gondolas ascend noiselessly through the rainforest, offering a magical view of nature including towering gommier trees, impressive chatannier trees, strangler ficus, hummingbirds and bananaquits. Our local guides will point out giant ferns and magnificent heliconia, and identify the calls and the plumage of the birdlife that makes the Caribbean Oceanic forest their home. The descent affords a bird’s eye view of the rainforests and a spectacular panoramic vista of the north of the island. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon on board or on a local beach.

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 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 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, also see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.

Day 7 - Day 7 Sint 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 8 - Days 8 & 9 British Virgin Islands.

These islands are recognised throughout the seafaring world as one of the finest sailing areas. The 36 islands and cays sit in a dazzling turquoise sea surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. We have a day and half here and will drop anchor and use our Zodiacs to explore. We may make calls at the islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. We will enjoy island drives and allow for time to relax on the beautiful beaches and swim and snorkel in the clear waters.

Day 9 - Day 10 Samana, Dominican Republic.

After a morning at sea we arrive at the Samana Peninsula renowned for its unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters and lush mountains. In addition it is a centre for migrating humpback whales that are usually resident in the Marine Mammal Sanctuary from January to March. If conditions permit this morning we will use local boats to view these amazing creatures. Alternatively we will visit Los Haitises National Park where we will explore magnificent limestone caves covered in Taino Indian art and visit Bird Island where we learn the importance of the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the mangroves.

Day 10 - Day 11 Turks & Caicos Islands.

These islands are about as idyllic as you get. Surrounded by one of the world’s largest coral reefs, this little visited group of some 40 islands is a haven for wildlife on sea and land. Arriving at lunchtime we will take the chance to swim, snorkel and explore the cays and reefs of the marine parks and wildlife reserves. Alternatively join an island drive visiting the local lighthouse and museum including displays of objects rescued from a 16th century Spanish shipwreck.

Day 11 - Days 12 & 13 At Sea.

We have two days at sea as we sail to Bermuda. Our lecture programme will continue in the lounge and you can find a spot on deck to relax.

Day 12 - Day 14 Hamilton, Bermuda.

The island of Bermuda was named after the Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermudez who claimed the islands for the Spanish Empire in 1505 although it was not settled until 1609 when Admiral Sir George Summers was shipwrecked here on his way to the Jamestown colony in Virginia. This morning we will explore the Royal Naval Dockyard which, thanks to an imaginative redevelopment, is full of fascinating buildings including the National Museum of Bermuda which is housed in a sublime colonial building. Along the way we will see the 17th century Heydon Trust Chapel, Somerset Bridge and the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, built in 1845 and providing wonderful views. Also enjoy some free time in the island’s pastel pink capital of Hamilton.

Day 13 - Day 15 Bermuda to London.

Disembark this morning and spend some time in the UNESCO World Heritage site of St George’s. Bermuda’s former capital, this well-preserved historic town and nearby fortress is a haven for British colonial architecture, history and culture. We will stroll the streets seeing St Peter’s Church and the picturesque 18th century cottages. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Day 14 - Day 16 London.

Arrive this morning.

Day 15 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Discover St George’s, Grenada.
Visit Bequia, Grenadines.
Explore St Lucia & Dominica.
Sail through Sint Eustatius, Dutch Antilles.
Enjoy British Virgin Islands.