Colours of the Caribbean: Antigua to San Juan

Your memorable voyage begins in St. John’s, the capital of Caribbean dual island-nation, Antigua and Barbuda. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht to embark on your magical discovery of the East Caribbean.

Please book your flight to arrive into St John's prior to 05:00 PM.

With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.

Nestled along the peninsula of St. Kitts, South Friars Bay shelters one of the island’s most popular beaches. You’ll find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand ideal for a spot of sunbathing, or you may prefer to uncover the fascinating history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries and reveals an exceptional view of the island’s beautiful coastline.

Welcome to Îles des Saintes, known as Les Saintes, a small group of eight tropical islands within the Guadeloupe archipelago, that harbours a distinctive French and Caribbean cultural fusion.  Discover the island’s quaint villages, with their collection of petite stone buildings and small, white sand beaches. Don’t miss a visit to Fort Napoleon, a significant historical site that reveals incredible views of one of the islands. In the evening, you’ll set sail to Portsmouth, Dominica.

This small group of islands lies opposite the western part of Guadeloupe. They were discovered in November 1493 by Columbus, who named them Los Santos. French settlers established themselves in 1648 and changed the name to Iles des Saintes, commonly known as Les Saintes. Since then the islands have been closely connected with Guadeloupe. Until a recent influx of tourism, Les Saintes were among the Caribbean’s most unspoiled destinations. Only two of the eight islands are inhabited: Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut. The latter is known for its impressive Fort Napoleon built in the early 19th century to replace an earlier 17th-century fort. From its vantage point there are fine views of the many tiny islets scattered in the bay and across to Guadeloupe. Terre-de-Haut is the main island of Les Saintes, with steeply scarped hills, scenic valleys, hidden coves and beautiful beaches. Its main settlement consists of a charming village of red-roofed houses situated along a curving bay. A number of small boutiques and gift shops invite browsing. Quaint cafés and restaurants offer food and drink. To the east of the village lies Grande Anse, a fine sand beach. Most of the attractions on this small island can be seen on foot. With just a few vehicles on the island, there are no organized tours possible. Time ashore here is at your leisure.

Today, embrace the untouched beauty of Dominica with a stop at the charming port of Portsmouth, where rainforest-covered hills meet the sparkling Caribbean Sea. This serene coastal town invites you to unwind, explore, and connect with the island’s rich natural spirit—an authentic taste of the Caribbean at its most enchanting.

Located on the northwest shores of Guadeloupe, this picturesque village is renowned for its traditional fishing community atmosphere, colourful Creole architecture and stunning beaches, framed by verdant hills. Along with the amiable locals, lively markets and mouthwatering French-Caribbean cuisine, not surprisingly, Deshaies has emerged as a popular tourist destination, which you can discover for yourself today.

The capital of the chic Caribbean Island of Saint Barthélemy, Gustavia was named after Sweden’s King Gustav III, who boldly declared it his own exclusive island getaway in 1785. In this vibrant town, uncover distinctive treasures in the historic downtown shopping enclave and photograph the brightly painted, old wooden houses. Gustavia is also known for its gourmet dining, so be sure to feast on the delicious cuisine, a unique fusion of French and Creole culinary influences.

You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.

On your second day in Gustavia, explore beyond the bustling shopping streets to discover Shell Beach, just a short stroll away. Relax on its stunning shoreline, dotted with colourful shells and crystal-clear waters. Nearby, visit historic sites like Fort Karl, or unwind in one of the charming cafés, soaking upthe laid-back elegance that defines Saint Barthélemy.

You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll. Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening. Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times. A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.

Welcome to the Island of Virgin Gorda, named after its resemblance to a reclining woman and part of the exquisite British Virgin Islands. Virgin Gorda is popular for its laid-back Caribbean lifestyle and picturesque landscapes, as well as its incredible natural wonders. The most famous of all are The Baths, a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders formed by volcanic eruptions. Set sail in the late afternoon from Virgin Gorda and enjoy a breathtaking sunset cruise through the legendary Sir Francis Drake Channel. As golden light dances across the water, we make our way toward the storied shores of Norman Island—an unforgettable end to a magical day in the British Virgin Islands.

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and vivid marine life, Norman Island offers a natural playground for a diverse range of activities, including hiking trails and caves to explore.

The island also comes steeped in pirate lore, with local legend claiming that this was a favourite hiding spot for pirates to bury their treasure; hence, why it is nicknamed ‘Treasure Island’ by locals and visitors alike. Without doubt, this is a wonderful destination for those seeking a tranquil and alluring tropical getaway.

Your Emerald Cruises luxury voyage concludes in Puerto Rico and San Juan, the historic capital and oldest European-founded city in the Americas. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, from the yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your holiday.*

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager on-board whether a Discover MORE tour is available on disembarkation day.

Please book your flight to depart out of San Juan after 01:00 PM.

If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.