Winter Sun Caribbean Cruise - 28 February 2026

Bridgetown, Barbados

As the most easterly Caribbean island, Barbados was the beating heart of the colonial Atlantic trade route (having been colonised by English settlers in 1627). With British rule came shared English laws, political systems, architectural styles, customs and place names – all of which shaped the island’s past and resonate in its present. Take the capital, Bridgetown. This trove of architectural and cultural treasures was deemed to be of such historical significance that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Highlights include the Georgian St Mary’s Church near Cheapside Market, the elegantly neo-Gothic Barbados Parliament and the Garrison (once home to up to 15,000 British troops). Largely intact, the barracks, canteens, hospitals, stables and forts still survive and are even still in use. The parade ground is a scenic horse-racing track, with football and rugby pitches in the middle.

Fort de France, Martinique

Martinique cruise port, one of the Lesser Antilles, is a chic, beautiful and beguiling island that offers a taste of France deep in the heart of the Caribbean. It also possesses an endearing West Indian warmth in its personality and a special Caribbean spice in its music, dance and cuisine. Martinique's capital, Fort-de-France, is a neat and colourful town that boasts a scaled down replica of Paris' Sacre Coeur, as well as a memorial to the island's most famous local daughter - Napoleon's 'Not tonight' empress - Josephine. Catch a ferry from the seafront and cruise across the magnificent bay to a clutch of superb beaches. Or visit Mont Pele to see the site of the worst ever volcanic eruption in the Caribbean - then cool off with local rum punch!

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

If you have ever dreamt of the classic Caribbean island, chances are it looked a lot like St. Kitts cruise port. You will recognise that mixture of deserted beaches, sleepy villages, lush rainforest greenery and sugarcane fields and maybe even the mini-mountain range with a dormant volcano in its midst. Yet the first thing you will see when the ship docks is pretty much brand new: St. Kitts cruise terminal and marina complex - a collection of shops, bars, restaurants and gardens. Once through that, though, you can explore the back streets and impressively restored Georgian buildings of the capital, Basseterre. Independent since 1983, St. Kitts covers just 65 square miles but has its own World Heritage site: Brimstone Hill fortress.  Another option for St. Kitts cruise visitors is the 45-minute ferry to sister island Nevis.

Tortola, Virgin Islands, British

The Caribbean has always been a magnet for people seeking sunshine and smiles. For a true Caribbean experience, cruise to the beautiful British Virgin island of Tortola. Rising to 1,709 feet at its highest point and famed for its rugged volcanic landscape, Tortola has proved difficult to develop as a major tourist haunt, and so has preserved its charm. Its quaint capital, Road Town, is charming and compact. Just five minutes walk from the tender drop-off at Wickhams Quay you will find Main Street, home to a colourful crafts market and a range of small speciality shops selling Tortolan ceramics, Mexican glassware and unusual carvings sculpted from sea flotsam. You will also find some of the loveliest and least crowded beaches in the Caribbean. At Cane Garden Bay you can tuck into a barbecued freshly caught fish; snorkellers will find the most eye-boggling marine life at Lower Belmont Bay, while those who enjoy a walk can stroll through the rainforest at Mount Sage National Park.

St Maarten, Saint Maarten

Half French and half Dutch, St. Martin/Sint Maarten cruise port is one of the Caribbean's most diverse and interesting islands. The Dutch capital Philipsburg is a delightful warren of narrow streets called steegjies. Here you will find interesting shops and leafy courtyard cafes. Start your exploration at Wathey Square, which is home to a colourful market. If you would prefer to enjoy a little French 'je ne sais quoi', take an island tour to the pretty French capital Marigot. It's worth visiting for its colourful markets, lovely cafe-lined waterfront and the chic boutiques of Marina Port La Royale, where you can pick up unusual jewellery and leather goods. Or spend your day on a catamaran trip from Philipsburg for fabulous deep-sea snorkelling with lunch.

Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

With over 365 beaches, there is a slice of white sand heaven for every day of the year - even a leap year - on the idyllic Caribbean holiday island Antigua. Antigua played host to Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet in the late 1700's. Nelson's Dockyard now bustles with crew and guests from yachts and cruise ships sailing these waters for pleasure rather than for King and Country. The main port, St John's, is also the capital and a vibrant hub for shopping as well as being within easy range of some of the best beaches - at Fort James, Deep Bay, Galley Bay and Hawksbill. A must is a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard, the only Georgian dockyard in the world – where you’ll also find Clarence House, which was built for future King William IV when he served under the great British naval leader. Just above the dockyard is Shirley Heights, a partly restored fortification with great views of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. 

Grenada, Grenada

Sailors through the centuries have rated it one of the worlds prettiest harbours and it is hard to disagree. Horseshoe-shaped and set in a volcanic crater, Grenada's capital and cruise port St Georges is flanked by two forts, with colourful French colonial style buildings ranged along the front. It is the perfect entrance to one of the Caribbean's most scenic islands. Only 12 miles by 21, it is awash with waterfalls, mountain valleys, rainforests, lakes and volcanic craters. The beaches are to die for, especially Grand Anse - a two-mile stretch of pure white sand just around the bay from St Georges. Grenada is also the island you can smell before you can see it. The 'Spice Island' grows more spices per square mile than anywhere else on the planet with nutmeg its signature seasoning. In fact, gentle haggling with spice vendors is part of the fun of cruising to this laid-back Caribbean island.

Castries, Saint Lucia

The lush island of St Lucia is a tropical paradise. The Caribbean is a treat for all the senses. Get a taste of island life with a St Lucia cruise holiday. With its mouth-watering mix of exotic local flavours and historic influence, Caribbean cuisine is a melting pot of culinary cultures. And while you’d be hard-pressed to take a bad shot, the region offers up iconic scenes that will give you the kind of photos that bring back happy memories every time you see them. 

Price Includes: