With no fewer than eight beautiful islands on the itinerary, plus a feast of gardens, this Caribbean voyage is full to the brim with horticultural highlights, expertly guided by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine associate editor, David Hurrion

Exclusive Horticultural Highlights

Valombreuse Botanical Garden – a tropical paradise of a thousand colours

Papillote Tropical Gardens – nestled in a canopy of tree fern and breadfruit trees

Palm Tree Garden - amazing variety of plants in a beautiful setting and rich in history

Smithy’s Garden - where many of Grenada’s rainforest plants flourish

Balata Gardens - a unique collection of tropical and world flora

Day 1 – 14 February - Bridgetown, Barbados
Fly UK Barbados.  Transfer to the port to embark Renaissance.  Settle in and enjoy your evening with dinner and entertainment.

Day 2 – 15 February - At sea 
Join David for the welcome get-together and illustrated talk.  

Day 3 – 16 February – Willemstad, Curacao
Afternoon arrival in Willemstad where you’ll notice the narrow-gabled 18th century houses in cool pastel shades and Dutch colonial architecture.  

Day 4 – 17 February – Kralendijk, Bonaire 
Surrounded by the protected Marine Park, the island’s waters are home to large numbers of tropical fauna, rare seabirds and sea life.

Day 5 – 18 February – At sea
Join David for his gardeners’ Q&A. 

Day 6 - 19 February – Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe
Where Caribbean charm meets French sophistication.  An afternoon arrival allows us to visit the Valombreuse Botanical Gardens. Nestled in a lush valley, the garden is a work of a passionate gardener and who created Guadeloupe’s first floral park. 

Day 7 – 20 February – Roseau, Dominica
A haven for nature lovers and a chance to discover Dominica’s natural beauty with a visit to Papillote Tropical Gardens.

Day 8 – 21 February – Fort de France, Martinique
Our visit to Balata Gardens today promises a paradise-like setting where an exceptional collection of tropical plants and flowers are ready for you to explore.

Day 9 – 22 February – Castries, St Lucia
Embrace Saint Lucia’s subtropical charm amidst lush landscapes.  

Day 10 – 23 February - St George’s, Grenada
It’s gardens galore today where you’ll be greeted by the owners. Set across 2 acres of impeccably groomed land, Palm Tree Gardens is a two-acre oasis of over 300 plant species.  Smithy’s Garden is noted for its untamed tropical feel. 

Day 11 – 24 February –Kingstown St Vincent & the Grenadines
Caribbean cuisine can be sampled at the bustling Kingstown Market or soak up tropical landscapes at the local Botanical Gardens. Tender port

Day 12 – 25 February – At sea
Time to join your fellow gardeners for David’s illustrated talk.

Day 13 – 26 February – Willemstad, Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pontoon bridge which swings open daily to allow ships in and out of the harbour.

Day 14 – 27 February – At sea
Enjoy your last cruising day and join your host for drinks and a final get-together.

Day 15 – 28 February – Bridgetown, Barbados 
Arrive in Bridgetown early afternoon.  Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

This group departure is organised by Connoisseur Travel Service Ltd for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.  Connoisseur Travel Service Ltd are acting as agents for Ambassador Cruise Lines and are subject to their terms and conditions.  Please note all tours and places of interest mentioned, apart from the Included tours, are not included in the cruise fare and may be visited on optional tours. The experts hosting any of our cruises are subject to personal circumstances permitting. We plan to visit the gardens and ports mentioned in the itinerary however we reserve the right to change a visit should circumstances become necessary.

• Exclusive on board Gardeners’ Programme, including Welcome Introduction, two formal illustrated talks, Gardeners’ Q&A, Farewell get-together and drinks 
• Visits to 5 gardens
• 14 night cruise aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Renaissance in cabin category of your choice
• *Return Flights 
• Return transfers between airport and ship 
• Full board cuisine including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Captain’s cocktail party
• Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade
• A wide range of entertainment, including evening shows, plays, cabarets, live music 
• Daytime activities, quizzes, dance classes, fitness and wellness classes
• Use of gym, swimming pools and hot tubs