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. 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.
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. As we sail relatively short distances, we have the benefit of full days on many of the glorious islands allowing for time to join the included, guided excursions combined with the opportunity to explore further independently or perhaps relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
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Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Antigua.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner this evening as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Antigua.
During our morning tour we 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 MS Serenissima for lunch and spend the afternoon in St John’s or maybe visit one of the nearby beaches.
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, those feeling 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 Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. We will discover some of the indigenous flora and fauna at the botanical gardens before we continue to the volcano observatory where we will learn how the islanders coped with the devastation which the volcanic eruptions of 1995 and 2010 caused. From Richmond Hill we can see the impact of the eruptions before walking through the buried city of Plymouth itself. We will also see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.
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, there are 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, which successfully repelled a French attack during the Trafalgar campaign in 1805. Here you can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum or perhaps simply wander the surrounding trails on the lookout for birds, hermit crabs and lizards. 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 St Lucia.
St Lucia is a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. Due to its strategic position, the island was fought over repeatedly by the French and British and changed hands fourteen times. We will anchor in sight of St Lucia’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 tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens.
Day 7 Grenadine Islands.
We will spend Christmas Day in the Grenadine Islands, a chain of islands spanning 60 miles between St Vincent and Grenada, many of which are unspoilt and are places of pure escapism with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Our Expedition Leader and Captain will find a suitable spot to drop anchor as we spend a relaxing day swimming in the clear waters or beachcombing with our naturalists for local flora and fauna.
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 before heading to Fort George. Built in 1706 with wonderful views over the harbour, it was here in 1983 that the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, was assassinated which prompted the invasion by US troops. We will continue to a spice garden where we learn about the herbs that grow here before we end at one of the island’s finest rum distilleries.
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 will board a flat-bottomed boat and slowly travel along the peaceful waterways and lagoons admiring the beauty of the landscape and a variety of birds including the scarlet ibis, a large bright red bird which feeds and nests here and we hope to catch them as they return to their nests at sunset.
Day 10 At Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely day on board.
Day 11 Bonaire, Dutch Antilles.
Spend the day in Bonaire, famous for the variety of its corals, fish and clear waters. This morning we hope to explore 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 saltwater lagoon at Lake Goto followed by Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture.
Day 12 Curacao.
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. The afternoon is free to either explore at your own pace or join an island drive which will include The Old Labour House where we learn about the history of slavery on the island, the dramatic Boca Table National Park and the Salt Pans plantation where, if lucky we may see some flamingos.
Day 13 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day on board as we sail towards Colombia. Tonight we will welcome in the New Year on board.
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 sweeps 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 Cartagena.
Cartagena is one of the most fascinating cities in South America and this morning we enjoy a walking tour of the colonial walled-city which is virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. Our guides will bring the history of the city to life as we walk its streets and ramparts. We will visit the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, Monastery of San Pedro Claver, the Plaza de la Aduana and Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon to explore at your own pace or relax on board.
Day 16 Cartagena to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 17 London.
Arrive today.
Ship to Shore: Please note that this voyage is not classified as an expedition cruise although we will be at anchor on many days when Zodiacs will be used to shuttle ashore. |
Dates and Prices
19 December 2022 to 4 January 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £8695 | £8195 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £8995 | £8495 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £9295 | £8795 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £9795 | £9295 |
6 Junior Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
10 Standard Single | £8695 | £8195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE191222
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 15 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: Please note that this voyage is not classified as an expedition cruise although we will be at anchor on many days when Zodiacs will be used to shuttle ashore. |
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Also of Interest
Secret World of Two Oceans
Discover the Natural Wonders of Colombia, Panama & Costa Rica including a transit of the Panama Canal aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Cartagena / San Blas Islands / Panama Canal / Panama City / Bahia Solano / Utria National Park / Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park / Golfo Dulce / Corcovado / Manuel Antonio National Park / Curu National Park / Isla Tortuga / Puerto Caldera
Glories of the West Indies
A voyage under sail aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud II
Sea Cloud II
Itinerary at a glance
- Barbados / Tobago / Grenada / Bequia / Dominica / Montserrat / Nevis / St Kitts / St Barthelemy / Antigua / Guadeloupe / St Lucia
Central American Odyssey
A voyage from Guatemala to Costa Rica including El Salvador & Nicaragua aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Guatemala City / Antigua / Acajutla / La Union / Leon / Granada / Playa del Coco / Manuel Antonio National Park / Curu National Park / Isla Tortuga / Puerto Caldera
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000