If you have been contemplating a cruise around the Caribbean and are looking for an itinerary which combines some beautiful tropical isles with some fascinating and relatively unknown ports of call, then this unusual voyage from the Cayman Islands across to Antigua could offer the perfect solution. The region is imbued with colour and culture with a wealth of historical sites and great natural beauty and is perfect for exploring aboard the 95-passenger MS Serenissima.
When we are creating itineraries for our small ships in the Caribbean, it is important to us that we devise our schedules in order to avoid the large, mega cruise ships in the region and find the right mix of islands. For this itinerary we have included an eclectic mix of calls beginning with the island of Cuba where we will visit the laid-back maritime city of Cienfuegos, the atmospheric town of Trinidad with its wonderful colonial centre and the historic city of Santiago de Cuba. We continue to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, the Dutch Antilles and Montserrat with each day presenting something new to discover ranging from national parks, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and waterfalls to historical sites and forts of the Spanish, Dutch and British colonial periods. Our voyage offers an easy and comfortable way to explore the region and with the MS Serenissima we are able to visit some small islands and ports which the larger cruise vessels simply cannot access. Our knowledgeable onboard team will enable us to make the most of each day whether we are landing on tropical beaches by Zodiac, searching for endemic flora and fauna or learning about the history and culture of the islands.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Cienfuegos, Cuba.
After a leisurely morning at sea we arrive into Cuba at Cienfuegos, a laid-back maritime city with a tropical atmosphere. In colonial times the city was known as the ‘Pearl of the South’, a name earned from its lovely location on a picturesque Caribbean bay. Explore the town including a visit to the botanical gardens which are spread over 90 hectares and include 2000 species of plants. We will also see the Parque Marti with its 19th century architecture including the Thomas Terry Theatre and enjoy the views and a cocktail on the terrace of the Palacio del Valle.
Day 3 Casilda for Trinidad.
The compact colonial centre of Trinidad is one of the most sublime in Latin America. The cobbled streets, terracotta rooftops and pastel-coloured houses are a delight. We will spend the morning here exploring the town and visit either the Romantic Museum or the City Museum and also hope to visit a bar for a local rum speciality. After a local lunch we will head to the Valley of the Sugar Mills. These three valleys were the centre of the Cuban sugar industry in the 19th century and contained around 70 sugar mills in their peak.
Day 4 At Sea.
We continue cruising along the south coast of Cuba and will pass near the Jardins de la Reina archipelago. The area was named by Christopher Columbus to honour the Queen of Spain and at 75 miles long contains the third longest barrier reef in the world. Enjoy a day of lectures or find a spot on deck and watch the world go by. We will arrive this evening at Santiago de Cuba where we moor overnight.
Day 5 Santiago de Cuba.
Our guided morning tour begins with a panoramic drive through the city including stops at the Moncada Garrison which still bears bullet holes from Fidel Castro’s attempted coup in 1953, the imposing Plaza de la Revolucion and the 16th century Casa de Diego Velazquez considered the oldest house in Cuba. We will also drive out of the city through lush tropical scenery to the Castillo del Morro which guards the entrance to the harbour, affording magnificent views. This afternoon is free to explore further independently before we sail this evening.
Day 6 Port Antonio, Jamaica.
Arrive this morning on the north coast of Jamaica and the small, bustling port of Port Antonio, renowned as the world’s banana capital and once home to Errol Flynn who described it as a ‘paradise unspoiled by human hands’. This morning you can opt to join a rafting trip on the Rio Grande during which skilled raftsmen will impart their local knowledge about the native flora and fauna, the history and people of the area as we take in the wonderful natural surroundings. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic drive to Reach Falls situated in the lush Montane Forest. We will have time to enjoy the falls and walk in the surrounding forest which is home to many species of fern as well as a variety of birds. Enjoy a swim in the emerald pool at the foot of the falls before returning to the MS Serenissima for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Port Antonio or relax on a local beach.
Day 7 At Sea.
Spend a day at sea as we cruise to the island of Hispaniola.
Day 8 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, the city is a mix of old-world charm and modern Latin flair. On a walking tour this morning we will visit the Palace of Diego Columbus, the historic museum ‘Casas Reales’, the Tower of the Homage which was designed to guard the entrance to the port, the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor and finally the Parque Colon which is the central square of the historic district. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 9 Samana.
Arrive this morning at the Samana Peninsula renowned for its beautiful 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 the Zodiacs or local boats to view these amazing creatures. This afternoon we visit Los Haitises National Park where we will explore magnificent limestone caves covered in Taino Indian art and visit Bird Island where we will learn about the importance of the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the mangroves.
Days 10 & 11 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 a 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 in the clear waters.
Day 12 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, those feeling active may wish to take the strenuous hike to ‘The Quill’, the 600 metre hill that dominates the landscape. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure for further exploration.
Day 13 Little Bay, Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. During our time on the island, we will discover the indigenous flora and fauna at the botanical gardens before we visit the volcano observatory and 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. This afternoon we sail the short distance to Antigua where we moor overnight.
Day 14 Antigua to London.
Disembark this morning and take a tour to 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. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 15 London.
Arrive today.
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Ship to Shore: This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise, however we will be at anchor in the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat where Zodiac landing craft will be used to transfer ashore. |
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 9 to 23 March 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £6695 | £6395 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £6895 | £6595 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £7195 | £6895 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £7495 | £7195 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £8095 | £7795 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £8495 | £8195 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £8495 | £8195 |
| 10 Standard Single | £6695 | £6395 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE090323
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 13 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance • Cuba tourist card.
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Ship to Shore: This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise, however we will be at anchor in the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat where Zodiac landing craft will be used to transfer 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.
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Information Directory
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesSHIP INFORMATION
AIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701-704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony. Facilities include:
• Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning)
• Dressing table with chair or stool
• En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment)
• Hairdryer
• Minibar (Serenissima Suites only)
• Balcony (Serenissima Suites only)
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Safe
• Television
• Telephone (charges apply)
• Wardrobe
• Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima. com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject). The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication: Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant on board 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 on board and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
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. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
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.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board. When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 9.00 am. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service on board.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros, British Pounds or US Dollars)
• Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express)
• Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa)
Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at Reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore. POST Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. PUBLIC AREAS Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 9.00 am until 12.00 am. Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines. Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas.
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 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 and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in the reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
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.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Click below to download a copy of the Information Directory
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Cabin information
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Travelling with You
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Dr Carrie Gibson
Carrie Gibson received her PhD in History from Cambridge in 2011, focussing on the Hispanic Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in the era of the Haitian Revolution. She is the author of the 2014 book Empire’s Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day. Her most recent book, El Norte: The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America. was published in 2019. She has spent years travelling and researching in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Before embarking on a career as a historian, Carrie was a journalist for the Guardian and Observer, and continues to contribute to media outlets. She lives in London.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000