Eastern Caribbean Islands

Sample the unique British flavour as you stroll through historic Bridgetown, also referred to as Little England and enjoy Bridgetown's unique combination of colonial tradition and Caribbean vibrancy. Barbados is an island where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand. White sandy beaches stretch for miles while snorkelling and sailing are some of the world-class water sports on offer.

Fort-de-France, Martinique's capital, with its narrow streets and iron grill-worked balconies, brings to mind New Orleans or Nice. This distinctly French island is a full-fledged department of France, with members in parliament and the senate. Naturally, everyone speaks French, as well as a rapid-fire Creole. The island features a varied landscape, from quiet beaches to lush rain forest to imposing Mont Pelee. Not surprisingly, the shopping in Fort-de-France has a decidedly Gallic flair. Bienvenue to this bit of France in the Caribbean.

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.

Dock at Road Town and explore the many beauties Tortola bestows on her fortunate visitors - ivory sands, aquamarine seas and a gracious welcome. Step into the beautiful world of JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens, blooming with orchids, cacti, palms and heliconia, and then indulge on a lunch of succulent Anegada lobster, papaya and sweet potato pudding. If your taste is for unspoilt beaches, Cane Garden Bay's flawless horseshoe of golden sand is for you.

Perched on a narrow strip of land between the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and the Great Salt Pond, the Caribbean gem Philipsburg is a fabulous setting for a wide array of things to see and experience. Stroll along the inland salt lake, or head for the gorgeous city beach. Search the quaint clothes boutiques, or browse the stores for duty-free bargains. The choice is yours.

Famously dusted with pristine white sands and pulsating to the rhythm of steel drums, Antigua is a real Caribbean treat. From the bustling little port of St. Johns, take an excursion across the rolling countryside to Shirley Heights, a fortress dominating the entry to English Harbour, and historic Nelson's dockyard. Today the warehouses are filled with shops and restaurants, and the sails belong to international yachts.

Famously dusted with pristine white sands and pulsating to the rhythm of steel drums, Antigua is a real Caribbean treat. From the bustling little port of St. Johns, take an excursion across the rolling countryside to Shirley Heights, a fortress dominating the entry to English Harbour, and historic Nelson's dockyard. Today the warehouses are filled with shops and restaurants, and the sails belong to international yachts.

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea. St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,500 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish.

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, Grenadas 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.

Sample the unique British flavour as you stroll through historic Bridgetown, also referred to as Little England and enjoy Bridgetown's unique combination of colonial tradition and Caribbean vibrancy. Barbados is an island where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand. White sandy beaches stretch for miles while snorkelling and sailing are some of the world-class water sports on offer.