Eastern Caribbean

What a setting - perched on a narrow strip of land between clear Caribbean Sea and the Great Salt Pond. This Caribbean gem is all about choice. From Phillipsburg stroll along the inland salt lake or head for the gorgeous city beach. Search the quaint clothes boutiques or browse for duty-free bargains. It's entirely up to you.

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.

The Caribbean's verdant 'Nature Island' has resolved not to succumb to the high-rise hotels and casino culture that predominate on some other islands. The tiny nation is determined to thrive on its natural resources, which are many and attractive. Water is one, and the island does export delicious mineral water throughout the area.

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.

Tortola is the business and touristic centre of the British Virgin Islands. The island has all the elements of an ideal Caribbean playground: dozens of soft sand beaches, clear water and hidden coves, a wealth of touristic infrastructure from rental cars and scooters to motor launches and sailing yachts.

See the bright lights of the Big Apple, international mecca and melting pot, with expensive brownstones, colourful neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side and the legendary Central Park. Explore some of the world's great museums. Some come just for the shopping: there’s Bloomingdale’s on Lex, Tiffany’s on Fifth, Barneys and the unique boutiques along Madison.