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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sailing through the Lesser Antilles & Beyond

Sailing through the Lesser Antilles & Beyond

From GBP £6,995

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Description

Join the MS Serenissima for this unique voyage of over 1000 nautical miles from the Caribbean Island of Antigua to Paramaribo in Suriname. Between we visit islands and cities rich in natural wonders from tropical flowers, indigenous birds and coral reefs to impressive waterfalls. These natural world highlights will be combined with time spent in small, welcoming towns where we will meet friendly islanders. As we sail short distances we have full days in many of the glorious islands in the Lesser Antilles and have the luxury of time to wander and explore at our own pace whilst seeing some of the more remote and harder to reach areas.

One of the highlights of our voyage will be our extended time in the former British colony of Guyana, one of the least visited countries in South America but home to a diverse amount of wildlife and natural wonders. Meanwhile in Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will hear about the history of this former British settlement which was swapped with the Dutch for New York in 1667. There are many ships cruising the Caribbean waters but if you prefer a chance to explore in small groups and to visit the smaller islands and off the beaten track destinations then this is the trip for you.

Trip Name
Sailing through the Lesser Antilles & Beyond
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 107 (from Dec 2018 - 95) Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and the fact that she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her in top form. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment after which she will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard 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 onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. 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.  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. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 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. 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: Deck plan varies for 2019 cruises, no inside cabins.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Antigua.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima moored in St Johns. Tonight enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Antigua.
A onetime British colony, Antigua is justly famous for its beaches, said to total more than 300. We have a day here and on a morning tour 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. In the afternoon either spend time in St Johns, on one of the local beaches or join a cricketing tour of the island including the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Stanford Cricket Ground and the Antigua Cricket Ground (ARG). Keith Fredericks (Freddo), a cricketer who represented Antigua at regional level and Head Groundsman at the ARG will delight in giving a talk and guided tour of the club house and the ground. Finally, before returning to the vessel there will be a private appearance by one of Antigua’s cricket West Indian Legends.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe.
Known as the “papillon” due to the butterfly shape of the two main islands, Guadeloupe offers a taste of France within the Caribbean. From our berth in Pointe a Pitre we will head to mountainous Basse Terre which is home to the Guadeloupe National Park covering 17,000 hectares of tropical forest and topped by the Soufriere volcano. A walk through the rainforest will bring us to the impressive 245 metre Carbet Falls, the highest in the Lesser Antilles whilst we keep an eye out for the resident wildlife. Return to the ship via one of the island’s rum distilleries. The afternoon is free to explore Pointe a Pitre and its colonial architecture including the Place de La Victoire as well as the vibrant market.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Cabrits, 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, 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. There will be a choice of activities today and the active can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum and maybe wander the surrounding trails on the lookout for birds, hermit crabs and lizards. For the keen birders we will offer a tour driving through the plantations to the Morne Diablotin National Park where, from the viewpoint we hope to see the two endemic parrots of Dominica. Alternatively, join a local boat for a journey along the Indian River, a mangrove lined creek with interesting bankside vegetation including gnarled tree roots and which is home to herons, egrets, hummingbirds and iguanas.
Day 5 - Day 5 - St Lucia.
St Lucia is a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. We will moor in sight of the island’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 island tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens, and one of the local plantations where we learn about cacao production.
Day 6 - Day 6 - St Vincent & The Grenadines.
Arrive this morning in bustling Kingstown, capital of St Vincent and gateway to the Grenadines. This morning we drive to the outskirts of the city to the 19th century Fort Charlotte and the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere. Dating from 1765, this 20 acre site was developed to provide medicinal plants. Over lunch we sail to Bequia. This delightful Grenadine island is totally unspoilt, a place of pure escapism with a charming old world atmosphere. Only seven miles by two it is a long way from the well beaten tourist track, a serene and peaceful island with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Choose to spend time in the main town of Port Elizabeth, find a spot on a local beach to relax or join a drive to Spring Bay where we can visit the Hawksbill Turtle sanctuary.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Tobago.
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Tobago. We will anchor in the small fishing village of Charlotteville which is situated in Man of War Bay and enjoy a choice of activities. There will be an island drive which will include the Argyle Waterfall for a refreshing swim and a chance to explore the lush surrounding forest. The keen birders will enjoy a visit to Little Tobago, a hilly arid island situated 1.5 miles offshore and an important seabird sanctuary for frigate birds, brown boobies and red billed tropic birds. Meanwhile the waters around Goat Island offer some of the region’s best coral reefs and abundant marine life - perfect for snorkelling or taking a glass bottomed boat trip.
Day 8 - Day 8 - 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. We will explore on a series of guided walks, searching for the 166 species of birds. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and this afternoon either take time to explore Port of Spain and maybe visit the botanical gardens or National Museum. Alternatively, in the late afternoon join a tour to the Caroni Nature Sanctuary, a mangrove swamp covering an area of 40 square miles. On arrival at the sanctuary we board a flat-bottomed boat and slowly travel along the beautiful peaceful waterways and lagoons admiring the beauty of the landscape and a variety of birds including egrets and herons and other wildlife. The most astounding bird is the Scarlet Ibis, a large bright red bird feeding and nesting here and we hope to catch them as they return to their nests at sunset.
Day 9 - Day 9 - At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards the South American coast. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge, enjoy a book in the library or find a spot on deck.
Day 10 - Days 10 to 12 - Georgetown, Guyana.
Arrive today in Guyana, South America’s only English speaking country and our base for three days of discovery. Georgetown was called Longchamps under the French and Stabroek under the Dutch, so it comes as no surprise that the tree lined streets are a wonderful mix of colonial styles. During our time here we will include a half day city tour to include St Georges Cathedral, St Andrew’s Kirk and the Stabroek Market, once described as a “bizarre bazaar”, which contains every conceivable item from household goods and gold jewellery to fresh meat and vegetables brought to town on the river daily. We will also join a local flight to the Kaieteur National Park. Here, the mighty Kaieteur Falls plunge 822 feet to the bottom of a rocky gorge. Five times the height of Niagara Falls and an amazing 30,000 gallons of water per second crashes to the depths below. Our third day will take us to the Essequibo River, Guyana’s longest river and the third largest in South America. Using local boats we will explore the river, landing on one of the many islands to take nature walks to see the wildlife and plants or seeing the old Dutch forts that line the banks before wandering thorough the town of Bartica.
Day 11 - Day 13 - Paramaribo, Suriname.
This morning we continue our journey along the South American coastline and this afternoon arrive in the capital of Suriname, Paramaribo, located on the banks of the Suriname River. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on our guided tour we will see the many historic colonial buildings and tree-lined avenues. This is a city of many colours and cultures and one of the few places in the world where Mosques, Hindu Temples, Synagogues and Christian churches coexist peacefully side by side. Visit the city’s leafy park, Palm Garden which was created in 1682 and home to more than 1000 palms, the waterfront and Fort Zeelandia, originally named Fort Willoughby by the British in 1651.
Day 12 - Day 14 - Paramaribo to London.
After breakfast on board we will disembark and drive to the Commewijne District just outside of Paramaribo, a beautiful agricultural area of creeks, rivers and former plantations. Here we will take nature walks on the lookout for birds, monkeys and lizards before visiting the museum at New Amsterdam, an 18th century fort built to protect the city where we can also see the resident giant lilies. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 13 - Day 15 - London.
Arrive today.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Standard Stateroom
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Standard Stateroom Plus
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Standard Single
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Superior Stateroom
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Deluxe Stateroom
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Junior Suite
20-03-201903-04-2019GBP £0Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore Antigua that is justly famous for its beaches, said to total more than 300
    • See Guadeloupe that offers a taste of France within the Caribbean
    • Enjoy St Lucia, it is a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations
    • Discover Trinidad, it has a unique diversity of plant and animal species
    • Arrive in Guyana, South America’s only English speaking country

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