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Peregrine Travel Centre

Christmas & New Year in Caribbean (Serenissima)

Christmas & New Year in Caribbean (Serenissima)

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Description

When it comes to pure escapism there are few places in the world more fitting than the Caribbean. Escape the cold at home, join the MS Serenissima in Barbados and set sail on our voyage through sub-tropical waters of beautiful scenery and island diversity. Every island has its own culture and this colourful mix of island personalities, varied terrain and lifestyles makes for a marvellous winter break.

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. In addition to our included excursions, we have allowed time for individual exploration of the islands and opportunities to relax on some beautiful beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Of course, having the MS Serenissima as the base for our cruise makes all the difference. With just 100 passengers on board, not only is the atmosphere peaceful and perfect for this type of voyage, it makes all the difference in accessing 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. There really is a world of difference between the two and on occasions when our paths cross with one of these gigantic vessels, we appreciate the benefits of being aboard a smaller vessel.

Trip Name
Christmas & New Year in Caribbean (Serenissima)
Days
20
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 Gatwick to Barbados.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima moored in Bridgetown. We will enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner on board this evening as we set sail.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Martinique.
Martinique is a truly cosmopolitan island and a Department of France. The strong French influence is seen everywhere and without doubt Martinique is one of the most sophisticated islands in the West Indies enjoying a remarkably high standard of living. We will base ourselves at the small port of Anse D’Arlets and enjoy a morning scenic drive including the Musee de la Pagerie, the birthplace and childhood home of Empress Josephine, see the impressive plantations and have a chance to sample some of the local rum. This afternoon there will be time to relax in the small town or on a local beach.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 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 which is home to herons, egrets, hummingbirds and iguanas
Day 4 - Day 4 - Guadeloupe.
Known as the “papillon” due to the butterfly shape of the two main islands, Guadeloupe offers a taste of France within the Caribbean. This morning we anchor off the north-west coast at the town of Deshaies which is also the fictional setting of Honore from the television series “Death in Paradise”. After breakfast we will drive to the nearby Botanical Gardens, an exceptional 12 acre park featuring tropical flora, palm trees, waterscapes and parrot aviary. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore the town or maybe relax on one of the nearby beaches.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Nevis & St Kitts.
We will make a landing this morning on the delightful island of Nevis. On an island drive we will stop at the Museum of Nevis History which includes a large collection of Nelson memorabilia and also the Botanical Gardens. Over lunch we sail the short distance to St Kitts. This lovely island has it all, restful green fields of sugar cane plantations, rainforests and long stretches of uncrowded beaches. The atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxed and full of old-world charm. Either wander the streets of Basseterre including the colonial buildings or see the impressive UNESCO fortress at Brimstone Hill. This 18th century British garrison played a key role in the battles with the French and is situated on a hill offering fine views over to Nevis.
Day 6 - Day 6 - St Eustatius.
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, the more active may wish to take the strenuous hike to “The Quill”, the 600 metre hill that dominates the landscape. This afternoon is free to explore at leisure and shuttle buses will be available to take you to the town or to one of the nearby beaches.
Day 7 - Day 7 - 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. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon in St John’s or on one of the local beaches. We hope to be able to arrange a visit to a local church for a Christmas Eve service before we sail tonight.
Day 8 - Day 8 - At Sea.
Spend Christmas Day at sea as we return south through the Caribbean Islands. Our lecture programme will continue before our chefs prepare Christmas dinner on board.
Day 9 - Day 9 - St Lucia.
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, a delight for photographers with walkways surrounded by bright tropical flowers and towering trees, and one of the local plantations where we learn about cacao production.
Day 10 - Day 10 - St Vincent & Grenadines
This morning we arrive in bustling Kingstown, capital of St Vincent where on a morning drive we head to the outskirts of the city and the 19th century Fort Charlotte as well as 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, a delightful Grenadine island which is totally unspoilt, a place of pure escapism in 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 one of the beaches and relax or join a drive to Spring Bay where we can visit the Hawksbill Turtle sanctuary.
Day 11 - Day 11 - 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 a choice of activities will be on offer. 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 are abundant with marine life and perfect for taking a glass bottomed boat trip.
Day 12 - Day 12 - 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 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 or maybe visit the Botanical Gardens or National Museum before we sail this evening.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Isla Margarita, Venezuela
Over breakfast we arrive at Isla Margarita located off the Venezuelan coast. Visited by Columbus in 1498, it was also the centre of the Spanish colonial Margarita Province in the 16th century. This morning we will visit La Restinga National Park which was created in 1974 and boasts three main ecosystems that support a variety of creatures. We will visit the area on local boats before making our way to the Museo Marino which reveals the amazing biodiversity of Venezuela’s marine life and gives an overview of the importance of the sea in the island’s development. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 14 - Day 14 - Bonaire, Dutch Antilles
After a morning cruising we arrive in Bonaire, famous for the variety of its corals, fish and clear waters. Our morning will be spent at 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 salt water lagoon at Lake Goto followed by Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture. Tonight we will welcome in the New Year on board.
Day 15 - Day 15 - Curacao.
We will start the New Year by sailing into 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. After a free morning for independent exploration or relaxation we will enjoy an afternoon excursion to explore the historic downtown district including Fort Amsterdam.
Day 16 - Day 16 - At Sea.
Spend a day on board as we sail towards Colombia.
Day 17 - Day 17 - 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 sweep 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 over 100 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of 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 18 - Day 18 - Cartagena.
From our berth in Cartagena we will take a boat ride through the Bay of Cartagena to the nearby Rosario Islands archipelago. This group of 30 islands, declared a Natural Park, is host to coral reef and a wide number of endemic fish and plant species. This morning we will land on one of the islands and have time to relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters or maybe take a stroll to the mangroves followed by lunch in one of the local restaurants. We will moor overnight for anyone wishing to explore Cartagena on an after dinner stroll this evening.
Day 19 - Day 19 - Cartagena to London Heathrow.
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 ship for lunch before we transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London Heathrow.
Day 20 - Day 20 - London Heathrow.
Arrive this afternoon.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Standard Stateroom
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Superior Stateroom
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Standard Single
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Deluxe Stateroom
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Junior Suite
18-12-201806-01-2019GBP £0Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit Martinique
    • a truly cosmopolitan island and a Department of France
    • Discover the island of Dominica
    • it is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493
    • Explore St Lucia
    • a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations
    • Spend Christmas & New Year relaxing on some beautiful beaches and swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea

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