Hidden Caribbean

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Highlights

Explore the string of islands that reach out across the Caribbean Sea
Explore the interior of the islands in small groups to maintain the relaxing feel
See colonial forts and learn of the times when pirates foraged these seas
Spot wildlife and tropical flowers and have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters and over abundant reefs

Highlights

Explore the string of islands that reach out across the Caribbean Sea
Explore the interior of the islands in small groups to maintain the relaxing feel
See colonial forts and learn of the times when pirates foraged these seas
Spot wildlife and tropical flowers and have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters and over abundant reefs
Capacity: 103, Types: ExpeditionSmall Ship Cruise
Feture image for Hidden Caribbean

Perhaps you believe the Caribbean is a little too tame for you and that all the islands are too similar. Join us aboard the MS Serenissima and let us show you a very different world to that inhabited by the new breed of mega-cruise ships and some of the most delightful islands. On our island hopping adventure through the Caribbean Sea we will explore some of the most beautiful tropical isles, many still untouched by the hands of mass tourism. There is no doubt that the less commercialised of the islands have enormous charm and great natural beauty. But, beyond the fabulous beaches and pastel painted towns there is more.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the West Indies attracted all manner of adventurers, buccaneers, pirates, slave traders and the navies of the major European seafaring nations and this colourful history makes for an intriguing background to a voyage as we are able to hop from island to island and experience the heritage left by the Spanish, French, Dutch and British. This combined with opportunities to snorkel in some of the most enticing sub-tropical waters, beach comb, bird watch and enjoy the colourful flora makes this area an ideal location for the MS Serenissima.

Explore the string of islands that reach out across the Caribbean Sea
Explore the interior of the islands in small groups to maintain the relaxing feel
See colonial forts and learn of the times when pirates foraged these seas
Spot wildlife and tropical flowers and have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear waters and over abundant reefs

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

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Day 1 - Antigua
Board MS Serenissima in Antigua. Enjoy Welcome drinks and dinner aboard as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Antigua.
A one-time British colony, Antigua is justly famous for its beaches, said to total more than 300. We have a day here and a morning tour will include Nelsons Dockyard, beautifully located in English Harbour. See the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 untill 1899. In the afternoon either join us on one of the local beaches or explore the town of St Johns with its vibrant market and cathedral.
Day 3 - St Barthelemy.
We spend the day at St Barthelemy, a gem of an island. Very French in atmosphere it is tiny, only eight square miles, yet is one of the most beautiful in the Nevis Martinique Fishing boat, St Kitts Hidden Caribbean Island hopping through the secret Caribbean 13th to 27th March 2016 whole of the Caribbean. Mellow green mountains, coral sand coves and dolls house size capital make this one of the most appealing ports in the area. It is also one of the most sophisticated with excellent French restaurants, ultra-expensive hotels, smart yachts in the harbour and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 4 - 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 will explore Virgin Gorda, one of the principal islands of this charming and unspoiled British Crown colony enjoying a scenic drive with wonderful views. Later sail across to Jost Van Dyke dropping anchor at the little visited hideaway island, enjoy a swim on one of the white sand beaches or spend time in the small harbour.
Day 5 - St Kitts & Nevis.
We will make a landing this morning on the delightful island of 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 street of Basseterre including the colonial buildings or see the impressive UNESCO fortress at Brimstone Hill. Sail over lunch to Nevis. True, most of the old plantations are now deluxe resorts, but then you can see why they have chosen this little bit of paradise. The island of Nevis featured significantly in Nelsons time in the West Indies. It was here that he met Fanny Nisbet and later married her in the old Montpelier House, on the site where a hotel now stands. On an island drive we will stop at the Nelson Museum and also the Botanical Gardens, a five acre plot featuring flowering trees and shrubs and over 100 species of palms.
Day 6 - Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. Following the damaging volcanic eruptions a few years ago, much of the island is now returning to normal. We will visit the volcano observatory and learn how the islanders coped with the devastation it caused. Even now we will drive through areas where volcanic material lies in the roads. On our way back to the ship we will visit the small botanical garden. This afternoon we hope to enjoy a chance to swim or snorkel at one of the islands secluded bays.
Day 7 - Les Saintes, Guadeloupe.
At first light we sail to this eight island archipelago which dots the waters of the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. Still untouched by the hand of tourism these attractive islands offer lovely coves and beaches and colourful fishing villages, populated by fair haired and blue-eyed descendants of Breton and Norman fisherman.
Day 8 - 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. No doubt in time this lovely place will succumb to the developers and be taken over by hotels, casinos, duty free shopping and all the commercialism of some of its neighbours. But for now it is a place of beauty and solitude. On a morning tour we will explore Cabrits National Park and see the remains of Fort Shirley, an 18th Century British garrison. Enjoy time walking in the park amongst hermit crabs and lizards or maybe take a walk up West Cabrit peak which offers marvellous views.
Day 9 - 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. Enjoy a stroll around Fort de France, a small scale combination of New Orleans and Nice, perhaps sampling some of the delicious Creole food. We also visit Balata a hilltop village containing a scaled down replica of the Sacre-Couer and the fascinating botanical gardens offering fantastic views down to the coast.
Day 10 - St Lucia.
A splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. We will moor in sight of the islands best known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2,400 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.
Days 11-12 - Grenadines & Tobago Cays.
The delightful Grenadine islands are totally unspoilt, places of pure escapism in a charming old world atmosphere. We have two days to explore these inhabited and uninhabited islands surrounded by perfect beaches and reefs full of life. Our itinerary is flexible based on weather conditions but we hope to visit Bequia which is only seven miles by two and a long way from the well beaten tourist track. Choose to spend time in the main town of Port Elizabeth watching the yachts from a cafe or visiting the market or alternatively find a spot on a local beach and relax. At Tobago Cays we hope to snorkel over the reefs rich with angelfish and sea turtles, whilst palm covered Mayreau looks like a fabled desert island.
Day 13 - Grenada.
Explore this wonderful Windward Island, which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. We will moor in the picturesque capital of St Georges and have time to walk amongst the picturesque buildings and see the 18th Century French Fort. This afternoon is free to explore independently or enjoy some time on one of the local beaches for a final chance for a refreshing swim.
Day 14 - Barbados
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Day 1 - Antigua
Board MS Serenissima in Antigua. Enjoy Welcome drinks and dinner aboard as we moor overnight.
Day 2 - Antigua.
A one-time British colony, Antigua is justly famous for its beaches, said to total more than 300. We have a day here and a morning tour will include Nelsons Dockyard, beautifully located in English Harbour. See the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 untill 1899. In the afternoon either join us on one of the local beaches or explore the town of St Johns with its vibrant market and cathedral.
Day 3 - St Barthelemy.
We spend the day at St Barthelemy, a gem of an island. Very French in atmosphere it is tiny, only eight square miles, yet is one of the most beautiful in the Nevis Martinique Fishing boat, St Kitts Hidden Caribbean Island hopping through the secret Caribbean 13th to 27th March 2016 whole of the Caribbean. Mellow green mountains, coral sand coves and dolls house size capital make this one of the most appealing ports in the area. It is also one of the most sophisticated with excellent French restaurants, ultra-expensive hotels, smart yachts in the harbour and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 4 - 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 will explore Virgin Gorda, one of the principal islands of this charming and unspoiled British Crown colony enjoying a scenic drive with wonderful views. Later sail across to Jost Van Dyke dropping anchor at the little visited hideaway island, enjoy a swim on one of the white sand beaches or spend time in the small harbour.
Day 5 - St Kitts & Nevis.
We will make a landing this morning on the delightful island of 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 street of Basseterre including the colonial buildings or see the impressive UNESCO fortress at Brimstone Hill. Sail over lunch to Nevis. True, most of the old plantations are now deluxe resorts, but then you can see why they have chosen this little bit of paradise. The island of Nevis featured significantly in Nelsons time in the West Indies. It was here that he met Fanny Nisbet and later married her in the old Montpelier House, on the site where a hotel now stands. On an island drive we will stop at the Nelson Museum and also the Botanical Gardens, a five acre plot featuring flowering trees and shrubs and over 100 species of palms.
Day 6 - Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. Following the damaging volcanic eruptions a few years ago, much of the island is now returning to normal. We will visit the volcano observatory and learn how the islanders coped with the devastation it caused. Even now we will drive through areas where volcanic material lies in the roads. On our way back to the ship we will visit the small botanical garden. This afternoon we hope to enjoy a chance to swim or snorkel at one of the islands secluded bays.
Day 7 - Les Saintes, Guadeloupe.
At first light we sail to this eight island archipelago which dots the waters of the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. Still untouched by the hand of tourism these attractive islands offer lovely coves and beaches and colourful fishing villages, populated by fair haired and blue-eyed descendants of Breton and Norman fisherman.
Day 8 - 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. No doubt in time this lovely place will succumb to the developers and be taken over by hotels, casinos, duty free shopping and all the commercialism of some of its neighbours. But for now it is a place of beauty and solitude. On a morning tour we will explore Cabrits National Park and see the remains of Fort Shirley, an 18th Century British garrison. Enjoy time walking in the park amongst hermit crabs and lizards or maybe take a walk up West Cabrit peak which offers marvellous views.
Day 9 - 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. Enjoy a stroll around Fort de France, a small scale combination of New Orleans and Nice, perhaps sampling some of the delicious Creole food. We also visit Balata a hilltop village containing a scaled down replica of the Sacre-Couer and the fascinating botanical gardens offering fantastic views down to the coast.
Day 10 - St Lucia.
A splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. We will moor in sight of the islands best known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2,400 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.
Days 11-12 - Grenadines & Tobago Cays.
The delightful Grenadine islands are totally unspoilt, places of pure escapism in a charming old world atmosphere. We have two days to explore these inhabited and uninhabited islands surrounded by perfect beaches and reefs full of life. Our itinerary is flexible based on weather conditions but we hope to visit Bequia which is only seven miles by two and a long way from the well beaten tourist track. Choose to spend time in the main town of Port Elizabeth watching the yachts from a cafe or visiting the market or alternatively find a spot on a local beach and relax. At Tobago Cays we hope to snorkel over the reefs rich with angelfish and sea turtles, whilst palm covered Mayreau looks like a fabled desert island.
Day 13 - Grenada.
Explore this wonderful Windward Island, which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. We will moor in the picturesque capital of St Georges and have time to walk amongst the picturesque buildings and see the 18th Century French Fort. This afternoon is free to explore independently or enjoy some time on one of the local beaches for a final chance for a refreshing swim.
Day 14 - Barbados
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Itinerary also available in reverse
Serenissima
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87.5 metres Passenger Capacity: 103 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2019 The handsome 103-passenger MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the No…

Serenissima

Capacity 103
Built/refurbished 1960/2019
Length 87.5 metres

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 87.5 metres

Passenger Capacity: 103

Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2019

The handsome 103-passenger MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. With her small size she 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.

The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. The MS Serenissima features a range of accommodations to suit your preferences, from the luxurious Serenissima Suites to comfortable staterooms. There are 10 categories of staterooms and suites arranged over 5 decks, as well as an accessible cabin on Deck 4.  With the exception of the inside cabins, all staterooms are outside facing, with either portholes or windows. 

Indulge in exquisite cuisine at the Venice Restaurant. You will enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and lunch, featuring a variety of sweet and savoury options. Dinner will be a delightful three-course meal, served to you. With a focus on great fl avours and fresh ingredients,  dining here is a highlight of your journey. The dining room features great views from all tables. 

Located at the back of the ship, the Andrea Lounge offers a cosy and elegant space to unwind. Enjoy a quiet moment with a book, socialise with fellow travellers, or simply take in the stunning views through the large windows. The lounge also features a bar, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink as you relax. 

Situated at the front of the ship, the Harald Jarl Lounge has comfortable seating and a warm ambiance, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxation and conversation. Its inviting setting makes it an ideal spot to gather and unwind before dinner. 

Explore the ship’s decks, where you can enjoy panoramic views, soak up the sun, or take a leisurely stroll. The outdoor areas feature an expansive observation deck, providing guests panoramic 360-degree views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can descend to the front deck (Deck 5), which includes an an open-air bar and a compact fitness room.

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Cabin layout for Serenissima
Overview
Highlights
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Itinerary
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