Island Pearls under the Caribbean Sun Small Ship Cruise

Cockburn Town, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is picturesquely situated on Grand Turk. The enchanting small town captivates visitors with its colonial charm, and you can feel the flair of bygone times in its narrow cobbled streets lines with colourful houses and historic buildings. You can learn a great deal about the islands’ eventful history at the Turks and Caicos National Museum, and for a magnificent panoramic view of the coast, it is worth making a detour to the white Grand Turk Lighthouse, the island’s landmark. The fresh breeze whets your appetite for seafood in the relaxed atmosphere of the beach bars and restaurants.

Saint-Barthelemy, also known as St Barts, is a living legend among the Caribbean islands. The small capital, Gustavia, attracts visitors with impressive yachts in the harbour and the cosmopolitan jet set that has settled here since the 1950s. The island, which covers 21 km² (8.1 mi.²), impresses with its palm-fringed beaches such as the quiet Plage de Saline, the Anse du Gouverneur with its crystal-clear water and the lively Plage de Colombier. Gustavia itself invites you to discover its luxury boutiques and world-class restaurants – a perfect blend of Caribbean beauty and exclusive luxury that makes St Barts one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world.

Named after a Dutch settler and former pirate, Jost Van Dyke exudes the pure authenticity of the Caribbean. Enjoy relaxing hours at White Bay Beach – crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches are perfect for beach walks, sunbathing or just whiling away some time. Incidentally, the most famous cocktail in the British Virgin Islands, the Painkiller, comes from Jost Van Dyke Island – try it in one of the many beach bars.

With its lush vegetation and gorgeous white beaches, Antigua promises a new place to relax for every day of the year, with a total of 365 beaches. The hilly interior also attracts visitors with its tropical nature. The capital, St John’s, still bears the marks of its colonial past: magnificent historical buildings line the streets, and the pastel-coloured houses at Redcliffe Quay offer boutiques, arts and crafts shops and cafes just waiting to be discovered. Fort James is worth a visit: the fortress, originally built in 1703 to protect the city against pirates, gives impressive views of the ocean and takes visitors back in time.

With snow-white beaches, turquoise waters and a tropical climate, Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines and a real picture-book idyll in the middle of the Caribbean. The island is a retreat far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where there are no cars and only a single road leads to the charming village of Old Wall. Most of the approximately 300 inhabitants live here, maintaining warm hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. Mayreau is the perfect place to spend a few carefree days on the beach and a paradise for those who want to enjoy the Caribbean vibe.

On the south-western coast of Grenada lies St. George’s, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the Caribbean. The natural harbour of Carenage and the colourful colonial houses give the Grenadian capital its typical appeal. The pretty lanes and historic buildings of the old town invite you to explore, while small restaurants and shops around the harbour and along Melville Street and Lagoon Road form the heart of the tourist centre. A walk up the hill above the city to the former French Fort Frederick offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire bay.

Bonaire, the second-largest of the Caribbean ABC islands, offers a mixture of colourful nature and a fascinating underwater world. The name of its capital Kralendijk translates as “coral dyke”, which refers to the fantastic coral world that stretches off the coast in the Bonaire National Marine Park. While the hilly north of the island boasts exotic species of birds and tropical vegetation in the Washington-Slagbaai National Park, the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary in the flat south attracts nature lovers with one of the largest flamingo colonies in the world. Bonaire is a paradise for snorkellers and explorers alike.

A city full of history and zest for life lies on the Caribbean coast of Colombia: Cartagena de Indias, often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Founded in 1533, the “queen of Colombia’s coast” quickly developed into an important trading centre and is now a modern port with historical charm. Salsa beats, a gentle sea breeze and vibrant colours contribute to the atmosphere. The old town has cobbled streets, colonial buildings and exotic plazas to offer. At Plaza de Bolivar, behind the clock tower called Monumento Torre del Reloj, you can stop to sample local Colombian delicacies.

Surrounded by crystal-clear water, Isla Aguja in the middle of the San Blas Islands is a paradise on earth. Nature lovers and adventurers will find pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation and the tranquillity of the largely unspoilt surroundings – a perfect place to escape from everyday life. The colourful underwater world is perfect for snorkelling and diving, and rare bird species sing in the trees: enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean in its most pristine form.