Exotic Islands followed by Cocktails and Coconuts

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Bridgetown, Barbados

  Fly from selected UK airport to Bridgetown and embark on board Marella Explorer 2 for your 14-night cruise.

• Day 2: Castries, St Lucia

  Arrive in Castries, the capital city of St Lucia. Step ashore and shop for bargains at La Place Carenage Shopping Plaza in downtown Castries, or venture to the heart of the city to the vibrant Central Market. Pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square, and the Government House; before climbing to the top of Morne Fortune to view Fort Charlotte. Spend a few hours at Vigie Beach or head south to Marigot Bay. Take an island tour and admire the majestic Piton Mountains, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Half-Moon Bay, or enjoy a picnic on a lemon grass lawn at Pigeon Island National Park.

• Day 3: St George's, Grenada

  Stop at St George's on the 'Spice Island' of Grenada. Nestling alongside horseshoe-shaped Carenage harbour; the cobbled streets of St George's are lined with pretty pastel-coloured heritage buildings. Step back in time at Grenada National Museum or explore Fort George and Fort Frederick. Head to the golden sands of Grand Anse Beach for a morning of sunbathing. The submerged gallery at Underwater Sculpture Park is a unique sight. Venture further afield to view local wildlife at Grand Etang National Park and the cascading waters at Annandale Falls.

• Day 4: Kralendijk, Bonaire

  Kralendijk is the main port on the island of Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. The population in Kralendijk is about 3,000 and there's even an uninhabited island — Klein Bonaire — not far from its coastline with sandy beaches that are nesting grounds for sea turtles. Try your hand at fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, and windsurfing and visit Bonaire National Marine Park's coral reef teeming with tropical fish. Admire landmarks including the 18th-century Protestant Church and Government House and also the colourful architecture along Kaya Grandi shopping street. Stroll around the pretty Wilhelmina Park, which is named in honour of the former Dutch queen, and witness the archaeological finds on display at Bonaire Museum. Bari Reef is a great place for diving, while Lac Bay is a popular spot to have lunch and drinks in the sunshine.

• Day 5: Willemstad, Curacao

  Arrive in Willemstad — founded in 1634 and now the capital city of Curaçao. Explore the Hato Caves or see beautiful flora and fauna at Christoffel National Park. There are sea lions to visit at Curaçao Sea Aquarium; lots of shops at Punda; and a church and museum at the nearly 400-year-old Fort Amsterdam. Stroll by pastel-coloured buildings with a hint of Dutch design in the city centre and head to the Maritime Museum or Kura Hulanda to learn about the island's history. You can buy souvenirs from Willemstad's floating market and even visit a distillery to try the local liquor. Sunbathe on the beach, have a go at snorkelling and diving, swim with dolphins, and dine on cuisine influenced by Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

• Day 6: Oranjestad, Aruba

  Today, you can admire the picture-perfect beaches and exotic flowers of Oranjestad — Aruba's main port and capital city. Stroll around the Dutch colonial buildings and shop for chocolates, Dutch-made porcelain, and jewellery — particularly gold which was mined here during the 19th century. If you love the sand and sea; you have Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, and Arashi Beach all within easy reach. Step on the ferry to Palm Island and relax on the white sand or splash around at the water park. Take an off-road vehicle tour of the wild northeast coast or visit a former gold mine. You can also explore the Quadiriki and Fontein Caves at Arikok National Park; get up close to animals at Donkey Sanctuary Aruba and Aruba Ostrich Farm; and dine at one of the city's seafood restaurants on the waterfront.

• Day 7: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 8: Bridgetown, Barbados

  The port city of Bridgetown nestles on Barbados' southwest coast. It's easy to see why Bridgetown is known as 'Little England' with its colonial architecture, Lord Nelson Statue, and Parliament Square. Explore National Heroes Square, Trafalgar Square, St Michael's Cathedral, the 1000-year-old Baobab tree in Queen's Park, and the Garrison Historic area. Delve into Barbados's Jewish history on a visit to the UNESCO-listed Nidhe Israel Synagogue's museum and indulge in retail therapy on Broad Street. Make a beeline for Carlisle Bay with its six shipwreck dive sites, Browne's Beach, and yacht club. Admire stunning views and rugged island landscapes on a jeep island safari or witness the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison's Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience - sail on a catamaran to swim with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

• Day 9: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 10: St John's, Antigua

  St John's on the Caribbean island of Antigua is your next stop. This pretty capital city not only gives you access to Antigua's 365 stunning beaches; but is also packed with attractions including English Harbour and the historic Nelson's Dockyard. A visit to the colourful St John's street market is a must, and you’ll also find great shopping and dining in Heritage Quay. Travel to Shirley Heights Lookout for superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours. A 90-minute ferry ride from Bryson Wharf takes you to Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, to explore the Arawak Caves and Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

• Day 11: Philipsburg, St Maarten

  The ship drops anchor today at St Maarten's Dutch capital city - Philipsburg. Stroll along the shops on bustling Front Street or enjoy a couple of hours’ beach time at Great Bay. Fly through the trees at the Fly Zone at Loterie Farm or explore the island by quad bike. Witness local plant and animal life at St Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, get up close to parrots and monkeys at St Maarten Zoo, and encounter caterpillars and butterflies at the Butterfly Farm. Experience the displays of artefacts from the indigenous Arawak people at the Sint Maarten Museum and the ruins of the 17th-century Fort Amsterdam. You can also swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Anguilla or admire heart-stopping views in the Pic du Paradis hills.

• Day 12: Road Town, British Virgin Islands

  Rich in history and old-world Caribbean charm, Road Town – the capital of the British Virgin Islands - is the perfect place to spend the day. Visit the historic Sunday Morning Well where the 'Proclamation of Emancipation' - giving freedom from slavery - was read in 1834. Explore the shops and eateries on Main Street or pick up locally-made crafts by the waterfront. Taste authentic Caribbean rum cocktails at the legendary Pusser's Bar or unwind on the powder-white sand of Cane Garden Bay. Discover colourful exotic plants at JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens or join a hiking trip to Sage Mountain National Park. A short boat trip to view The Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda's north shore is a must-do, too.

• Day 13: Basseterre, St Kitts

  Basseterre is the capital city of St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. Explore the shops and bars of The Circus or pay a visit to the cathedral, courthouse, and fountain of Independence Square. On the outskirts of the city, you'll discover Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens and to the northwest are Romney Manor and the Wingfield Estate. Take a ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway to discover deep ravines, black-sand beaches, and Mount Liamuiga volcano. Admire the views over sugarcane fields from the 17th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.

• Day 14: Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe

  Pointe-A-Pitre is a city on the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe. Place de la Victoire is brimming with cafes and colonial homes and is the perfect spot for exploration. Delve into the Caribbean's slave trade at Memorial ACTe or head to the shores of Plage de la Datcha to swim, sunbathe, and check out the local eateries. Discover the life of the island's famous poet and Nobel Laureate at Musée Saint-John Perse and the yellow and white Cathédrale de St Pierre et St Paul is the ideal photo opportunity. Shop for handmade goods, local produce, and souvenirs at Spice Market and Market Darse. Visit nearby Le Grosier; the gateway to over 60 species of tropical fish at Aquarium de la Guadeloupe and the ruins of Fort Fleur d'Epé.

• Day 15: Bridgetown, Barbados > UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end.