Hays Travel Exclusive Island Hopping in the Caribbean

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Bridgetown, Barbados

  Embark on board P&O Britannia for your 14-night cruise.

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: St Maarten, Saint Maarten

  The Leeward Island of St Maarten is dual-owned - one side is French and the other side is Dutch - and offers a cosmopolitan culture, first-class dining, international shopping, and a laid-back atmosphere. Ride down the world's steepest zip line - the Flying Dutchman at Rockland Estate eco-adventure park. Relax in a treehouse-style cabana or experience the fun Fly Zone at Loterie Farm nature sanctuary in Pic Paradis. Visit Philipsburg to buy duty-free goods along Front Street and local crafts, fabrics, and handmade jewellery on Old Street. Head to Maho Beach to watch aeroplanes taking off and landing at close quarters at the island's airport. Encounter an array of macaws and iguanas at St Maarten Zoo or see the colourful butterflies and tropical flora at The Butterfly Farm. Savour a mouth-watering mix of French, Caribbean, and Creole cuisine at the beach town of Grand Case. Ascend the steps from Marigot up to the old Fort Louis for incredible island views or witness the historic cannons atop Fort Amsterdam near Philipsburg.

• Day 4: Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

  The independent Commonwealth country of Antigua and Barbuda sits where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet and comprises two namesake islands and a few smaller ones. It is famous for its secluded pink and white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees; which are the perfect locations to explore and relax. Hike through the rainforest to get to Rendezvous Bay, one of Antigua's most remote but nevertheless stunning beaches; or take a rainforest canopy tour by zip-wire. Get up close and personal with the marine life as you swim with stingrays at Stingray City or encounter the local birdlife at Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Get cultural at English Harbour’s Georgian-era marina, Nelson's Dockyard, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. St John's, the islands’ capital, boasts the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, St John’s Cathedral, and the 17th-century Government House.

• Day 5: Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

  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 6: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 7: Castries, Saint 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 8: Kingstown, St Vincent

  Kingstown is the capital and main commercial centre of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The city has a vibrant buzz of car horns, street vendors, and music which can be heard throughout the narrow streets. Kingstown is surrounded by steep hills and natural beauty. Palm trees line the streets and Fort Charlotte is the perfect spot to gaze at the stunning views of the city. Escape to the tranquil surroundings of St Vincent Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the West Indies. A trip to St George's Anglican Cathedral shouldn't be missed; the stained glass will take your breath away.

• Day 9: Grenada, Grenada

  Grenada is a Caribbean country comprising smaller surrounding islands and the main island also called Grenada. Referred to as the 'Spice Isle'; Grenada is home to numerous nutmeg plantations. A crater lake in an extinct volcano, Grand Etang Lake, is a fascinating place to visit. Discover the art of traditional-style rum-making at River Antoine Rum Distillery and marvel at scenic views from the hilltop early-18th-century Fort George. The cascading waters and lush surroundings of Annandale Falls will leave you in awe and the pretty harbour and fishing destination of The Carenage is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll along the water's edge. Splash in the water, sunbathe, or snorkel near the powder-white shores of Grand Anse Beach.

• Day 10: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 11: Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba

  Bonaire is a small island in the Southern Caribbean and one of the six Dutch Caribbean Islands. This laidback island boasts a stunning desert landscape and is a favourite destination for diving, sea kayaking, caving, mountain biking, windsurfing, cliff jumping, and more. Visit the spectacular Bonaire National Marine Park and explore miles of pristine coral reefs or make new friends at the Donkey Sanctuary. Relish a panoramic drive along the beautiful northern coastline, where you can gaze out at the spectacular colour contrasts of the Caribbean Sea. Snorkel in the shallows of Lac Bay and discover young fish, sea stars, and sponges in crystal clear waters. Visit Washington Slagbaai National Park and keep your eyes peeled for lizards, birds, and donkeys.

• Day 12: Curacao, Curacao

  The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao is home to beautiful colonial architecture and beaches. Head to Cas Abao or Playa Porto Marie to soak up the sun or, for the more adventurous, try out scuba diving and snorkelling at Playa Lagun. Visit Handelskade and stroll along the picturesque stretch of pier to admire the brightly-coloured Dutch colonial buildings across St Anna Bay. Uncover over 450 species of plants and native wildlife along the driving and hiking trails around Christoffel National Park. Kura Hulanda Museum offers a wide range of artefacts, relics, and artworks which trace the history of the African slave trade on Curacao. Finish off your day enjoying a coffee whilst admiring the boats sailing through the open arm of the floating Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

• Day 13: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 14-15: 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. Today your cruise comes to an end.