Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Philipsburg - 105461

Sint Maarten with its capital Philipsburg is the smaller, Dutch part of the magical Caribbean island peacefully shared by the Netherlands and France since 1648. The Dutch part of the island is one of the most popular shopping and holiday destinations in the Caribbean. In Philipsburg alone there are more than 500 shops in the pastel-coloured Dutch style where tourists can buy luxury goods at up to 50% less than the standard retail price. The best place to experience real Caribbean atmosphere is at the Saturday market in the capital. Sights include: the zoo, the Philipsburg Museum, the fort at Great Bay Harbour, the casino and the beaches.

Gustavia is the capital of St. Barth's, one of the Lesser Antilles Islands. The island belonged to Sweden for a spell during the 18th century and the town is named after the king at that time, Gustav III. Gustavia is characterised by its low stone and wooden houses. The many exclusive boutiques and tax-free luxury shops are the perfect place for a spot of shopping. In the evening, people congregate in the many restaurants and bars of the bustling town centre. Sights include: "Wall House", the historical museum of Saint Barth and the old bell tower. From Fort Gustave you can enjoy a fantastic view of the whole island.

Charleston is the largest town on the volcanic island of Nevis, which is part of the western chain of the Leeward islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Even today, this port radiates the old-fashioned charm of the West-Indian colonial islands. Charlestown has the best shopping amenities on the island and restaurants serving a range of true culinary delights. Sights include: the palm-lined picture-postcard beach, Pinney's Beach, the Cotton Ginnery Complex shopping mall, the Bathhouse with hot sulphur springs and a hot spring.

Falmouth Harbour, the third-largest natural harbour in the world, is a busy but relaxing port in the eastern Caribbean. The town has a wide range of amenities and is the perfect starting point for boat trips around the estuary and the Caribbean Ocean.

Pointe-à-Pitre, the capital of the French Antilles island of Guadeloupe, is a colourful port and trading town surrounded by long, white, sandy beaches, The town has a number of attractive buildings, include the Place de la Victoire, the Schoelcher Museum and the St. John's Perse Museum in the former manor houses in the colonial style. The colourful market and lots of shops and boutiques on the Rue Frebault, the Rue de Nozière and the Rue Schoelcher make them the perfect place for a stroll.