Eastern Caribbean Cruise - from Bridgetown - 127767

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados. This city, with a population of 6,700 lies at the South coast of the country. Tourists will find a huge range of shopping options and an exciting nightlife at the ultra-modern port facility of this idyllic little town. Bridgetown has a historic synagogue, built by Brazilian Jews in 1627, shortly after the founding of the British colony. A variety of water sports are on offer at the beaches at Dover, Rockley and Needhams Point.

Curacao is the longest of the ABC islands. The buildings on the island reflect both the Dutch and the Caribbean influence. The capital of the island, which is home to people from over 50 countries, is Willemstad.

Aruba is one of the ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. Aruba is the smallest and most westerly of the three. Located 30 km before the coast of Venezuela, it is 30 km long and at no point wider than 9 km. While raw limestone cliffs shape the Northern coast, inland the landscape is flat and, as a result of the warm, dry climate, is bursting with a rich flora and fauna. In the South and West of Aruba you will find magical Caribbean beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, the most famous of which is "Palm Beach". The pretty island capital of Oranjestad, built in the Dutch colonial style, has the Wilhelmina Park for those who just want to relax, and the colourful market where you can take a stroll.

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados. This city, with a population of 6,700 lies at the South coast of the country. Tourists will find a huge range of shopping options and an exciting nightlife at the ultra-modern port facility of this idyllic little town. Bridgetown has a historic synagogue, built by Brazilian Jews in 1627, shortly after the founding of the British colony. A variety of water sports are on offer at the beaches at Dover, Rockley and Needhams Point.

St. Lucia, a small island state in the eastern Caribbean, is part of the Lesser Antilles. With its tropical climate and the exotic rainforest the island is a dream for sun-worshippers and explorers alike. The wide beaches are perfect for diving and snorkelling; walkers and nature lovers can explore the rainforest or visit the only volcanic crater that can be accessed. The capital, Castries, has excellent shopping and visitors can even watch silk being made. Historic buildings and a fort overlooking the town are a reminder of the British and French occupation and rule of the island. Sights include: Hill of Good Luck, Marigot Bay, historic colonial buildings, Pigeon Island Nature Park with its museum.

Antigua and Barbuda are part of the "Windward Islands" in the North East of the Caribbean. With a total area of 280 km², the majority of the population of 65,000 live on Antigua. This island's coast is shaped by countless bays and natural harbours with a large number of white sandy beaches. Inland, the countryside is flat and fertile and the north and north-east are made of rock formations that look like coral. The hills in the south -west of the island, in contast, are volcanic. In addition to the natural attractions of the island, the capital of the country, St. John's, has several sights worth seeing: the cathedral, taller than any other building in the city, the National Museum, the market and the Heritage and Redcliffe Quay shopping centres.

The little island of Sint Maarten is split in two. The quiet North belongs to France and the lively South to the Netherlands. The capital of the Dutch part is Philipsburg, where the cruise ship port is situated. Many casinos, shops, discos and restaurants mean a varied evening's entertainment is guaranteed. It is quieter and closer to nature inland, where ramblers will enjoy the walk to Paradise Peak.