Gems of the Caribbean Sea 42 night Cruise Only - from £3189

<p>London Tilbury, a key entry point to the UK capital, is nestled along the River Thames in Essex. Discover waterfront attractions like Tilbury Fort, which offers a window into the rich maritime history of this quintessential port town on the Thames Estuary.</p>

<p>Whilst you&rsquo;re in this tiny coastal town in the far-flung Azores, be sure to take in some unforgettable whale-watching, visit the delightful Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo das Miseric&oacute;rdias church with its dual altar, or simply savour the magnificent local cuisine.<br>Please note that whales typically appear April to October.</p>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Balmy Bridgetown welcomes visitors with its vibrant Caribbean charm and colonial history. From historic landmarks to lively markets, the capital of Barbados invites travellers to explore a mix of diverse cultures and relax on pristine beaches.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Saint George's, the capital of Grenada, offers a variety of cultural experiences. Search for local spices like nutmeg at the markets, tour historic forts including Fort George for stunning views, and indulge in local cuisine like 'oil down' &ndash; a hearty stew featuring breadfruit, salted meat, and aromatic spices.</p> </div>

<p>Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city centre has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary&rsquo;s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby</p>

<p>The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size &ndash; just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide &ndash; St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Let the colorful streets and stunning waterfront views captivate your senses, offering an unforgettable taste of Martinique&rsquo;s rich heritage and tropical beauty. Stroll through the bustling La Savane Park, visit the historic Fort Saint-Louis, and explore the lively local markets.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Pointe a Pitre, on the island of Guadeloupe, blends Caribbean charm with French sophistication. Explore the vibrant markets filled with tropical fruits and spices or take a trip to the stunning beaches of Grande-Terre. The island&rsquo;s warm atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes will leave you enchanted.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>In Roseau, Dominica&rsquo;s natural beauty takes centre stage. Hike through lush rainforests to cascading waterfalls or relax in the bubbling hot springs of Wotten Waven. Roseau is a haven for nature lovers, where the island&rsquo;s untouched wilderness invites you to reconnect with the Earth.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>The Dominican Republic's capital Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Stroll through the historic Zona Colonial, which has buildings dating back to the 1500s. Visit museums, lounge in a sun-washed plaza, or take a dip in the blue waters off one of the city's many public beaches.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Formerly a tiny fishing village, Ocho Rios is a launchpad for exploring nearby rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls. Fans of the James Bond franchise will appreciate that the town was featured in several 007 films. Balmy and quiet, Ocho Rios is perfect for an exciting day out or relaxing on the beach.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>Montego Bay, Jamaica's vibrant resort city, beckons with its Caribbean allure. Delight in historic Rose Hall, relax on Doctor's Cave Beach, and savour Jamaican cuisine along the Hip Strip. With its rich culture and stunning beaches, Montego Bay is a true tropical paradise.</p> </div>

<div class="prose prose-ol:pl-7 prose-ul:pl-7 prose-li:pl-0"> <p>The capital of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, a place that offers endless delights for visitors of all kinds. Bask in the sun on scenic Cane Garden Bay, meander along historic Main Street, and explore colourful marine life while snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Smuggler's Cove.</p> </div>

<p>The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1&frac12; km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a &frac12;-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and caf&eacute;s. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.</p>

<p>Mountainous St. Kitts, the first English settlement in the Leeward Islands, crams some stunning scenery into its 65 square miles (168 square km). Vast, brilliant green fields of sugarcane (the former cash crop, now slowly being replanted) run to the shore. The fertile, lush island has some fascinating natural and historical attractions: a rain forest replete with waterfalls, thick vines, and secret trails; a central mountain range dominated by the 3,792-foot Mt. Liamuiga, whose crater has long been dormant; and Brimstone Hill, known in the 18th century as the Gibraltar of the West Indies. St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Anguilla, achieved self-government as an associated state of Great Britain in 1967. In 1983 St. Kitts and Nevis became an independent nation. English with a strong West Indian lilt is spoken here. People are friendly but shy; always ask before you take photographs. Also, be sure to wear wraps or shorts over beach attire when you're in public places.</p>

<p>With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John&rsquo;s has been the administrative capital since the island&rsquo;s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.</p>

<p>Offering solace on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is the Azores Islands' largest city, and a welcome relief for any weary sailor. Located on an archipelago of Portuguese islands, some 1,100 miles from the mainland, you can explore humbling volcanic scenery, as well as Sao Miguel's verdant landscape - which glows with colour when the hydrangeas that the Azores are known for bloom into life during the summer months. The striking black and white facade of the Church of Sao Jose welcomes you to the city itself, while you can head to the markets to pick up the pineapples, tea leaves and coffee beans that add a little flavour to the island. As the largest city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is well stocked with places to eat delicious local seafood, or pick up a little shopping, as you enjoy setting your feet on dry land, following a long journey at sea. Volcanic firepower has carved these stunning islands, and a journey up to Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a must do, where you can hike beside the water-filled crater, and admire views of steep green walls, and the uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond them. Lagoa de Fogo offers yet more humbling views, with the crater lake dropping off sharply to rippled ocean far below.</p>

<p>Arrive in London Tilbury at 8:00 am</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>

<p>Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.</p>