Caribbean Classic: An Epic Sailing Voyage Aboard Sea Cloud II

The Sea Cloud II sails the natural features of the Caribbean and visits colonial towns, historic forts and botanical gardens. Learn about reef ecology while snorkeling among colorful corals and tropical fish, and discover the surprising mosaic of cultures created by the French, Dutch, English and Spanish who traded these islands as pawns and left their persisting imprints in a diversity of historic culture and architecture. During your time aboard, your guides will help to illuminate and navigate these cultures, both historic and contemporary.

Itinerary

Day 1: U.S./Barbados/Embark

Embark your ship the Sea Cloud II in Barbados and set sail on your exploration of the wonders of the Caribbean.

Day 2: Under Sail

You have the day to enjoy one of the great pleasures of travel: sailing aboard your barque, seeing the crew go aloft unfurling the sails the traditional way ? by hand ? as you sail the trade winds. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the many amenities of your unique sailing vessel.

Day 3: Dominica

Dominica is called the ?Nature Island? because of its beauty and many reserves. Hike through enchanting rain forest, walk up to the ruins of 18th-century Fort Shirley with your Historian, or go for a swim and snorkel. Sail in the late afternoon to Iles des Saintes

Day 4: Iles des Saintes/Under Sail

Iles des Saintes are decidedly French in character. Visit the town?s shops, galleries and cafés, don some snorkeling gear, or walk with your Historian up to Fort Napoleon for panoramic vistas. This afternoon set sail in the Guadeloupe Channel, where the winds fill the square sails in a glorious spectacle. Conditions permitting, Zodiacs are lowered so you can go alongside and get great photographs of the Sea Cloud II.

Day 5: Under Sail/Falmouth Bay, Antigua

After a morning?s sailing, arrive at Falmouth Bay in Antigua, in the heart of historical Nelson?s Dockyard. This was the Caribbean center of the British Navy, with a convoluted shoreline rich in square-rigged history. Join your historian and local guides for an orientation to the bays, then enjoy a stroll on your own. Or you may wish to take a taxi to a nearby beach.

Day 6: Prickly Pear Cay, Anguilla/Under Sail

Today is devoted to relaxing and swimming from a remote white-sand beach on one of Anguilla?s offshore islands, Prickly Pear Cay. Later, hoist sails and aim for an overnight sail toward the British Virgin Islands.

Day 7: Under Sail/Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Today is spent exploring the scenic islands of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. After lunch, anchor at lovely Jost Van Dyke to hike, swim or snorkel.

Day 8: Virgin Gorda

Take a morning excursion from Spanish Town to ?The Baths,? stunning formations of granite boulders that create grottoes, pools of water, arches and tunnels. It?s one of the Caribbean?s classic natural sights. You?ll rejoin the ship in North Bay, with time to visit the landmark Bitter End Yacht Club.

Day 9: St. Barts

Once belonging to Sweden and now characteristically French, Saint-Barthelemy remains unique in its character, culture, and magnetic lifestyle appeal. Stroll the harbor to explore the old Swedish architecture or the dazzling modern yachts, shop the range of local boutique stores or international trendsetters. Take a swim at the famous Shell Beach, rent a car or scooter to tour the island, or enjoy dining in the harbor.

Day 10: St. Kitt?s

With a mountainous interior and rugged coastline, St. Kitts is striking. Enjoy the drive through coastal villages to the imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. A UNESCO site, the views from the top of this volcanic mound are stunning. Then drive to Romney Manor and Gardens, which is an old sugar plantation that now houses the Caribelle Batik Studio. This afternoon swim or sail, depending on conditions.

Day 11: At Sea, Under Sail

The day is devoted to being at sea, under sail. Take a stem-to-stern tour of the ship?s sails and rigging, or head up to the Bridge. Then enjoy the impeccable service and cuisine as the almost-lost art of being at sea under sail begins to feel very natural.

Day 12: Soufrière & Les Pitons, St. Lucia

This morning you anchor under the iconic twin peaks of St. Lucia, called ?Les Pitons.? Drive through the active crater, plunge under a tropical waterfall, explore the beautiful botanical gardens, and finish with an incredible view from the hills above. In the afternoon, sail southward.

Day 13: Under Sail/Bequia, the Grenadines

After a morning?s sailing, arrive at tiny Bequia. Stroll the quaint waterfront, swim and snorkel, or visit the sea turtle sanctuary. Enjoy dinner aboard, or if you wish, take in the laid-back evening scene ashore.

Day 14: Exploring the Grenadines/Under Sail

The day is devoted to exploring the idyllic Grenadines, with their quintessential tropical cays. Explore white coral beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Spend time enjoying the Sea Cloud II under sail, before heading back to Barbados.

Day 15: Barbados/Disembark/Home

Disembark in Barbados and board your independent flight home.