7 Night Cruise sailing from Bridgetown roundtrip aboard Wind Surf.

Highlights of this cruise:

Bridgetown

Barbados is an ideal Caribbean destination, whether you want to bake in the sun or spend your time discovering island life and culture.

The beaches along the West and South coasts are lovely. Because they're open to the public, though, they lack the privacy some visitors may seek. Elsewhere on the island, linked by almost 900 miles of good roads, are small villages, historic plantation houses, stalactite-studded caves, a wildlife preserve, and the Andromeda Gardens, one of the most attractive small tropical gardens in the world. Culturally, Barbados has retained a very British atmosphere: Afternoon tea is a ritual, cricket is the national passion, and a few luxury hotels request a jacket and tie at dinner.

But Barbados is true blue Caribbean as well, with classic sand beaches, and wild monkeys in the jungle.

Castries
St. Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands. Located between St. Vincent and Martinique, there is a hint of the South Pacific about this lush, beautiful island. Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia is one of the most beautifully situated Caribbean cities. Surrounded by hills, its large, safe harbor at the head of a wide bay is a constant hive of activity. Castries is a major port of call for cruise ships, which dock at Pointe Seraphine.

The spacious Derek Walcott Square features the 19th-century Catholic Cathedral standing in the shade of a 400-year-old samaan tree. There is also a colorful, bustling market. Morne Fortune, ‘hill of good luck’, affords the visitor the chance to inspect the fortification which defends Castries. It also provides a magnificent panorama of the city and the surrounding area.

There are a wide variety of shopping experiences from Castries market, where local crafts are available, to Po inte Seraphine and La Place Carenage, two duty free shopping centers in Castries where resort wear, Colombian Emeralds jewelry, cosmetics and perfumes are available. A variety of shopping malls with extended opening hours offer a wide selection of boutiques and restaurants.

Mayreau
Mayreau is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and lies in the middle of the Grenadines, close to the famous Tobago Cays. It is the smallest island of the Grenadines, all inhabitants live in the village on the south-west side of the island. There is a trail from Saltwhistle Bay to the village that is currently being improved. The village boasts four bars and restaurants and colorful local rum shops with domino tournaments and pool tables.

Two beautiful anchorages will satisfy those cruising the islands. Salt Whistle Bay has a sweeping half moon beach, and the Salt Whistle Bay Club is tucked away behind it. A sailboat and motor boat is available to charter to the nearby Tobago cays for some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent. Hiking trails abound throughout the island with spectacular views of the neighboring Grenadines from Captains Hill.