West Indies Explorer

Enjoy an overview of the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis and get an up-close look at the island’s colonial splendor. Drive to Basseterre, one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean. Pass by impressive Victorian and Georgian architecture and view important landmarks such as the Berkeley Memorial Clock Tower and Independence Square; once a slave market, today it is home to a picturesque fountain. Next, stop at the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden, a 300-year-old colonial property. Explore its preserved rooms, including the kitchen with its volcanic stone and brick oven, and watch a cookery demonstration featuring the island’s famed Johnny Cakes. After a tasting, follow the stone bridge to the lush tropical botanical garden, where many of the plants date back to the 1700s. Finally, call at Timothy Hill to take in impressive views from the hilltop before returning to your ship.

Embark on a guided exploration of Romney Manor, one of the island’s most significant historic estates. Depart your ship and journey to this serene property, nestled within the grounds of the Wingfield Estate, the earliest English settlement in the Eastern Caribbean. Upon arrival, meet your guide and set out on foot to explore the grounds. Stroll past towering saman trees and tropical plants as you learn about the manor’s rich history—during the 17th century, the property was owned by Samuel Jefferson II, a direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson. Next, watch a demonstration of batik, a traditional textile technique where plain fabric is transformed into vivid works of art using a wax-resist dyeing process. After, sip on a complimentary beverage and enjoy free time to explore more on your own or peruse the gift shop for a memento of your visit before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the lush beauty and rich culture and history of St. Kitts. Discover Basseterre, with its traditional French and Victorian architecture, old churches, West Indian cottages and former slave market, with insightful narrative from your local driver. At the Romney Manor botanical gardens and Caribelle Batik studios, stroll stunning pathways lined with tropical flora and observe local artisans as they produce colorful batik fabrics. You will also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brimstone Hill Fortress. Take a walk through the 1690 citadel, admiring sweeping ocean views as you learn about its fascinating history. At the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden, explore preserved rooms, including the original kitchen and the bathing room, and explore the lush tropical garden that dates back to the 1700s. After, return to your ship.

Relax and take in the view on a scenic and historic train ride into the magnificent heart of an unspoiled country. Transfer with your guide to the island’s Needsmust Station, where you will board the only railcars of their kind in the world. The “Island Series” of the St. Kitts Scenic Railway are double-decked, with an open air observation platform on top that puts you high above the sugarcane and island vegetation. You can also watch the lush countryside pass by from the lower air-conditioned parlor, featuring huge six-foot vaulted windows, colorful artwork by local artists and charming rattan furnishings. Skirt the volcanic slopes of Mt. Liamuiga, cross numerous tall steel-girder bridges, see dramatic black-sand beaches and pass crumbling plantations. Along the way, gaze upon sweeping vistas of nearby Nevis, St. Bart’s, St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. Enjoy complimentary drinks and an engaging and fascinating narration throughout the journey.

Take a scenic train ride through the countryside, and sail along St. Kitts’s scenic southwestern coast. You will travel in style on board custom, vintage rail cars, complete with complimentary beverages, live music entertainment and a knowledgeable guide who will share insights about the island’s people and history. Originally built a century ago to transport sugarcane from plantations to sugar factories, this historic rail line offers views of majestic mountains, lush fields and historic estates. On September 21, 1998, Hurricane Georges severely damaged the island, leaving nearly $500 million worth of damage to local property. Hear from your guide about how the islanders came together to rebuild their lives after this devastating natural disaster. Next, you will have the chance to admire the island from the clear Caribbean waters that surround it. Board your catamaran and set sail along the coast of St. Kitts, enjoying its picturesque landscape from another perspective.

Discover the natural beauty of Nevis during a scenic hike to a former sugar plantation and beachside lunch. Embark on a private water taxi headed for charming Charlestown, the capital city of the tropical island of Nevis and known as the “Queen of the Caribbean.” Enjoy the scenic views as you journey to the trailhead, where you will  begin your guided hike up to the rainforest and coconut plantations along the slopes of Nevis Peak. Keep watch for green monkeys and listen for tree frogs as you wind your way down the bamboo palm-lined path. You will also enjoy stunning views of Nevis’s west coast and neighboring islands. Then, head down to Pinney’s Beach, where a delicious Caribbean-style lunch will be served at the Lime Beach Bar. After, relax in a beachside lounge chair or take a swim in the turquoise waters offshore before returning to your awaiting ship.

Learn about the rich tradition of batik during a hands-on class at a historic manor house. Admire the rugged beauty of St. Kitts during a scenic drive to the elegant Romney Manor, located on the expansive Winfield Estate. Dating back to the 17th century, this former sugarcane plantation was once owned by an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US; today, it is home to pristine gardens and a thriving batik enterprise. A centuries-old technique, batik uses dye-resistant wax applied on fabric to create intricately designed and colored cloth for textile purposes. You will have an opportunity to watch this intriguing process in action, then take part in creating your own unique piece. You will also explore the estate’s lush botanical gardens and stop to gaze upon the 400-year-old saman tree, the largest living organism on St. Kitts.

Experience St. Kitts and Nevis from a different perspective during a narrated helicopter flight above the islands. Transfer to St. Kitts Airport to meet your pilot and receive a briefing, before boarding your helicopter and ascending into the sky over South Friar’s Bay. Your pilot will choose the best route depending on weather conditions. Keep your camera on hand as you fly low over crystal-clear ocean waters and admire towering Nevis Peak, the dormant Mt. Liamuiga volcano and Black Rocks, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. Your panoramic tour will also take you over plantation houses, sugarcane fields and white-sand beaches, and offer a bird’s-eye view of the cities of Charlestown and Basseterre. At the end of your flight, you will return to the airport, then your ship. Please note: maximum weight to participate is 230 lbs per person and the maximum height is 6’4”.

Bask in the relaxed atmosphere of one of Basseterre’s premier resorts. Depart your ship and drive to the Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort, set high on a hillside overlooking the point where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. Inhale the fresh mountain air, then enjoy several hours to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings and the resort’s amenities. You may choose to take a dip in the resort’s swimming pool or enjoy a spa experience in the jacuzzi. Towels are provided for guests’ use, and lounges are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Or you may soak up the Caribbean sunshine and relax, before heading to the restaurant to savor a delicious three-course lunch prepared with organic ingredients grown on the island. At the conclusion of your visit, you will return to your ship refreshed and rejuvenated.

Learn about bean cultivation and enjoy a tasting of locally grown coffee at Liamuiga Natural Farm. Set out on a drive across St. Kitts’s central plain toward the forested slopes of Mount Liamuiga, the island’s highest peak. Upon arrival at Liamuiga Natural Farm, a restored estate and the only working coffee farm in St. Kitts, set out for a guided walk among the coffee plants. Learn how elevation, rainfall and organic practices shape cultivation and listen as your guide explains the production process, from harvesting to sun‑drying and small‑batch roasting. After, you will enjoy a coffee tasting that highlights flavors influenced by the island’s volcanic terrain. At the end of your visit, you will receive a complimentary bag of locally produced coffee that reflects St. Kitts’s evolving agricultural heritage, before returning to your ship.