You are invited to a soiree that will be unlike any other; a prestigious experience when a magical mixology of onboard celebrations go beyond the calendar calculation of time and space.
The merriment departs from San Juan, where perhaps you will visit the artsy neighbourhood of Santurce where free spirited and splashy creativity may set you in the mood to see life from a new perspective. Anticipation builds as we call upon the eden-like enclave of St. Kitts with its looming mountains, gentle beaches, shimmering fields of sugar cane and, with this being a former English colony, a proper “Circus” modelled after London’s famed Piccadilly and set in the middle of buzzy Basseterre. In Martinique, the Isle of Flowers, we find a rainbow of butterflies and flowers in colours too numerous to count. Giant tree ferns sway in the morning dew near the volcano, Mount Pelée, and vast botanical gardens and wild expanses abound thanks to two thirds of the island preserved as a national park. Have you ever seen such beauty? Tonight, a gala dinner, dancing, live music, midnight countdown and champagne toasts. The first day of 2024, you awake to see the new year across a warm and welcoming sea.
Rested and renewed, we call on Samana. Distinctive in character, forged through music, dancing, poetry, and sea-to-table dining including the signature Samanense dish of Pescado con coco. From the most mountainous island, we sail into a horizon that astonishingly blurs the space between the infinite sky and sea to find a gentle rise of island that punctuates a deep connection to the environment. Welcome to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, our contemporary private island that allows you to truly escape the 21st century and live in the moment. From the sensational to the sublime, we end in Miami Beach, where blindingly white beaches, a blazing hot nightlife are the perfect beginning to a New Year in “The Magic City.”
Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.
Day 2Basseterre, Saint Kitts
Formed by volcanoes, St Kitts fertile soil is so rich it turns monkeys green. Trek through miles of rainforest amongst colourful wildlife to conquer the highest peak of Mount Liamuiga so you can peer into the mile-wide crater, or bravely descend to sniff the sulphur. Experience a train ride, sailing trip, cooking class, sky safari zip-line, or creative batik fabric workshops. Visit sugarcane plantations, the Narrows between St Kitts and Nevis and the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress for spectacular views of neighbouring islands. You’ll find this special island small in size yet tall in standing, as well as big on charm.
Day 3Saint Pierre
Embrace Martinique’s natural joie de vivre. Volcanic in origin, Gallic in heritage and Creole at heart; explore old sugar plantations, premium rum distilleries, cocoa farms and St Pierre ruins at the foothills of the still smouldering Mont Pelée. Chase the Saut du Gendarme waterfall, explore the 10 million-year-old Caravelle peninsula, roam northern beach dusky sands and visit Le Carbet made famous by the artist Gauguin. And as you slow down to contemplate the sweet concoction of the national punch, you’ll understand why the Creole and French blend makes Martinique so magical.
Day 5Samaná
A heavenly haven of sun-dappled beaches wrapped in majestic mountains and immersed in lively Hispanic culture. Snorkel, sail, sunbathe, enrol in a local cooking class, or climb and hike through scenic trails in verdant mountains. Pick up some pace to head further offshore by speed boat or use a quad bike to explore little Latino towns, The Mangrove Forest and the caves of Los Haitises National Park. Then re-hydrate and re-vitalise with freshly cracked coconut water as you tumble into sugar-white sands stroked by crystal-clear waters.
Day 7Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve
Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.
Day 8Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.
