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Lesser Antilles and Beyond

A voyage from Barbados to Costa Rica aboard the MS Island Sky

Let us take you to some of the loveliest and untouched islands in the glorious West Indies. With so many ships sailing in the Caribbean Sea you might well ask what is so different about our journey. The answer is the itinerary. Our voyage through the islands of the Southern West Indies and Central Americas keeps us away from the touristically over developed islands and ports and well away from the new titan’s of the sea. These three thousand plus passenger cruise ships inhabit a very different world and fortunately there are still areas and islands that remain outside their orbit.

In creating a successful itinerary through the ‘Hidden Caribbean’ it is important to find the right mix of islands. On this journey we have a marvellous mix of ports from the lush plantations of the Grenadines to remote Venezuelan islands and archipelagos. Here the beauty is breathtaking and the surrounding crystal clear waters teem with all manner of fish, a snorkeller’s delight. Contrasting with these idyllic desert islands we have calls in the Dutch Antilles, beautiful in their own right but what makes them unique is their Netherlands heritage, much evident in the architecture, names and lifestyle.

On this itinerary we also touch the South American mainland with a call at Cartagena, a wonderfully charismatic port with fine restored colonial buildings, before heading for Panama and Costa Rica. It is here we have the opportunity to witness the timeless culture of the ancient Kuna tribes on the stepping stone islands of San Blas as well as a day viewing the Panama Canal and the rich plant and bird life of central Panama. Our final stop is Puerto Limon in Costa Rica. Here we travel by special long boats into the jungle to view an amazing variety of plant and wildlife, including many hundreds of brightly coloured species of bird.
Departures
Lesser Antilles and Beyond
01 March, 2012 to 15 March, 2012 Make a booking request

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Magellan Deck (Forward) £5195.00 GBP pp
Magellan Deck £5895.00 GBP pp
Columbus Deck £6495.00 GBP pp
Magellan Deck - Solo (Forward) £6895.00 GBP pp
Marco Polo Deck £7295.00 GBP pp
Marco Polo Deck £7595.00 GBP pp
Magellan Deck - Solo £7595.00 GBP pp
Erikson Deck £8195.00 GBP pp
Columbus Deck - Solo £8695.00 GBP pp
Explorer Deck £8695.00 GBP pp

Lesser Antilles and Beyond itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO BARBADOS.
Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the MS Island Sky in Bridgetown, embark and sail.
Day 2 - CARRIACOU & GRENADA.
Arrive this morning in the lovely Grenadines and the island of Carriacou. Here is an island that has its priorities right, over a hundred rum shops, but only one petrol station. After a leisurely morning ashore sail during lunch across to its big sister island, Grenada. Explore this wonderful Windward island, which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean.
Day 3 - LOS TESTIGOS, VENEZUELA.
From one island paradise to another, we sail across to Los Testigos. Again, we can promise you wonderful beaches here and as there are only a handful of fishermen resident, you can have one to yourself. Behind the line of coconut trees are huge dunes and if you are feeling fit, an ascent will reward you with stunning views.
Day 4 - LOS ROQUES, VENEZUELA.
This group of tiny Venezuelan islands is just the type of place small yachts seek out, certainly not normal large cruise ships. The beaches here are amazing with fine coral sand and are virtually deserted, as are the lagoons and atolls all surrounded by the clearest water imaginable. We have the day to explore this pristine archipelago which is an important national park with abundant marine life.
Day 5 - ISLAS LAS AVES.
Stretched along Venezuela’s northern coast are islands known only to mariners and a few hardy fishermen. We explore a system of narrow mangrove channels on the island of Barlovento, which has an immense colony of red-footed boobies.
Day 6 - BONAIRE, DUTCH ANTILLES.
The island of Bonaire is a naturalist’s paradise. In the morning, we visit Washington Slagbaai National Park, created to protect some of the Caribbean’s last remaining desert habitat. Among its stands of cactus, we see flocks of native parrots and in one of the lagoons go looking for the resident flock of flamingos. In the afternoon, continue our exploration underwater. Bonaire is world famous for the variety of its coral and fish, and for the exceptional clarity of its water. Bonaire’s largest town, Kralendijk, is a charming place with many fine examples of classic Dutch colonial architecture.
Day 7 - ARUBA.
This morning we arrive at our second port in the Dutch Antilles, at the picturesque port of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. Join a drive around the island, through the arid landscape where the cactus and boulders usually outnumber the divi-divi trees and flowering bushes. Alternatively, explore Oranjestad on foot, it is a charming place of quaint Dutch architecture, a busy harbour and some interesting historic buildings. Afternoon at sea.
Day 8 - AT SEA.
AT SEA.
Day 9 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA.
Steeped in history, Cartagena is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. We will explore the old walled city which is virtually surrounded by water. There is a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings to be seen including some fine churches. Our local guides will bring the history of Cartagena to life as we walk its streets and ramparts. This afternoon there will be the option of spending some time on the beach or a canal trip through the mangroves.
Day 10 - SAN BLAS ISLANDS, PANAMA.
The idyllic San Blas Islands form an archipelago close to Panama’s northern coast, inhabited for centuries by the Kuna Indians. Although the Kuna have farms on the nearby mainland, they live in island communities, keeping their traditional lifestyles essentially intact. Subject to permission we hope to land in our Zodiacs at one of their villages, the and Kuna invariably turn out to greet us adorned with the colourful ‘molas’.
Day 11 - COLON, PANAMA.
Early this morning, sail past Portobello, a once important trading city of the Spanish Main. Sir Francis Drake is buried here overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Arrrive in Colon this morning and drive to the Mirafl ores Locks to see the Panama Canal from the viewing platform. Continue to the Summit Botanical Gardens which was fi rst established in 1923 and contains over 15,000 species of plant.
Day 12 - BOCAS DEL TORO.
Bordered by Costa Rica to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Cordillera Central mountains to the south, the pristine islands Bocas del Toro are part of a marine national park and simply beautiful. Visit the town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon, a charming place untouched by mass tourism.
Day 13 - PUERTO LIMON, COSTA RICA.
This morning we reach Costa Rica. From the Port of Puerto Limon we drive north to the Tortuguero National Park, home to more than 2000 plant species and over 400 species of birds together with a number of endangered mammals. Drive through vast banana plantations to the tiny port of Moin. Here we board long boats that take us into the waterways of the park for eye-level views of the astounding wildlife. Moor overnight in Puerto Limon.
Day 14 - PUERTO LIMON TO LONDON.
Disembark this morning. Drive to San Jose for your return fl ight to London.
Day 15 - LONDON.
Morning arrival.
Map for Lesser Antilles and Beyond

Island Sky - Discounts Apply!

*** Enquire Now for current discounts! *** MS Island Sky underwent a significant multi-million pound refurbishment in May 2010 to make her one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Cabin layout for Island Sky - Discounts Apply!