08/12/2022 Southampton

Southampton

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1800.

09/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

10/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

11/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

12/12/2022 Ponta Delgada, Azores

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Scattered in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is made up of nine islands, the largest of which is Sao Miguel. Aptly known as ‘Green Island’, Sao Miguel is characterised by its volcanic landscapes – to the east lies geothermal Furnas Lake with its bubbling fumeroles and hot springs, while in the northwest the green and blue crater lakes of Sete Cidades are situated.

Optional excursions

Take in views of Fire Lake, which is set in a volcanic crater before visiting a pineapple plantation to sample the locally produced pineapple liqueur.

13/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

14/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

15/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

16/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

17/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

18/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

19/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

20/12/2022 St John’s, Antigua

St John’s, Antigua

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Located at the ‘Gateway to the Caribbean’, Antigua has a rich history, having been discovered and named by Columbus in 1493. Admiral Nelson, was stationed here in the late 18th century, and his legacy is still evident today at English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included sightseeing excursion

On an included sightseeing tour from St John’s, discover the island’s lush tropical rainforest and sheer cliffs, pausing at Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout that affords sweeping vistas.

Optional excursions

Delve into the island’s past with a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard and the colonial buildings of St John’s or join a catamaran trip out to the coral reefs.

21/12/2022 Gustavia ⚓, St Barthelemy

Gustavia ⚓, St Barthelemy

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Clear skies and secret coves framed by pristine white-sand beaches make St Barthelemy a haven for the rich and famous. Once the haunt of French Buccaneers, Gustavia is now a shoppers’ paradise with upmarket shops overflowing with duty-free goods. The tiny capital is bookended by two 17th-century forts, Fort Karl and ruined Fort Gustaf. St Barthelemy Municipal Museum explores the island’s history while the ‘Wall House’ has antiques from its brief period of Swedish rule. December 22. Road Town, Tortola. Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. In the years after Columbus’ discovery, Tortola lured pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, who would ambush ships laden with the spoils of the successful sugar production trade.

Optional excursions

Today it is the perfect place to sample some authentic rum at a traditional distillery, or discover Sage Mountain National Park, home to the highest volcanic peak of the Virgin Islands offering sweeping views of the lush green park and islands beyond.

⚓ Land by launch or tender

22/12/2022 Road Town, Tortola

Road Town, Tortola

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

In the years after Columbus’ discovery, Tortola lured pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, who would ambush ships laden with the spoils of the successful sugar production trade.

Optional excursions

Today it is the perfect place to sample some authentic rum at a traditional distillery, or discover Sage Mountain National Park, home to the highest volcanic peak of the Virgin Islands offering sweeping views of the lush green park and islands beyond.

23/12/2022 San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Puerto Rico’s capital exudes a rich heritage shaped by 400 years of colonial Spanish rule, which ended with the US invasion of 1898. The city is watched over by the massive 16th-century El Morro fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits atop a high promontory overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay. Contrast this with the cobblestone streets of the old town which are lined with pastel-coloured colonial buildings and landmarks like the San Juan Bautista Cathedral. The island remains US territory, and an included sightseeing excursion will reveal the city’s highlights.

Included sightseeing excursion

See the reveal the highlights of San Juan on an included sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursions

Join a guided walk in Old San Juan with its ancient cobblestone streets and colourful La Perla district.

24/12/2022 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The Dominican Republic spans two-thirds of Hispaniola, incorporating a variety of scenery featuring mountains, rainforest and beaches. Its capital, Santo Domingo, was founded by Bartholomew Columbus four years after his brother first set foot here in 1492. The UNESCO-listed colonial centre houses the New World’s oldest cathedral, hospital, university and fort, Fortaleza Ozama. The city is also home to the World Museum of Amber and Columbus Lighthouse, a concrete monument inaugurated 500 years after the explorer’s first voyage. See some of the highlights during an included sightseeing excursion.

Included sightseeing excursion

See some of the highlights during an included sightseeing excursion such as the seafront boulevard known as The Malecon.

25/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

26/12/2022 Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Jamaica is famous for its spirited music, rum, bobsled team and for being where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond series. Kingston, the capital, is set on the island’s south coast and backed by the Blue Mountains. Reggae legend Bob Marley’s house, 19th-century manor Devon House and Emancipation Park, which commemorates the end of slavery, can be found in the city centre. An included sightseeing excursion takes in the main sights, including the famous Bob Marley statue. Kingston is also well placed for discovering the photogenic Dunn’s River Falls.

Included sightseeing excursion

This sightseeing excursion will reveal the famous Bob Marley statue and Emancipation Park, home to the Redemption Song sculpture.

Optional excursions

Set off on a scenic trip to view Dunn’s River Falls which cascades down giant limestone steps to the beach below. You may recognise it from the James Bond film, ‘Dr No’.

27/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

28/12/2022 Willemstad, Curacao

Willemstad, Curacao

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Caribbean centre of trade, Willemstad was founded by Dutch colonists in 1634. The UNESCO-listed harbour and inner-city is a reflection of its European influences complete with waterways, pavement cafes and narrow-gabled, 18th-century houses in all manner of colours. The island’s sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing.

Optional excursions

Take a guided tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery to discover the history of the blue drink from the region, or perhaps explore the limestone Hato Caves, home to long-nosed fruit bats, cave paintings, waterfalls and unusual rock formations.

29/12/2022 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

30/12/2022 Port of Spain, Trinidad

Port of Spain, Trinidad

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

The brilliantly-coloured scarlet ibis has become a symbol of Trinidad, having been declared the national bird of the island. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is a haven for these vibrant birds where they can be seen perching among the mangroves.

Included sightseeing excursion

On an included sightseeing excursion, experience the lively atmosphere of Port of Spain, passing the Magnificent Seven, a row of imposing colonial mansions each with their own distinct character, and pausing at the Lady Young Lookout for panoramic views across the capital.

31/12/2022 Castries, St Lucia

Castries, St Lucia

Arrive 0800. Depart 2359.

Situated on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, St Lucia is cloaked in lush rainforest and famed for its iconic twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons.

Optional excursions

Perhaps head for Soufriere to experience the ‘drive-in’ volcano and Sulphur Springs Park or take a catamaran cruise to the bay at Anse Cochon.

01/01/2023 Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Barbados offers a blend of West African and British culture, having remained a British colony until 1966.

Optional excursions

Perhaps take a tram ride into the heart of Harrison’s Cave, a crystallized limestone cave adorned with stalactites and deep pools of crystal-clear water or follow nature trails to discover the tropical sights of Barbados.

02/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

03/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

04/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

05/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

06/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

07/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

08/01/2023 Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Arrive 1200. Depart 1700.

Madeira is a verdant, mountainous island formed from a volcanic eruption and known for its namesake wine. Often described as the ‘floating garden in the Atlantic’, the island is home to the world’s largest laurel forest and Botanical Gardens where exotic indigenous plants grow.

Included sightseeing excursion

An included sightseeing tour will reveal the scenic highlights of the island, also taking in Funchal’s bustling markets where many sellers dress in colourful, traditional costume.

Optional excursions

Admire panoramic views across Funchal as you ascend to the suburb of Monte by cable car, before visiting the Botanical Gardens, step out onto the glass-bottomed skywalk at Cabo Girao, over Europe’s highest sea cliff, or join a team of marine biologists for a RIB ride in search of whales and dolphins.

09/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

10/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

11/01/2023 At Sea

Spend the day at sea.

12/01/2023 Southampton

Southampton

Arrive 0700.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.

Please note: Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions, at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.