South Caribbean

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Bridgetown:

• ride an electric tram into Harrison Cave
• look for green monkeys in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• relax at the Copacabana Beach Bar
• visit the George Washington House
• go underwater in the Atlantis Submarine

Fort-de-France, located on Martinique is the largest city in the French West Indies and it has personality to match. Life here is vibrant and fast-paced, and the culture is as colourful as the brightly painted shops that line the city’s cobblestone streets. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Fort-de-France:

• visit the Botanical Gardens
• join a rainforest hike to Absalon
• visit the Rum Distillery
• explore a banana plantation
• see the ruins of Chateau Dubuc
• take a helicopter flight over Martinique

Pointe-à-Pitre, located in Guadeloupe, is a dynamic city where Caribbean vibrancy meets rich history. Its streets are lined with colonial-era architecture, including the ornate Saint-John Perse Museum, which not only offers insights into the poet's life but also into Guadeloupe’s past. The bustling spice market, a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds, showcases the island’s culinary wealth.

The city’s location makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding it. Just a short trip away are lush rainforests and the serene beaches of Grande-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre's lively cultural festivals, such as the vibrant Carnival, bring the city to life with music, dance, and Creole traditions, offering an authentic immersion into Guadeloupe's festive spirit.

The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is known for its shimmering beaches, oleander and hibiscus-covered mountainsides, and quaint towns tucked along coves. This early home to Blackbeard and Captain Kidd maintains its salty pirate legacy and rum-making traditions today. Ships will dock or anchor in Road Town Harbour.

Top Things to Do on Tortola:

• snorkel Anegada, the BVI’s only coral island
• hike Sage Mountain
• explore the Baths at Virgin Gorda
• take a catamaran to Jost Van Dyke Island

Road Town is located on Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. The island is known for its shimmering beaches, oleander and hibiscus-covered mountainsides, and quaint towns tucked along coves. This early home to Blackbeard maintains its pirate legacy and rum-making traditions today. Ships will dock or anchor in Road Town Harbour.

Top Things to Do on Tortola:

• snorkel Anegada, the BVI’s only coral island
• hike Sage Mountain
• explore the Baths at Virgin Gorda
• take a catamaran to Jost Van Dyke Island

Rolling golf courses unravel along pristine coastline while caves plunge deep into forest-coated mountains and fields of sugar cane wave in the sea breeze. La Romana opens up the Dominican Republic's charms and serves as a jumping-off point for the Cotubanamá National Park. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in La Romana:

• relax and play on Catalina Island
• spend the day in Santo Domingo
• explore the village of Altos de Chavón
• cruise the Chavón River
• tour the Dominican countryside

Samaná, located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life. The town serves as a gateway to some of the region's top attractions, including the famous El Limón Waterfall, which cascades down 130 feet into a natural pool.

Boat excursions in Samaná Bay offer the chance to see humpback whales during the breeding season from January to March. The nearby Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, features pristine beaches perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming.

Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands archipelago. A mountainous, beautiful island filled with friendly locals, tropical cuisine and wandering chickens. Blue waters hug the shore and granite megaliths at The Baths rise from the sea.

Top Things to Do on Virgin Gorda:

• explore The Baths National Park
• lounge in a hammock at Saba Rock
• hike to Gorda Peak for a panoramic view
• shop in Spanish Town
• visit Little Fort National Park
• sail around the lush island

Sint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.

For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and it's port is conveniently located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from downtown Philipsburg, taking roughly 5 minutes by car or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Visitors can explore the vibrant Front Street, known for its duty-free shopping, colorful boutiques, and lively cafes. Transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Don’t miss a visit to the Great Bay Beach, just steps from the main shopping area, or venture to Maho Beach to watch planes land dramatically close to the shore.

The port town for the island of St. Kitts, Basseterre has centuries of history to explore in impressive estates and photo-worthy monuments. With more than a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and a rainforest that is growing rather than shrinking, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical island escape. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Basseterre:

• hike the Mount Liamuiga trail
• circle St. Kitts in a restored vintage train
• zip line in the Valley of Giants
• visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Isla Catalina, located off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a small but stunning island known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The island is part of the Parque Nacional del Este, making it a protected area rich in biodiversity. Playa Grande, the main beach, offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will love the “Living Museum of the Sea,” an underwater archaeological site featuring the wreck of a 17th-century ship. The island’s coral reefs are teeming with colourful fish and sea creatures. Isla Catalina’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.

Rolling golf courses unravel along pristine coastline while caves plunge deep into forest-coated mountains and fields of sugar cane wave in the sea breeze. La Romana opens up the Dominican Republic's charms and serves as a jumping-off point for the Cotubanamá National Park. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in La Romana:

• relax and play on Catalina Island
• spend the day in Santo Domingo
• explore the village of Altos de Chavón
• cruise the Chavón River
• tour the Dominican countryside

Isla Catalina, located off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a small but stunning island known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The island is part of the Parque Nacional del Este, making it a protected area rich in biodiversity. Playa Grande, the main beach, offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will love the “Living Museum of the Sea,” an underwater archaeological site featuring the wreck of a 17th-century ship. The island’s coral reefs are teeming with colourful fish and sea creatures. Isla Catalina’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.

Onboard MSC you'll experience a welcoming atmosphere with a Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Enjoy a wide array of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries and experience live performances, themed parties, and engaging activities for all ages, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Bridgetown:

• ride an electric tram into Harrison Cave
• look for green monkeys in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
• relax at the Copacabana Beach Bar
• visit the George Washington House
• go underwater in the Atlantis Submarine