Southern Caribbean with Martinique Holiday

Relish the best of sand, sun and sea on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Princess. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways.

Princess ships generally berth at Pier 2/Terminal 2 in Port Everglades, which is located in the Northport section. This facility is used for both embarkation and disembarkation. Luggage collection, check-in, and immigration and customs inspections are all conducted on the ground level. The second level provides seating for passengers who have been checked in and are waiting to board. On days when multiple ships are in port, another berth may be assigned. Ship pier/terminal assignments are posted at the entrance of the port and will direct you to the appropriate location.

Even if you’re not sailing to Naples (this time), you can still enjoy one of their greatest contributions to the culinary world. Alfredo’s / Gigi’s Pizzeria serves up certified authentic Neapolitan pizza made to order from scratch in a cheery restaurant named after our very own executive chef and inspired by the colors and landscapes of the Amalfi coast.

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

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

The capital of Dominica, Roseau is a small town with plenty of colonial charm. Its surrounds are lush and mountainous, rich rainforest embraces rare bird species, crater lakes, bubbling hot springs and splendid tumbling cascades. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Roseau:

• relax in the hot springs at Bongo Baths
• snorkel Champagne Reef
• swim at Trafalgar Falls
• 4wd through Dominica's rainforests
• visit the Dominica Botanic Garden
• hike to the Emerald Pool

Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.

St. John's, Antigua’s colorful capital, offers a compact slice of Caribbean charm. Wander the lively Public Market, then climb to Fort Barrington for views over Deep Bay. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in a colonial courthouse, provides insight into the islands’ past. A short ride from port brings you to white-sand beaches like Dickenson Bay, or to Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO-listed naval heritage site surrounded by scenic English Harbour.

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.

It’s no surprise The Shops are awarded “Best Onboard Shopping” from Porthole magazine year after year. You’ll find fine merchandise from brands like Swarovski, Chanel, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, Calvin Klein, Citizen and Tissot, plus local crafts, keepsakes and souvenirs. Venues vary by ship and are subject to change.

Princess Cays is an exclusive port of call to Princess cruises. This private resort is situated on more than 40 acres and features over a half-mile of white-sand shoreline, all at the southern tip of Eleuthera island. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders are provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Princess Cays:

• visit the town of Rock Sound
• explore and swim in the inland ocean hole
• rent a private bungalow for the day
• dune buggy the backroads of the island
• take a thrilling banana boat ride
• kayak, snorkel or windsurf the waters

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture and events. More than just an arrival and departure port, the city offers cruise guests an abundance of activities. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront.

Nature enthusiasts head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for walking and biking trails, travel down to the Florida Everglades for an airboat tour, or beat the heat with a trip to the Museum of Science and Discovery.

Ships will dock at one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Port Everglades.