History and Gardens of the Caribbean

You’re invited to join alumni and friends for a winter Caribbean escape aboard the state-of-the-art superyacht Emerald Azzurra. In the company of experts, cruise to seven breathtaking island paradises, discovering their complex histories and ties to the birth of the United States. This journey also grants you exclusive guided access to historic estates, extraordinary gardens, and national parks showcasing some of North America’s most stunning flora. If you wish, you may luxuriate in the warm, blue Caribbean waters and unwind on powdery-soft, white-sand beaches.

Sail from Barbados to Dominica, “the Nature Isle,” for a private look at the 18th-century, UNESCO-listed Fort Shirley inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Visit Nevis, U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s 17th-century waterfront childhood home. Garden experts will show you the Botanical Gardens of Nevis and their five acres of orchid terraces, rainforest conservancy, and water lily ponds. Stroll around secluded beaches on stylish St. Barthélemy (“St. Bart’s”). Venture to Antigua for inside looks at the famous Nelson’s Dockyard and a restored 17th-century sugar plantation.

In the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat, “a modern-day Pompeii,” join expert guides at its enchanting botanical garden established after its 1995 volcanic eruption. Next, sail to the archipelago of Îles des Saintes, where the British faced the French during a 1782 Revolutionary War battle. Finally, venture to Soufrière, St. Lucia, for a private tour of the lush, magnificent Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, nestled in a natural gorge and featuring a colorful waterfall.

 

Dates and Rates:

Dates: February 24 – March 2, 2024

Rates: $6,999 – $19,999 per person based on double occupancy

Traveling solo? Select categories are offered as single occupancy from $8,749 to $20,999  or please contact us to inquire about any possible roommate options

Trip Status: Confirmed & Open for Reservations. $1,000 per person deposit required to confirm reservations. Request a reservation today or please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details.

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. The following cancellation charges will apply:

• All cancellations are subject to a $500 per person administrative fee
• 119 to 91 days prior to departure: 20% of the Program cost is non-refundable
• 90 to 61 days before departure: 50% of the Program cost is non-refundable*
• 60 days or less before departure: 100% of the Program cost is non-refundable
• Please visit https://www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms for complete terms and conditions.

 

 

Itinerary:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24: DEPARTURE / BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS
Upon arrival in Barbados this afternoon, transfer to the elegant Emerald Azzurra for our seven-night Caribbean cruise. This brand-new, sleek superyacht is spacious, with ample outdoor areas across several levels. Take advantage of the infinity pool and water-sports platform throughout the voyage. D

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25: ROSEAU, DOMINICA
Today, discover Dominica, nicknamed the “Nature Isle” of the Caribbean for its untouched wilderness. It boasts some of the highest mountains in the Lesser Antilles as well as thick virgin jungle, where rivers plunge and animals abound. On an excursion to Cabrits National Park, marvel at the natural scenery and the two extinct volcanoes at its center. Once inside the park, make your way to the UNESCO-listed Fort Shirley, formerly a strategic network of defenses built in the 18th century, whose ruins have been recaptured by the surrounding jungle. This evening, join the captain for a welcome reception and dinner. B,L,R,D

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26: GUSTAVIA, ST. BARTHÉLEMY
Arrive in cosmopolitan St. Barthélemy, known to most travelers as “St. Bart’s.” Experience the island’s French savoir-faire as you stroll past stylish cafés and boutiques. Swimmers will have an opportunity to visit one of the many beautiful beaches before returning to the ship for lunch. Later, the group will gather aboard Emerald Azzurra for an evening of merriment, featuring a tasting of excellent rums from island distilleries. B,L,D

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27: CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS
Call at the island of Nevis, birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, where you will see the Founding Father’s childhood home. This 17th-century, two-story waterfront Georgian dwelling has been restored and also serves as the island’s local historical museum. Learn how Hamilton’s humble beginnings here are said to have informed some of his political views as one of America’s Founding Fathers. Continue to the spectacular Botanical Gardens of Nevis. Explore its five acres of orchid terraces, various tropical plants, and a rainforest conservancy. B,L,D

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28: FALMOUTH BAY, ANTIGUA / LITTLE BAY, MONTSERRAT
Anchor off the south shore of beautiful Antigua and savor fantastic views over the English Harbour as well as Nelson’s Dockyard, an old restored shipyard named after the Admiral. Go ashore and visit Betty’s Hope, a restored sugar mill where “white gold” was processed during the island’s bitter past. Nearby, see sweet black pineapples growing in the gently rolling landscape around Boggy Peak, Antigua’s highest point. Along the coast, admire the island’s bays and lagoons, countless white palm-filled beaches, and an almost unbroken coral reef. Later, Emerald Azzurra will drop anchor off the coast of the enigmatic island of Montserrat, where you will visit its beautiful botanical garden. B,L,D

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29: TERRE-DE-HAUT, (ÎLES DES SAINTES), GUADELOUPE
An archipelago of eight tiny volcanic islands, Îles des Saintes is the site of the April 1782 Battle of the Saintes between the British Royal Navy and the French fleet. The four-day battle resulted in the greatest British naval victory over the French in the Revolutionary War, preserving their claims in the Caribbean. Tour the colonial-style island town of Terre-de-Haut, or visit 17th-century Fort Napoléon, with its commanding views and exotic gardens. You may also choose to enjoy a swim at one of the white-sand beaches before returning to Emerald Azzurra. B,L,D

FRIDAY, MARCH 1: SOUFRIÈRE, ST. LUCIA
Anchor this morning in the Bay of Soufrière, tucked between the dramatic Anse des Pitons. Step ashore to tour the lush Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, with its bounty of tropical blossoms as well as hot mineral springs and a dazzlingly colorful waterfall. In the early afternoon, return to Emerald Azzurra and set sail for Barbados. Gather for the captain’s farewell dinner this evening. B,L,D

SATURDAY, MARCH 2: BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS / DISEMBARK / RETURN
Disembark Emerald Azzurra early this morning and transfer to the airport for your flights home.B

 

Inclusions:

• Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Emerald Azzurra
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner). Bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and coffee/tea with all meals; wine/beer with lunches and dinners
• Airport/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights
• Enrichment program of lectures and talks
• Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers; customary shipboard gratuities
• Taxes, service, and porterage charges

NOT INCLUDED IN RATES: International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than what is noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; excess baggage; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Please visit https://www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms for complete terms and conditions applicable to this program.