14 nights. United States of America, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (U.S.), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Jamaica

Day 1

galveston, texas

Departure: 16:30

Galveston is a seaside resort city on Galveston Island and Pelican Island in the U.S. state of Texas. Covering 208.3 square miles (539 km²), it had an estimated population of 47,762 people in 2012. It is the county seat and the second-largest municipality in Galveston County, and forms part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez, Galveston’s first European settlements were built on the island around 1816 by the French privateer Louis-Michel Aury to support the fledgling Republic of Mexico in its fight against Spain. The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by the Congress of Mexico after it gained independence from Spain. The city served as the main port for the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution, and later became the capital of the Republic of Texas. In the 19th century, Galveston grew into a major U.S. commercial centre and one of the largest ports in the country. It was devastated by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which brought severe flooding and a powerful storm surge. This natural disaster on the exposed barrier island remains the deadliest in United States history, with an estimated death toll of between 6,000 and 12,000 people. Today, Galveston’s economy is largely based on tourism, health care, shipping, and financial services. A major economic driver is the 84-acre (340,000 m²) University of Texas Medical Branch campus, which enrols more than 2,500 students. Galveston is also home to six historic districts that contain one of the largest and most significant collections of 19th-century buildings in the United States, with over 60 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Day 3

key west, florida

Arrival: 11:30 - Departure: 17:00

Situated closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida’s cheeky southernmost subtropical haven, a unique blend of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unashamed romantic allure. Palm-lined streets with gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses were once the abode of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett, a handful of the famous folk who found comfort and inspiration in the island city whose Bahamian and Cuban heritage was largely influenced by Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, spongers and Cuban cigar makers.

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Day 4

CELEBRATION KEY

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

With a gorgeous blend of boutique hotels, luxury resorts, stunning beaches, championship golf courses, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular islands in The Bahamas. Just 55 miles east of Florida, Grand Bahama Island is set among mile after mile of powder-white sand, nature reserves and emerald-green seas. Its mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders makes it ideal for everything from kayaking, dolphin watching and eco-adventures to jeep safaris, scuba diving and cycling tours. Grand Bahama Island is a picture-perfect spot for an unforgettable holiday. Families can swim with dolphins, couples can enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, and friends can try their luck at deep-sea fishing on a weekend break. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you’ll fall in love with the island spirit and culture here—especially during the annual festivals and local events—and with the wide range of sports and water activities on offer. Try one of the many eco-adventures or explore local shopping areas for great value on duty-free goods. There really is something for everyone on Grand Bahama Island.

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Day 6

san juan, puerto rico

Arrival: 13:00 - Departure: 21:00

San Juan, the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, was officially founded in 1521, making it one of the oldest cities in all of the Americas. As a United States territory, San Juan is a fairly unique place to visit in the Caribbean: the capital offers all the comforts and amenities you’d expect from an American city, yet still manages to maintain a distinctly Latin atmosphere and culture. The historic heart of the city, Old San Juan, is one of the oldest settlements in Puerto Rico and is full of colourful streets rich in historical and cultural significance. As you wander through Old San Juan, it’s hard not to be amazed by the five centuries of history that have been so beautifully preserved. One of Puerto Rico’s most famous landmarks, El Morro, is a 16th‑century fortress with impressive towers and tunnels. Nearby, San Juan Cemetery is one of the most scenic resting places you’re likely to see, set against dramatic coastal views. Just outside the city, the lush and diverse El Yunque Rainforest offers a natural paradise of waterfalls, trails, and tropical wildlife. Puerto Rico is synonymous with brilliant beaches, and you’ll find plenty along San Juan’s coastline, where soft sand and palm trees await. San Juan is a fantastic blend of beaches, history, vibrant culture, and buzzing nightlife. So, what are you waiting for?

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Day 7

charlotte amalie, st. thomas

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Saint Thomas is an island situated in the Caribbean Sea. It's the primary island of the Virgin Islands territory of the United States and it's where you'll find the main city and port of the island, Carlota Amalia, which also serves as the capital of the archipelago. Points of interest: Blackbeard's Castle Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge Drake's Seat Downtown Charlotte Amalie Magens Bay Mountain Top St. Thomas Synagogue

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Day 8

basseterre, st. kitts

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Saint Kitts and Nevis are a pair of tropical islands in the Caribbean, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. The country is made up of the islands of St Kitts, Nevis and Sombrero. The two larger islands are rich in lush mountain rainforests, quiet, uncrowded beaches, historic ruins, long-dormant volcanoes and charming Georgian towns such as Basseterre, the capital. Basseterre is a classic Caribbean port, with quaint, colourful streets, colonial architecture and friendly people in a truly idyllic setting. The twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis captures everything travellers have come to expect from the Caribbean.

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Day 9

philipsburg, st. maarten

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 17:00

Saint Martin is an island in the northeast Caribbean, about 300 km east of Puerto Rico. It’s the smallest inhabited sea island shared between two countries, a division that dates back to 1648. The southern Dutch side is Sint Maarten, one of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern French side is the Collectivité de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of St Martin), an overseas collectivity of France. Top sights in Saint Martin include the Butterfly Farm, where you can walk through a tented enclosure filled with hundreds of colourful butterflies, and Pic du Paradis, the island’s highest point, with two viewing areas offering excellent panoramas. Beaches are one of the island’s main draws: there are 37 in total. One particularly well-known beach is Maho Bay Beach on the Dutch side, famous for planes flying low over the sand as they approach the nearby airport.

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Day 10

st. croix, u.s.v.i.

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 16:00

Saint Croix is an island in the Caribbean Sea, and a county and constituent district of the United States Virgin Islands. St Croix is the largest of the islands in the territory, although the capital, Charlotte Amalie, is on Saint Thomas. St Croix’s nickname is “Twin City”, referring to its two towns at opposite ends of the island: Frederiksted in the west and Christiansted in the east. Frederiksted has a more relaxed pace than most of the island, but becomes livelier during Carnival in January and when cruise ships are in port. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve includes the only known site where members of a Columbus expedition set foot on what is now United States territory. The park also protects prehistoric and colonial-era archaeological sites, including the only known example of a ball court in the Caribbean. Buck Island Reef National Monument protects a 71-hectare island just north of St Croix, which is a popular spot for snorkelling.

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Day 12

ocho rios, jamaica

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 16:00

Ocho Ríos is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica. Ocho Ríos is a major port of call for cruise ships. It’s quieter than Montego Bay, though not as laid-back as Negril, and most of the tourist attractions are in the surrounding countryside. Lush gardens, gentle rivers, waterfalls and caves are just some of the natural wonders in the area, and historic plantations are tucked into the foothills.

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Day 15

galveston, texas

Arrival: 08:00

Galveston is a seaside resort city on Galveston Island and Pelican Island in the U.S. state of Texas. Covering 208.3 square miles (539 km²), it had an estimated population of 47,762 people in 2012. It is the county seat and the second-largest municipality in Galveston County, and forms part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez, Galveston’s first European settlements were built on the island around 1816 by the French privateer Louis-Michel Aury to support the fledgling Republic of Mexico in its fight against Spain. The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by the Congress of Mexico after it gained independence from Spain. The city served as the main port for the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution, and later became the capital of the Republic of Texas. In the 19th century, Galveston grew into a major U.S. commercial centre and one of the largest ports in the country. It was devastated by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which brought severe flooding and a powerful storm surge. This natural disaster on the exposed barrier island remains the deadliest in United States history, with an estimated death toll of between 6,000 and 12,000 people. Today, Galveston’s economy is largely based on tourism, health care, shipping, and financial services. A major economic driver is the 84-acre (340,000 m²) University of Texas Medical Branch campus, which enrols more than 2,500 students. Galveston is also home to six historic districts that contain one of the largest and most significant collections of 19th-century buildings in the United States, with over 60 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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