Antigua to the British Virgin Islands: Hidden Cays and Azure Seas Aboard Sea Cloud II
Explore charming Caribbean islands aboard Sea Cloud II, a spectacular sailing vessel that blends modern-day comforts with old-world elegance. You’ll sail with a true sense of adventure, as your captain and expedition team decide where to anchor to experience the best of this beautiful region. Discover the hidden natural and historical treasures of the British Virgin Islands and beyond—from snorkeling in Antigua’s Deep Bay Beach above the wreck of the Andes, to hiking St. Kitts’ Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we let the trade winds carry us across cool azure waters, lounge on the ship’s Lido Deck and savor the almost-lost art of being under sail.
Highlights
• Experience the thrill of voyaging under sail on Sea Cloud II, watching an orchestrated frenzy of crew members going aloft in the web of riggings to hand-set 23 sails
• Explore the natural wonders of the Caribbean, from remote cays and volcanic peaks to a variety of birds, reptiles, and sea turtles on tropical shores
• Learn about the colonial history of tucked-away islands as you stroll through historic town squares and tour eighteenth-century forts
• Snorkel among colorful reefs and shipwrecks from the days of buccaneers and brigands
• Explore the region’s sights, sounds, and tastes as you settle into the laid-back tranquility of Caribbean life
• Maximize exploration: the expedition team and captain work in lockstep to seek out the best opportunities each day and ensure unforgettable experiences
Embark Sea Cloud II late this afternoon. Make yourself at home, grab a glass of champagne, and join us on deck as we cast lines and toast to our sail into the warm Caribbean evening.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Meals Included: Dinner
Our journey through the Caribbean begins as the crew of Sea Cloud II prepare the ship for the voyage ahead. As we finish breakfast, the crew will climb the towering rigging, setting a seemingly endless amount of sail—up to 29,600 square feet—by hand. Enjoy the play-by-play commentary from the captain, describing the crew's maneuvers, defining square-rigger terminology, and sharing some lore of the sea. Sail the stunning Sir Francis Drake Channel en route to your first stop.
Go ashore in the British Virgin Islands, a group of over 60 islands that once harbored buccaneers and brigands. These lush, hilly islands, with their variety of coves, beaches, and blue waters, provide us with options ranging from swimming and snorkeling, to hiking to beach combing. A beach BBQ is also on the agenda. In true Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic style, we’ll let the spirit of exploration guide us. We might stop at Jost Van Dyke to visit the island’s lively White Bay, a wonderful place for a first snorkel or to imbibe at an iconic beach bar; or we may call on Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famed novel, Treasure Island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Known for its white-coral sand beaches and clear waters, Anguilla is the ideal island to experience the postcard-perfect essence of a Caribbean getaway. Take a dip in crystalline waters, snorkel vibrant reefs, or venture out on a hike. Those preferring a more tranquil start to the day can relax on the island's pristine shores, settling into the laid-back, Caribbean pace of life.
Like yesterday, the captain and expedition leader will determine the best route for the day’s activities. That might include Prickly Pear Cays, identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, where we’ll search for a panoply of wildlife, including red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, laughing gulls, and Caribbean elaenias, reptiles like Anguilla Bank or anole, and sea turtles which frequent the shores of the cays. You’ll have a chance to spot schools of goatfish, barracuda, angelfish, mangrove snapper, and possibly even nurse sharks. Or we might sail to Cove Bay, where rain-filled salt ponds hold tiny wonders after a tropical shower. Here, look out for an array of birdlife, from great American egrets to gray plover, tropical king birds and pearly eyed thrashers, plus snorkel and have a beverage at Smokey’s Bar.
Under sail this afternoon, enjoy impeccable service and cuisine and learn more about the region with lectures from our expert staff. Up on the Lido Deck, settle into comfortable steamer chairs to lounge with a drink in hand and watch the crew adeptly navigate clear waters as you enjoy the warm, balmy breeze.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a mountainous interior and rugged coastline of indented bays, St. Kitts is a striking island. A bit off the beaten path, the island has a very relaxed, local feel and is extremely accommodating to travelers. Spend the morning ashore exploring Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as Romney Manor Gardens, and a Caribbean batik workshop. Back on board, enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ashore at St. Barthélemy, or St. Barts, you may forget you're in the Caribbean, thinking you've landed instead on a quaint Mediterranean island off the coast of France. The architecture, culture, and cuisine are all influenced by France’s colonial presence on the island. Gustavia, the main town, is a wonderful place to explore on foot. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a moped, or hire a mini-moto (a very small, open-air taxi) to explore this tiny island. Or, choose to join our staff for a swim or snorkel at a welcoming beach.
We’ll also have time to visit Fort Gustav, an historic fort built in 1787 by the Swedish that protected St. Bart’s port from invasion. Explore the remains of a loosely bottled lighthouse, tanks, and cannons, alongside our knowledgeable guides. Take in a stunning panoramic view of Gustavia and the port.
Back onboard, choose from a variety of ways to relax as the warm trade winds gently push us to our next destination. Unwind with a massage in the spa, watch the captain skillfully chart courses on the Bridge, attend a presentation from our field staff and local experts, or peruse the library and read up on some of the islands you’ve explored along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning exploring the restored eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard. With help from the onboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photography instructor, capture incredible images of the sea of grand ships in the beautiful harbor, the historic sites, and the unforgettable views at Shirley Heights. Or, soak up one last opportunity to snorkel in Caribbean waters at Deep Bay Beach where the wreck of Andes is found.
You’ll also have the opportunity to hike to Fort Barrington, built in 1779 as a safeguard for St. John’s Harbor. The fort played a significant role in the eighteenth century, serving as a signal station to alert forces throughout the island of impending attacks. It is also the only fort that saw military action in Antigua.
This afternoon gives us a final opportunity to see the crew work the sails and to luxuriate in the grandeur of Sea Cloud II. Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner this evening, a festive way to end the voyage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark Sea Cloud II this morning after breakfast for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart anytime after 12:00 p.m.
Departure City: Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Cabin. From
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More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
Cabin. From
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing)
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 96
Built: 2001
Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. Just like her legendary sister ship Sea Cloud, the 29,600 square feet of sails is set by hand which is a truly magical sight.
Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, she offers a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished with great style. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, in light marble, are unusually spacious and extremely comfortable. The finest, carefully chosen fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble.
No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodations and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud cruise. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail, rekindling memories of a bygone age.
Please note deck and suite plans are indicative only and may vary slightly.
Inclusions
• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine, spirits and cocktails on all 2024 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Exclusions
• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
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