Barbados & the Jewels of the Windward Islands
10 Days
from
$, 2,770 pp. Contact us for the best available rate*
Highlights:
Barbados
(Bridgetown)
,
Caribbean & Central America
(Windward Islands Cruise)
Trip Start/End:
Bridgetown
/
Bridgetown, Barbados
This is the Caribbean of days gone by – deep blue waters, quiet coves and tropical islands dotted with powdery beaches and lush green hillsides. This remarkable voyage bridges the gap between conventional cruise travel and private yachting. Sail from the rugged natural beauty of St. Lucia to little-known isles that are off the tourist radar. From colorful Bequia and Mayreau in the Grenadines to the open-air markets of exotic St. George’s, you’ll discover a part of the Caribbean that remains authentic and unspoiled.
Available Cruise Departure Dates:
2012: Dec 22, Dec 29
2013: Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16, Mar 23
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Bridgetown
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Island Inn (3*) Standard Garden View ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Bridgetown
| - Shared - 360° Island Tour (with Lunch, 7 hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Island Inn (3*) Standard Garden View ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Bridgetown - Bridgetown, Barbados - Windward Islands Cruise
| - Shared - 1/2 d Mount Gay Rum Tour (with Lunch, 3 hrs) - Coach/Guide
- Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Embarkation
- Dinner on Board
- Port Charges
- Depart: 10PM
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Pigeon Island - Windward Islands Cruise
| - Pigeon Island, St. Lucia (10AM - 5PM)
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Bequia - Windward Islands Cruise
| - Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (8AM - 6PM)
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Tobago Cays - Windward Islands Cruise
| - Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Arrival: 8AM)
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Tobago Cays - Mayreau Island - Windward Islands Cruise
| - Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Departure: 8AM)
- Breakfast on Board
- Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (9AM - 6PM)
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- St. George's - Windward Islands Cruise
| - St. George's, Grenada (8AM - 8PM)
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Windward Islands Cruise
| - At Sea, en route to Bridgetown
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Oceanview Stateroom (B) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Bridgetown, Barbados - Bridgetown
| - Breakfast on Board
- Disembarkation
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Bridgetown
Island Inn Hotel
Day 1: Bridgetown
Meet your private driver for a transfer between the airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Island Inn (3*) The Island Inn Hotel (3*) in Barbados, as one of the most compact and elegant all-inclusive locations, will provide guests with an extremely intimate and tropical holiday. The hotel is built around a quaint courtyard and provides a picturesque scene to enjoy a cocktail or two. Less than a mile from Bridgetown’s centre, guests benefit from local shops and great restaurants serving Caribbean fare. A mere twenty-four room hotel, the sense of privacy and intimacy is immense and you’ll get that quiet break away from the routines of home.
Bridgetown Island Tour
Day 2: Bridgetown
Your shared tour today begins with a pickup from your hotel. Come and enjoy a fun filled day while your 360° Island Tour takes you from coast to coast around the beautiful island of Barbados. You'll see the beautiful island sights of North Point, and one of the oldest plantation houses on the island, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at Bathsheba (included). There is much to see in this panoramic tour. Return transfer included.
Accommodation: Island Inn (3*)
Windward Islands Cruise
Wind Spirit
Day 3: Bridgetown - Bridgetown, Barbados - Windward Islands Cruise
Your shared tour today begins with a pickup from your hotel. Experience over 300 years of perfection and discover the heritage behind crafting the oldest and most distinguished rum in the world. Told through age old artefacts, galleries, datalines, film presentations, exotic tastings and cocktail secrets, the legacy that is Mount Gay Rum will be unfolded to you. After you complete the signature tour and tasting sessions you are welcome to join a sumptuous buffet lunch (included). There will be an opportunity for shopping during the tour as well. Return transfer included.
Meet your private driver for a transfer between your hotel and the cruise port.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to settle into your cabin, and explore your cruise vessel's facilities. Tonight's welcome dinner will be a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.
Port charges for your multi-day cruise are included.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) The Wind Spirit is a sleek, four-masted sailing yacht accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and a gross tonnage of 5,350, the Wind Spirit feels like your own private yacht. Wind Spirit features wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small ships. With over 10,000 square feet of open deck space, guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private verandah. Onboard amenities include WindSpa, casino and entertainment lounge, water-sports platform, library, pool and hot tub.
Pigeon Island
Day 4: Pigeon Island - Windward Islands Cruise
Pigeon Island, a 40-acre islet connected by a causeway to St. Lucia's west coast, is a beautiful nature park which reflects a thousand years of history. There are marked trails with a number of historical sites, like the remains of an 18th-century British fort and Fort Rodney, where the Admiral for which it is named spied on the French ships from its strategic viewpoint . The island also has two secluded beaches and is the major venue of St. Lucia's annual Jazz Festival.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N)
Bequia
Day 5: Bequia - Windward Islands Cruise
Bequia is the second largest island in the Grenadines. It is part of the nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and is approximately 15 km from the nation's capital, Kingstown. There are several wrecks and shallow caves accessible to advanced divers around Bequia, offering up the opportunity to see Hawksbill turtles, lobsters, moray eels and many kinds of fish. Bequia has a long seafaring heritage, rich in the historical traditions of boat-building and fishing. Visitors will be fascinated with a trip to the Turtle Sanctuary. Enjoy views of the scenic harbor as you explore the boutiques and markets along the waterfront. You'll find exquisite model boats, scrimshaw and unique island artwork in the tiny shops.The island, encircled by gold sand beaches, offers a wide selection of aquatic activities. You can sail, kayak, scuba dive and snorkel, or laze on one of Bequia's fabulous beaches. At dinnertime, plan on a seafood pizza at Mac's, a must for every visit to Bequia! After dinner, head to one of the local hangouts for a night of music and dancing in the warm evening breezes.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N)
Tobago Cays
Day 6: Tobago Cays - Windward Islands Cruise
The Tobago Cays are an archipelago comprising five small uninhabited islands - Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradol, Petit Tobac and Jamesby - located in the Southern Grenadines. The Tobago Cays are now the key element of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a national park and wildlife preserve run by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines government. The Tobago Cays Marine Park consists of a 1,400 acre sand-bottom lagoon which encompasses four uninhabited cays and the 4 km Horseshoe Reef. While the cays are uninhabited, they are surrounded by the three larger inhabited islands of Union Island, Mayreau and Canouan. The most extensive and well-developed coral reef complexes in St. Vincent & the Grenadines occur on shallow shelves around the windward sides of Mayreau and Union Islands and the Cays themselves. In addition, principal vegetation types include beach vegetation and dry forest. With the exception of a small mangrove in Petit Rameau and salt pond in Mayreau, there are no wetlands in the Cays.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N)
Mayreau Island
Day 7: Tobago Cays - Mayreau Island - Windward Islands Cruise
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, with an area of about 1.5 sq. miles, and a population of about 300. The population is centered in Old Wall village, located on a hilltop in the southwest of the island. It is an isolated community, accessible only by boat. Electricity is only recently (2002) provided by a central generator. There is a single lane concrete road leading from Saltwhistle Bay to Saline Bay and through the village. Salt was harvested and exported in times past but is now only harvested for local use. The island is mostly populated by fishermen and supported by tourism. Saltwhistle Bay is also a very popular and beautiful spot for anchoring yachts. From the crest of the hill beside the Catholic Church, there is a beautiful overlook of the Tobago Cays, Canouan and Union Island.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N)
St. George`s
Day 8: St. George's - Windward Islands Cruise
St. George's is the capital of Grenada, British West Indies. The city is surrounded by a hillside of an old volcano crater and is on a hoseshoe-shaped harbour. The city is a popular Caribbean Tourist destination that attracts thousands of tourist's, cruise ships, and even celebrity's. The city has significantly developed in recent years, while preserving its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N)
At Sea
Day 9: Windward Islands Cruise
Today is a full day spent at sea, cruising toward your disembarkation city of Bridgetown, Barbados. Meet with some of your fellow cruisemates, or relax and dive into a book. The day is yours.
Accommodation: Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) Day 10: Bridgetown, Barbados - Bridgetown
This morning your cruise ship arrives back at Bridgetown, Barbados, where you'll disembark from your ship. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as your incredible voyage has come to its conclusion.
Meet your private driver for a transfer between the airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Island Inn Hotel
Island Inn (3*) - Bridgetown
The Island Inn Hotel (3*) in Barbados, as one of the most compact and elegant all-inclusive locations, will provide guests with an extremely intimate and tropical holiday. The hotel is built around a quaint courtyard and provides a picturesque scene to enjoy a cocktail or two. Less than a mile from Bridgetown’s centre, guests benefit from local shops and great restaurants serving Caribbean fare. A mere twenty-four room hotel, the sense of privacy and intimacy is immense and you’ll get that quiet break away from the routines of home.
Wind Spirit
Windstar Wind Spirit (7N) - Windward Islands Cruise
The Wind Spirit is a sleek, four-masted sailing yacht accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and a gross tonnage of 5,350, the Wind Spirit feels like your own private yacht. Wind Spirit features wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small ships. With over 10,000 square feet of open deck space, guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private verandah. Onboard amenities include WindSpa, casino and entertainment lounge, water-sports platform, library, pool and hot tub.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Barbados
VISA/PASSPORT
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Barbados. No visa is needed to enter Barbados for stays up to 28 days for US citizens. Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. There is a departure tax for travelers over the age of twelve. All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. This requirement includes sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Barbados for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are good quality but not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/barbados.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Nassau.
Language: The official and national language is English.
Religion: The three main Christian denominations are Baptist, Anglican and Roman Catholic.
Time: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz.
Telephone: Country code +1 242.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average. Handsets can be hired locally. The state telephone company, BaTelCo, offers radio telephones, which allow callers to contact ships at sea.
Internet: Many hotels have Internet access and there are plenty of Internet cafes, as well as a few Wi-Fi hotspots.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $1000). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 121 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-120 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 60% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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