Netherlands Antilles Cruise from Philipsburg — 10 Days

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands

Philipsburg rewards a shore day spent beyond the cruise terminal. It sits on a narrow strip between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. The Dutch-side capital is compact and easy to explore on foot. Front Street pairs duty-free shops with the 1793 courthouse, while the Boardwalk follows Great Bay Beach. Cross the open border into French Saint-Martin for French bakeries, lively markets and another stretch of coast.

Coastal Cruising (Coastal Cruising)

Deshaies, Guadeloupe

Deshaies brings you to Guadeloupe’s quieter Caribbean coast, where a fishing village curves around a small harbor. Colorful homes, waterfront cafés and fishing boats give the center an easygoing feel, best explored on foot. Just beyond town, Deshaies Botanical Garden displays tropical plants, waterfalls and birds across a hillside estate. Nearby Grande Anse offers golden sand and a broad sweep of sea; swimming conditions can vary. Spend the day among gardens, beach and village life, at an easy pace.

Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

The Îles des Saintes reward visitors who prefer a quieter Caribbean. Most calls centre on Terre-de-Haut, where pastel houses, fishing boats and cafés line a compact waterfront. Above town, Fort Napoléon surveys one of the world’s most beautiful bays and houses a small museum and botanical garden. Rent a scooter or walk to Pain de Sucre, a sheltered beach with clear water and good snorkeling. Try the island’s famed tourment d’amour, a coconut-filled pastry, before returning to the harbor.

Montserrat Island UK

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean, known for its volcanic landscape and quiet, uncrowded shores. The Soufrière Hills volcano reshaped the island after its 1995 eruption; Plymouth, the former capital, remains within the exclusion zone. Visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory for context, then explore northern settlements, black-sand beaches and trails through lush hills. This is an island for curious travellers, not hurried sightseeing.

Virgin Gorda Island BVI

Virgin Gorda swaps city bustle for clear water, quiet coves and a dramatic coastline. At The Baths, granite boulders form a maze of sea pools and narrow passages beside the beach. Some routes involve ladders and slippery rocks, so wear shoes with grip. Spanish Town is the island’s main settlement; North Sound is known for sheltered anchorages and sailing. Go early to explore The Baths before the busiest hours, then cool off in the Caribbean.

• At Sea (At Sea)

Norman Island BVI

Norman Island rewards travellers who arrive by sea. Its sheltered Bight is one of the British Virgin Islands’ best-known anchorages, framed by steep green hills and clear water. At Treasure Point, three sea caves invite snorkellers to explore their shadowed entrances and bright shallows. Come ashore for a beachside pause, or stay aboard and watch boats settle into the bay. The island’s pirate lore adds intrigue, but its real treasure is the water.

Gustavia St Barths, France

Gustavia makes a polished first impression, but its appeal is more than designer boutiques and superyachts. Swedish rule left its mark in the town’s name and the ruins of Fort Gustav above the harbor. From the waterfront, cafés, galleries and shops sit within easy walking distance, while Shell Beach lies just beyond the center. Come ashore for French-Caribbean style, with history close at hand.

St Johns Antigua

Antigua rewards a day ashore with more than its celebrated beaches. St John’s, the compact capital, makes an easy starting point. Drive east to Nelson’s Dockyard, a remarkably preserved Georgian naval base and UNESCO World Heritage site. English Harbour’s sheltered waters and restored stone buildings reveal the island’s maritime past. Or trade history for a swim at one of the island’s many coves, from resort beaches to quieter shores.

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands

Philipsburg rewards a shore day spent beyond the cruise terminal. It sits on a narrow strip between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. The Dutch-side capital is compact and easy to explore on foot. Front Street pairs duty-free shops with the 1793 courthouse, while the Boardwalk follows Great Bay Beach. Cross the open border into French Saint-Martin for French bakeries, lively markets and another stretch of coast.