A Journey from Spice Island to the ABC Islands Cruise

Day 1 - Barbados

Arrive: Mon 30 December 2024 / Depart: Mon 30 December 2024 at 17:00

Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.

Day 2 - St Georges, Grenada

Arrive: Tue 31 December 2024 at 09:00

Nestled in the horseshoe of the caldera, with candy-coloured houses spilling down the hillsides to the water, this deep natural harbour is often considered the prettiest in the Caribbean. Wander the Georgian buildings of the Carenage, elegant masts swaying in the breeze, to market stalls brimming with tropical fruit and island spices, the colonial-era Fort George, the Catholic cathedral and Anglican church – painstakingly rebuilt after the 2004 hurricane – and the House of Chocolate, a shop, café and micro museum deliciously devoted to Grenada’s cacao trade. From here, head to the mountainous and lush, jungly green interior, hike to the island’s famed falls and cool off beneath the cascade, or travel to the quieter north on a spice journey, nutmeg scenting the air.

Day 3 - St Georges, Grenada

Depart: Wed 01 January 2025

Nestled in the horseshoe of the caldera, with candy-coloured houses spilling down the hillsides to the water, this deep natural harbour is often considered the prettiest in the Caribbean. Wander the Georgian buildings of the Carenage, elegant masts swaying in the breeze, to market stalls brimming with tropical fruit and island spices, the colonial-era Fort George, the Catholic cathedral and Anglican church – painstakingly rebuilt after the 2004 hurricane – and the House of Chocolate, a shop, café and micro museum deliciously devoted to Grenada’s cacao trade. From here, head to the mountainous and lush, jungly green interior, hike to the island’s famed falls and cool off beneath the cascade, or travel to the quieter north on a spice journey, nutmeg scenting the air.

Day 4 - Bonaire

Arrive: Thu 02 January 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 02 January 2025 at 20:00

Unwind in the beautiful island of Bonaire, rooted in Dutch heritage. Immerse in a dazzling underwater wonderland where warm cobalt waters make way for blissful swimming, sailing and snorkelling. Inland is just as enticing with pink-hued sands and island cars that bear ‘paradise’ badges of honour. Journey off-road through Arawak history, kayak through mangroves and visit saltwater lagoons at the aptly named Goto Lake – where flocks of pink flamingos pose. You’ll find a hint of pink tint at every turn - no need for rose-tinted glasses in this paradisiacal place.

Day 5 - Willemstad, Curaçao

Arrive: Fri 03 January 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 03 January 2025 at 23:00

Embrace a slice of Europe immersed in Caribbean heat. Wander through Scharlooweg’s pastel colonial architecture, delightful museums and a thriving art scene. Roam glorious beaches with hidden caves, snorkel with turtles and dive through spectacular reefs. Learn how to cook Creole cuisine, walk the town’s sun-kissed waterways, explore the prickly Hato Plains and then re-hydrate in ripe aloe plantations. As the heat of the day subsides, drop into trendy eclectic lounges, where friendly locals welcome and the legendary blue curacao cocktail awaits.

Day 6 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrive: Sat 04 January 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 04 January 2025 at 16:00

Walk into a techo-colour dream of sorbet-hued buildings in Oranjestad, where a Papiamento Indian past mingles with the trendy Dutch present. Slide into a submarine and descend along coral-crusted walls to see the magnificence of the ocean depths. Marvel at a landscape rugged and wild with wind-bent Divi Divi trees, kilometres of powder-white beaches and sandy deserts where cacti thrive under a luminescent sun. And don’t miss the Natural Bridge, formed by waves crashing on coral rock. Aruba is an island blessed.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Miami, Florida

Arrive: Tue 07 January 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 07 January 2025

Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.