Itinerary

Day 1: U.S. - ST. MAARTEN

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Arrive on the island of St. Maarten and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Mercure Resort Hotel (view website)

Day 2: STAD AMSTERDAM

Sunday, December 21, 2008

This afternoon we board the Stad Amsterdam and set sail into the sunset.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 3: ANTIGUA

Monday, December 22, 2008

The colorful story of Antigua is told through its well preserved architecture. Anchor in Falmouth Harbor and disembark for an excursion to discover the rich history of English Harbour, Antigua's graceful and evocative historic district. What is now called Nelson's Dockyard was the headquarters of the British fleet of the Leeward Islands during the turbulent colonial era. In the late 18th century the harbor was filled with ships rigged like the Stad Amsterdam. Above the harbor is Shirley Heights, a partially restored colonial fort. From the strategic vantage point the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe can be seen.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 4: BARBUDA

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Barbuda offers some of the greatest snorkeling in the Caribbean. Swim right from the ship or take a launch to the best snorkeling spots with colorful coral reefs and dozens of species of tropical fish. Above the water there is even greater biodiversity in the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Accessible only by boat, the sanctuary is home to more than 170 species of birds including a population of over 5,000 frigate birds. There is time to watch the frigate's legendary aerial skills that have earned it the nickname, man o' war bird, a comparison to war ships. These pirates of the sky harass less agile flyers like pelicans, egrets, and cormorants until they drop their catch.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 5: ST. EUSTATIUS

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

St. Eustatius was first charted by Christopher Columbus. It was fought over, changing hands at least 22 times in the following centuries. During the period of the American Revolution this was a major trading center with some 20,000 inhabitants and thousands of ships calling at her shores. St. Eustatius was a major supplier of arms and ammunition to the Colonies and was the first foreign nation to officially recognize the newly formed United States of America. But the focus here is on the seas around St. Eustatius, considered among the most pristine in the world. Swim and snorkel in St. Eustatius, considered among the most pristine in the world. Swim and snorkel in St. Eustatius Marine Park that protects the marine and land environment as well as endangered species. Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the island's natural beauty.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 6: ST. KITTS

Thursday, December 25, 2008

A shore excursion visits the UNESCO World Heritage City of Brimstone Hill. Using hard volcanic rock mortared together with cement produced from local limestone; this 300-year old fortress is virtually a man-made extension of the natural hill. At 800 feet above the surrounding landscape, the views of the island's forests and farms, and neighboring islands are stunning. A ride around the lush island includes a visit to a former sugar cane plantation run by slave labor until 1834 when Lord Romney emancipated the slaves, the first to take such action. On the ground of this estate stands a 350 year-old saman, or rain tree, with its characteristic umbrella shaped crown, and a trunk measuring 24 feet in diameter.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 7: NEVIS

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christopher Columbus and his party were the first westerners to lay eyes on beautiful Nevis on his second voyage. Soon it was caught in a tug-of-war that lasted for 200 years, between the British, Dutch, French, and Spanish. Stad Amsterdam anchors in Charleston, the well-preserved 18th-century port, which is the only place in the West Indies to try and to hang pirates, at Gallows Bay. Visit the Horatio Nelson Museum containing a collection of his personal artifacts, see the Botanical Gardens, finest in the Caribbean and perhaps an unexpected historic site, a Jewish Cemetery with grave markers spanning the period from 1679 to 1730. Then there is time to swim and snorkel along beautiful reefs.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 8: ST. BARTOLOME - ST. MAARTEN

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Often referred to as St. Barths, this is the Saint Tropez of the Caribbean, hosting the rich and famous. IN colonial times this small rocky outcropping was unsuited for sugar cane plantations and was virtually overlooked, making it hte perfect den for pirates. Just as the Stad Amsterdam will anchor in shelter of the island, pirate ships sheltered here until a Spanish Galleon laden with gold sailed close to shore and fell victim to a swift attach. The clear water and colorful reefs offer a last opportunity to swim and snorkel before hoisting the sails for the crossing back to St. Maarten.

Accommodation: STAD AMSTERDAM (view website)

Day 9: RETURN TO U.S.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Disembark in St. Maarten, and transfer to the airport for flights home.