Caribbean Christmas Island Hopping

The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña offers a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with shimmering glass modern buildings contrasting with the deeply historical medieval district. You can immerse yourself in local life by sampling traditional Galician dishes like ‘pulpo a la gallega’, octopus with paprika and olive oil or ‘empanada gallega’, a savoury pastry filled with meat or seafood. After ascending the hillsides of Monte de San Pedro park for remarkable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, discover rocky Costa da Morte, a rugged stretch along the coast of Galicia which tempted ships to run aground, creating a storied and legendary past. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the spiritual heart of Spain at Santiago de Compostela with its beautiful mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings.

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

Capital of the island of St. Lucia, Castries is built on a peninsula that extends out into the Caribbean Sea, and was named after Charles Eugène Gabriel de La Croix, who was the Marquis de Castries. Significant landmarks here include a 400-year old Samaan tree, and Fort Charlotte, located on a hilltop with stunning views of Castries. The Botanical Gardens here are a haven for birds and insects, and offer a true Caribbean nature experience through lush vegetation and waterfalls.

The quintessentially Caribbean island of Barbados is renowned for its crystal-clear seas, home to some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs, teeming with diverse fish species. The UNESCO-listed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison reflect the island’s past, while the capital features an abundance of colonial architecture, including Victorian, Georgian and Jacobean styles, adapted to the Caribbean climate with spacious verandas and gable roofs. In the heart of the city, a mix of shops, markets and cafés sits alongside a busy harbour and waterfront, while beyond Bridgetown, soft sandy beaches and gently swaying palms offer an easy-going atmosphere and time to relax by the sea.

Fondly known as the ‘Big little Island’, Bequia is the northernmost of the Grenadines, with a lasting seafaring history. Famous for its sandy white beaches and topaz blue sea, it never feels crowded on Bequia, as can be seen from the few houses dotted within the lush green hillsides. A captivating part of the island is the Moonhole, where a huge natural rock arch has formed, but is now a private nature reserve and marine and wildlife sanctuary.

The island of Martinique is located between Dominica and St. Lucia, and it’s capital of Fort-de-France is surrounded by green hills leading to the island’s semi-active volcano, Mt. Pelée. Many key buildings in Fort-de-France date back to the 19th century, including the striking Schoelcher Library, which was built in Paris and shipped to Martinique piece by piece. Also here are the Balata Botanical Gardens, where it’s possible to see fine examples of the flowers that blossom across the island.

Set against a backdrop of lush rainforest and volcanic peaks, Roseau is best known for the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, where dramatic volcanic landscapes blend with tropical rainforest, hot springs and waterfalls. The city itself features a mix of modern and French colonial architecture, with colourful buildings, historic churches and botanical gardens adding to its character. Roseau is compact and easy to explore on foot, with a friendly, unhurried atmosphere shaped by its Creole heritage.

Considered to be the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands have small distances between the islands. Road Town is capital of Tortola, situated in a horse-shoe shaped harbour; this lush, hilly island is also famous for its Pussers rum, and its association with the sea and sailors. Close by is Virgin Gorda – a maze of granite boulders protruding from the shore and sea, and Norman Island, where it is said that the caves here were once filled with pirate treasure.

Located on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten in the Caribbean, and the smallest land mass to be – quite amicably - governed by two different countries, with a variety of nationalities, creating a unique island culture. Princess Juliana Airport’s runway is positioned next to Maho Beach, where thrill seekers enjoy the exhilarating experience of aircraft landing only a few metres above their heads.

Charlestown is the relaxed, historic heart of Nevis, set along the island’s west coast and best explored at an easy pace. As the island’s capital, it offers a gentle glimpse into local life, with Georgian‑style buildings, colourful wooden houses and sea views throughout the town. Also known as the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, Charlestown has small museums that bring Nevis’s past to life, while Nevis Peak rises behind the town, framing its lush, volcanic landscape. Just beyond the waterfront, golden sands such as Pinney’s Beach offer calm waters and open views across to St Kitts – making Charlestown a place to slow down, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the character of the island.

Known as having a beach for every day of the year, Antigua and Barbuda are often referred to as the crown jewels of the Caribbean, and St. John’s is testament to this with its red and yellow colonial buildings set against the azure blue sea and lush green hills. The history of St. John’s is brought to life at English Harbour, where Nelson’s Dockyard, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site has strong connections with the Royal Navy.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During December, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

New Year’s Eve in Funchal is marked by one of the world’s most impressive firework displays, lighting up Madeira’s natural amphitheatre of hills around the harbour. As midnight approaches, fireworks are launched simultaneously from the waterfront, the surrounding slopes and from barges in the bay, creating a wide, carefully choreographed display that fills the sky. The show is designed to be enjoyed from across the city, and your ship will be positioned just off the coast, offering some of the best views of the fireworks from out on deck. It’s a memorable way to welcome the New Year, combining scale and spectacle with the celebratory atmosphere Funchal is known for.

Visiting Lisbon in January allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

As your ship sails into Lisbon along the Tagus River and under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, you can witness prominent Portuguese landmarks punctuating the skyline from the unique viewpoint of the sea. The majestic Belém Tower stands proudly at the water’s edge as a testament to the Age of Discovery, while nearby the Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the country’s explorers, Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator. Meanwhile, in the distance, you will also be able to see São Jorge Castle, overlooking the historic Alfama District.

Matosinhos is a delightful city to explore, where, during the winter months, the coastline offers a refreshing change of pace, with scenic walks along the promenade, sweeping ocean views and welcoming cafés overlooking the Atlantic. Venture further afield to Porto, and you’ll be offered opportunities to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and colourful houses of Ribeira, or perhaps take a boat trip along the Douro River to witness scenic landscapes of terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates known as quintas. Meanwhile, the city is well known for its production of Port wine, which can be sampled at one of the many wine cellars, or for enjoying Porto’s signature dish, Francesinha, a mouth-watering hearty sandwich of meat covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick sauce in an authentic Portuguese restaurant.