Trip Reports
29 January
Setting sail from Bridgetown
The tiny eastern Caribbean island of Barbados has long been a favourite for British holiday makers, thanks in no small part to the platinum sands and warm, crystal clear waters of the west coast. But there's more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison's Cave. Perhaps the island's biggest asset, however, is the Bajans themselves, who are some of the friendliest people you're ever likely to meet.
Don't miss
Barbados is packed with historic houses, signal stations and sugar mills – one of our favourites is Sunbury Plantation House.
30 January
St. Vincent & Grenadines: Kingstown
Kingstown is the pint-sized capital of St Vincent and the Grenadines, situated on the main island of St Vincent. The city’s attractions include the colonial-era Fort Charlotte and Botanical Gardens, while elsewhere on the island you'll find lovely beaches, picturesque waterfalls and fruit plantations.
31 January
Grenada: Hillsborough (Carriacou)
1 February
At sea
2 February
Curaçao: Willemstad
The gabled houses of Willemstad lend an undeniably Dutch feel to the capital of little Curaçao, with a splash of Caribbean colour thrown in. The island itself is not your typical lush tropical paradise - the landscape is characterised instead by thorny shrubs and cacti - but there are some fantastic beaches and quaint little villages.
3 February
Aruba: Oranjestad
The tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, located just off the coast of Venezuela, lies outside of the hurricane belt, meaning it enjoys a largely dry climate, and boasts some of the best beaches in the region, if not the world.
4 February
At sea
5 February
Jamaica: Port Royal
Port Royal was once known as ‘the most wicked and sinful city in the world’, a den of vice that was home to pirates, slave traders and other undesirables. A huge earthquake in 1692 destroyed much of the city, with the ruins submerged under the sea. Port Royal is also close to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, a must visit for fans of Bob Marley.
6 February
At sea
7 February
Bahamas: Nassau
Nassau, the lively Bahamian capital, is home to duty free shopping, a burgeoning restaurant scene and elegant Georgian architecture. There are some interesting museums where you can learn about the pirates and slave traders of yesteryear, and the surrounding coastline boasts some truly stunning beaches.
8 February
Arriving in Miami
Miami is a pulsating modern city, a cultural crossroads where Cuban émigrés rub shoulders with affluent New Yorkers topping up on winter sun, and where you're just as likely to hear Spanish or Caribbean patois being spoken as you are English. Downtown Miami is a destination in its own right, with a host of world class galleries including the fantastic MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), but it's still Miami Beach that draws the biggest crowds. The Art Deco district around South Beach is very much back in vogue, with new restaurants, bars and luxury developments sprouting up all over the place.
Our tip
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach on the tip of Key Biscayne is a great place to get away from the crowds and spot some wildlife.
Your home from home
Small enough to operate fascinating port-intensive itineraries, but with the space for dining options, comfortable accommodation and more, sister ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena are for many the perfect size.
What we love
These four boutique style sister ships carry just 684 guests apiece, with a comfortable, relaxed country house style and plenty of intimate corners. We love the alternative restaurants - Oceania is rightly renowned for great food - and the pretty little library up on deck 10.
| Capacity | 684 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 400 International Staff |
| Style | On Oceania it's all about the time spent ashore, so back on board it's relaxed and unpretentious, with no dressing up. Open seating throughout creates an atmosphere which is friendly and sociable. |
| Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
The best place to stay in Barbados
There are so many fantastic hotels to choose from, but the Mundy favourite is Cobblers Cove.
See more of Barbados
This is a lovely island to explore with amazing views, particularly on the East (Atlantic) coast, so get a driver to take you on a circuit.
Where to stay in Miami
Glamorous, hip, or so cool you freeze? Lots of choice… but we really like the Betsy.
See more of Florida
If you have a few days get down to the Florida Keys – magnificent.
