Sunbay Hotel

Barbados

This is probably the most popular island for British holiday makers and the first of three Caribbean destinations. There are two reasons for this - the incredible white sand beaches on the sheltered western side of the island and because it's the only Caribbean Island to be colonised by one nation – the Brits! You will even find a Trafalgar Square here. Bridgetown is the capital lying in the South Western corner of the island.

There is a large cruise dock where shuttle buses take you from the cruise ship to the terminal. The closest beach to the cruise terminal is Boatyard Beach - a white sand happening beach that is well equipped particularly in its Adventure Beach area with lots of things to do. There is an entrance charge which includes sunbeds and a free shuttle back to your ship. Barbados is famous for its Golf Courses – particularly at Sandy Lane, its cricket and perhaps take time out to visit Sunbury Plantation House over 300 years old.

MSC Opera

MSC Opera is a charming mid-sized cruise ship and the second vessel in MSC Cruises' Lirica Class, sailing alongside sister ships MSC Lirica, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia. Launched on 11 September 2003 and entering service in June 2004, she was the flagship of the MSC fleet until the arrival of MSC Musica in 2006.

Following MSC's major Renaissance Programme refurbishment in 2015, MSC Opera was lengthened to 274.9 metres (902 ft) and expanded to 65,591 gross tons, enhancing onboard facilities and increasing passenger capacity. The ship features 13 decks (9 passenger-accessible) and accommodates up to 2,679 passengers, cared for by approximately 728 crew members. Guests can enjoy 2 swimming pools, 8 bars and lounges, and up to 5 dining venues, offering a relaxed and intimate cruising experience.

A further refurbishment was completed in 2024, refreshing public areas and technical systems. Unique selling points include the elegant Teatro dell'Opera, family-friendly spray park, MSC Aurea Spa, spacious open decks, and classic Italian-inspired design. Perfect for guests who prefer a more traditional cruise ship atmosphere, MSC Opera combines timeless elegance, excellent service and access to destinations often unavailable to larger vessels.

Martinique

Quirky historical sites complement European flair and Caribbean beauty on this French outpost. With croissants and palm trees, all perched near a live volcano, Martinique is the definition of a refined French-Caribbean island – fashionable and elegant, with an abundance of flora. Filled with ruins and monuments, Martinique has been French, with a few interruptions, since 1635, and as an overseas department of France (since 1946), it revels in French history and savoir-faire. Tourism is important, but so are banana farming, cane raising, and the rum business. With two world-class monarchs among its progeny - Napoleon's empress Josephine, and Aimé Dubuc de Rivery, who was kidnapped at sea and made Sultana Validá, mother of Turkey's Sultan Mahmoud II - the island delights in historical oddities. Its many small museums focus on curiosities such as banana farming and ancient island civilizations.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly from the air. Its giant wings are actually two islands, separated by the Rivière Salée, a natural salt water channel. Basse Terre, the southern or leeward part of Guadeloupe, is lush and rugged, dominated by La Soufrière. A stream of boiling water gushes from the top of the 4,800-ft. mountain, reminding you that this volcano is not dormant, but very much alive.

Tortola (UK Virgin Islands)

Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and as a result they drive on the left (as in the UK) – confusing the American tourists! Road Town is the capital and is nestled at bottom of a backdrop of mountains. There are 2 cruise terminals within walking distance to the shops. Just up an over the mountain on the other side of the island is the popular Cane Garden Beach - this is a lovely palm fringed sweep of white sand. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get there with some magnificent views of the island and the cost is $6 in a shared minibus / taxi. There is an opportunity to swim with the dolphins in the dolphin sanctuary just to the South of Road Town. Also another must here are the Baths at Virgin Gorda – the massive volcanic boulders which form secluded pools and grottos.

Dominica

Dominica was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and was named after the day he discovered it – Sunday ! This mountainous lush tropical island belonging to the Leeward Island group is approximately 30 miles long by 15 miles wide. The capital Roseau lies in the South Western corner and is very picturesque at the foot of green hills and mountains. Ships usually moor at the quayside and you are right in the heart of the town. The roads here are extremely narrow and steep – but its worth the 1 hour journey to Ti Tou Gorge where there is a refreshing waterfall amidst the rain forest. On the way back check out the Sulphur Springs and take a photo stop at the Botanical gardens overlooking Roseau and the bay. Another supremely wonderful activity is river tubing on the Layou River - fab u lous. Not great for beaches. The sail away from Dominica is beautiful – one of the best in the Caribbean.

Samana (Dominican Republic)

Discover Samaná, Dominican Republic, a tropical paradise where lush mountains meet palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters. Located on the island's stunning northeast coast, Samaná offers a more authentic Caribbean experience, rich in natural beauty and local charm. Explore secluded beaches, visit the spectacular El Limón Waterfall or take in dramatic coastal scenery along the peninsula.

From whale watching in season to relaxing on pristine sands and sampling fresh Dominican cuisine, Samaná delivers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. A cruise call here reveals one of the Caribbean's most captivating and unspoilt destinations.

St Thomas (US Virgin Islands)

St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands and THE duty free shopper's paradise in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie is the capital – and this quaint town is a joy to walk around with its cobbled streets and alley ways filled with the best shops in the Caribbean – but not so much "in your face" as the other islands. Unlike most of the other islands this is the US of A in the Caribbean – it is clean, organised and well run; you may think that you are in one of the Florida Keys. The best beach is Magens Bay (voted one of the top 10 beaches of the world) and is approximately 6 miles away from the capital on the other side of the island.

St Maarten

This island was settled at different periods buy both the Dutch and the French so there are two distinct halves to the island. The capital is Philipsburg where the cruise ships dock at the quayside. This is a delightful warren of narrow streets with interesting shops and leafy courtyard cafes. This is a wonderful place to wander around starting in Wathey Square where you will fund a fine collection of West Indian Gingerbread houses. The French Capital is Marigot- worth visiting for its markets, café lined waterfront and the chic boutiques of Marina Port La Royale. If you are feeling really adventurous perhaps head to world famous Maho beach at the end of the runway to experience aircraft taking off and landing directly overhead.

St Kitts

St Kitts is a member of the British Commonwealth and lies at the top of the Lesser Antilles chain close to Antigua. Cruise ships moor at the cruise pier called port Zante in the capital Basseterre right in front of the shops. Visit Brimstone Hill National Park known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies and the sister island of Nevis just a 45 minute ferry ride way. Get a good feel for the island on the scenic railway – originally built to transport sugar cane or chill out at one of the best beaches on the island Cockleshell Beach. This 2 mile stretch of white sand beach is relatively unspoilt and overlooks the island of Nevis. Try an invigorating natural Aloe Vera massage on the beach – it does wonders for your sunburn!

Enjoy a day of relaation at sea taking advantage of the dining options, entertainment and facilities on board.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island, just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, offers scenic beaches, crystal‑clear waters and charming seaside towns like Avalon. Visitors enjoy water sports, hiking, marine life encounters and relaxing coastal views. With its mild climate, unique history and laid‑back atmosphere, Catalina is a perfect escape for both adventure and relaxation.

Dominica

Dominica was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and was named after the day he discovered it – Sunday ! This mountainous lush tropical island belonging to the Leeward Island group is approximately 30 miles long by 15 miles wide. The capital Roseau lies in the South Western corner and is very picturesque at the foot of green hills and mountains. Ships usually moor at the quayside and you are right in the heart of the town. The roads here are extremely narrow and steep – but its worth the 1 hour journey to Ti Tou Gorge where there is a refreshing waterfall amidst the rain forest. On the way back check out the Sulphur Springs and take a photo stop at the Botanical gardens overlooking Roseau and the bay. Another supremely wonderful activity is river tubing on the Layou River - fab u lous. Not great for beaches. The sail away from Dominica is beautiful – one of the best in the Caribbean.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island, just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, offers scenic beaches, crystal‑clear waters and charming seaside towns like Avalon. Visitors enjoy water sports, hiking, marine life encounters and relaxing coastal views. With its mild climate, unique history and laid‑back atmosphere, Catalina is a perfect escape for both adventure and relaxation.

Enjoy a day of relaation at sea taking advantage of the dining options, entertainment and facilities on board.