12-night Caribbean cruise from Philadelphia on Norwegian Pearl
The 12-Day Caribbean Round-Trip Philadelphia: Barbados & Dominican Republic is a 12-night Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. Departing Philadelphia, PhilaPort, Pennsylvania on January 3, 2028, the voyage visits 7 ports including Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Lucia. Fares start from $919 per person.
Fixed editorial images from the places on this itinerary. They stay stable each time you return to this sailing.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) and other American Revolutionary sites. Also iconic are the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film "Rocky."
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Offering some of the best vistas in all the Caribbean, St. Maarten is the smallest inhabited island in the world shared by two nations - France in the north and the Netherlands in the south. Dubbed the true melting pot of the Caribbean, the 37-square-mile island is home to people of 47 different nationalities and more than 400 restaurants, featuring a hugely diverse variety of cuisine.
The island also has two capitals: Philipsburg on the Dutch side, and Marigot in the French part. Once you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in St. Maarten, explore how the two cultures have blended their very distinct characters on one of our MSC excursions.
Your St. Maarten cruise will dock in Philipsburg, founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy. Philipsburg, with its pastel-coloured West Indian houses, is known for its duty-free shopping along Front Street, the Great Salt Pond, which once made the island literally “worth its salt,” and attracted the attention of the French, and Fort Willem, built in 1801, with mag-nificent views of the bay and the surrounding islands.
From there, several MSC excursions take you on a hilly drive to the French side of the island to experience Marigot. Originally a fishing village on a swamp for which it was named, Marigot became the capital during the reign of Louis XVI. Fort Louis, which overlooks Marigot Bay and Anguilla, was built in the late 18th century to protect the town’s warehouses of salt, coffee, sugar cane and especially rum from the English. Today, Marigot showcases quaint colourful gingerbread-like houses, tasty sidewalk bistros and a waterfront market selling fruit and vegetables, spices, local meats and fresh fish from Creole huts worth exploring.
For something special, spend the day on the Dutch side of the island at the restored sugar planta-tion at Rockland Estate. Take in a history lesson at the Emilio Wilson Museum or a nature hike and 360-degree views from Sentry Hill. Participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration of authentic local cuisines with lunch at Emilio’s restaurant, in an exclusive Martha Stewart excursion curated for MSC Cruises.
Also at Rockland Estate, thrill seekers can book other MSC excursions on the Flying Dutchman, a fast and furious zip line ride that will have you whizzing down the line at speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km) per hour. Then take the Pirate Sky Ride cable car back up the top to the Crow’s Nest where several platforms encircling the mountain afford panoramic views of the neighbouring islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy and Anguilla. Then plunge down the mountain on a Schooner Ride inner tube along a specially designed track.
To experience one of the island’s hottest spots and most popular attractions, visit the famous Maho Beach, also called Airplane Beach. Don’t get too comfortable, though. This is because you watch as planes pass only a short distance above your head as they land and take off from Princess Juli-ana Airport’s short runway next door.
Bridgetown, Barbados
When you arrive in Barbados on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, begin your exploration with the capital, Bridgetown. There are many attractions in this small Caribbean city, but by all means pause to admire its many colonial buildings, the Parliament Building and the statue of Lord Nelson standing in what is currently called the National Heroes Square.
Barbados has retained somewhat of a British feel, with its place names, cricket, horse-racing and polo, Anglican parish churches and even a hilly district known as Scotland. But the Britishness can be exaggerated, for this is a distinctly West Indian country, covered by a patch-work of sugarcane fields and dotted with tiny rum shops.
The Garrison Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent 18th- and 19th-century buildings, is a must-see stop, featuring one of the world's finest collection of cannons. It also includes the George Washington House, where the American patriot spent six weeks of his life.
The current St. John's Church, in the eastern parish of the same name, is the fifth reconstruction of the oldest local church, in Barbadian Gothic style. Perched on a cliff 800 feet above the sea, it dates back to 1836. Its interior hosts a sculpture by 18th-century British artist Richard Westmacott, while its churchyard contains the tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, a direct descendant of the brother of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor.
Book an MSC excursion to discover the island’s history at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in the St. Michael neighbourhood. And tour Sunbury Plantation House, located in the tranquil St. Philip countryside. Dating back to 1650, it’s a living monument to plantation life and a bygone era.
Harrison’s Cave, in St. Thomas district, is a wonder of nature with its stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls. In one of the caverns, the play of light on the rocks is so in-tense that it has been nicknamed “The Crystal Room”.
For some fun at the beach, head to Pirates Cove, one of the best beaches on Barbados. Featuring palm trees and chickee huts, white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax, just a stone’s throw from Bridgetown.
If you’re brave enough to dive into the deep, set out on an MSC excursion inside a real submarine, the Atlantis, to explore the coral reef and discover the beauty that the depths reveal.
Forward-Facing Deluxe Penthouse with Large Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $4,369
$364 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
2-Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite with Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $5,319
$443 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $6,119
$509 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $6,269
$522 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $8,169
$680 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $8,769
$730 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Cabin grade
Available
from $9,619
$801 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
The Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa
Cabin grade
Available
from $18,869
$1,572 / night
per person · incl. taxes & fees
Prices verified Aug 27, 2026
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Follow the entire sailing from its first day to its last, with the route and schedule in one view.
Day 1·Jan 3, 2028
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and…
Norwegian Pearl® is a mid-sized ship with a relaxed atmosphere and elegant décor. Cruise to the breezy islands of The Caribbean, or simply sit back and sail through the world's greatest shortcut on a Panama Canal cruise. Mealtime is a superstar on Pearl, as she offers many chic dining options - including the complimentary 24-hour Eatery, O'Sheehan's Neighbourhood Bar & Grill, two steakhouses (Cagney's and Moderno Churrascaria) and much more. Looking to turn things up a notch? Head to Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club or stop by our dazzling casino, then wind down at the tranquil Mandara Spa®. When it comes to accommodation, she has endless choices. Whether you're seeking a family holiday or a romantic retreat, her sophisticated design and first-class amenities make this ship an excellent choice.
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