Eastern Caribbean Islands

14 nights Dec 26, 2026

The Eastern Caribbean Islands is a 14-night Caribbean cruise aboard Arvia, operated by P&O Cruises. Departing Antigua, Leeward Islands on December 26, 2026, the voyage visits 9 ports.

Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 26, 2026 Antigua, Leeward Islands Antigua, as sweet as the sugar cane form the plantations, welcomes us in a warm embrace and giving us the opportunity to swim in its beautiful sea. We stop in the port of Antigua, an old colony where we can see the vestiges of the agricultural past of the island. Sugar is no longer the livelihood of this small nation, but you can still visit the old windmills of Fuerteventura. Take a dance class at the Shiva school of dance or catch a show of traditional dances from the Caribbean. Before the cruise resumes its course, enjoy a spectacular sunset on the beach, swim with the stingrays and admire the underwater fauna.

Day 3 Dec 28, 2026 Dominica Lying between Guadeloupe and Martinique is the island of Dominica--an unspoiled Caribbean paradise. The vibrant, rich rainforest is home to rare birds, including Sisserou and Jacquot parrots. Streams tumble down mountain slopes and thread fertile valleys on their short route to the sea. Dominica is also home to the last Carib Indians. When Columbus made landfall on his second voyage of discovery, this fierce tribe managed to keep the explorer at bay. And while the island proved a lure for both British and French planters, Dominica somehow managed to escape the trammels of civilization. This former British possession, independent since 1978, today lures visitors from around the world with its unspoiled beauty. As the islanders fondly say, "Apres Bondi, c'est la terre" (After God, it is the land). Tours may travel narrow, winding roads.

Day 4 Dec 29, 2026 St. Lucia Nestled below the Pitons, twin peaks rising over 2,600 feet above the azure waters of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an oasis of tropical calm. The island's capital, Castries, is a town of charming, pastel-colored colonial buildings, home to some 60,000. Yet despite its peaceful setting, St. Lucia has a turbulent and colorful history. Fierce Carib warriors overran the peaceful Arawaks in the 9th century. The first European settler, Francois Le Clerc, was a French buccaneer. Le Clerc's countrymen followed in his wake, establishing the town of Soufriere in 1746. Sugar was the lure, sugar was king. Within four decades some 50 plantations flourished on the island. Thus St. Lucia became part of the Caribbean's 18th-century trade triangle of sugar, slavery, and rum. Today this beautiful island welcomes visitors drawn to its exotic tropical landscape, superb beaches, crystalline waters, and colorful marine life.

Day 5 Dec 30, 2026 Grenada, Windward Islands,Grenadines Sailors through the centuries have rated it one of the worlds prettiest harbours and it is hard to disagree. Horseshoe-shaped and set in a volcanic crater, Grenadas capital and cruise port St Georges is flanked by two forts, with colourful French colonial style buildings ranged along the front. It is the perfect entrance to one of the Caribbean's most scenic islands. Only 12 miles by 21, it is awash with waterfalls, mountain valleys, rainforests, lakes and volcanic craters. The beaches are to die for, especially Grand Anse - a two-mile stretch of pure white sand just around the bay from St Georges. Grenada is also the island you can smell before you can see it. The 'Spice Island' grows more spices per square mile than anywhere else on the planet with nutmeg its signature seasoning. In fact, gentle haggling with spice vendors is part of the fun of cruising to this laid-back Caribbean island.

Day 7 Jan 1, 2027 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. Go to Bridgetown, Barbados Cruises visiting Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados photo — Day 7 Jan 1, 2027 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. Go to Bridgetown, Barbados Cruises visiting Bridgetown, Barbados

Day 10 Jan 4, 2027 Fort de France Thanks in large part to its French and West Indian influences, Martinique, a lush mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles with its dormant Mount Pelée volcano in the backdrop, exudes a cosmopolitan flair with a sophisticated culinary and cultural scene that draws travellers not only to its natural wonders, beautiful bays and beaches, but also to its heart at Fort-de-France, the capital. While French is the official language, most islanders also speak Antillean Creole. As part of the European Union, the island uses the euro as its currency. When you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Fort-de-France, you immediately notice the island’s steep hills, colourful colonial architecture, ornate balconies and tropical flowers. Book an MSC excursion to the Balata Cathedral, a miniature replica of the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, Paris, which offers a spectacular view of Fort-de-France and the bay. Before Martinique came to be known by its current name, it was once called Madinina, the island of flowers. At Balata Botanical Gardens, discover 300 types of palm trees, take in views from the garden's suspension bridge and enjoy the tropical flowers in bloom across 16 acres of lush landscape. Or try the island's best rum distilleries. MSC excursions will take you to the Depaz Distillery, in business since 1651, or the St. James Rum Distillery & Museum, where you will learn about the process of making rum and taste the traditional Rhum Agricole, made by using freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than the conventional molasses. Afterwards, visit the ruins of the theatre in St. Pierre, the former cultural capital of Martinique that was tragically destroyed by the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée. The modern-day town of St. Pierre is France's 101st “City of Art and History.” Go to Fort de France Cruises visiting Fort de France

Fort de France photo — Day 10 Jan 4, 2027 Fort de France Thanks in large part to its French and West Indian influences, Martinique, a lush mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles with its dormant Mount Pelée volcano in the backdrop, exudes a cosmopolitan flair with a sophisticated culinary and cultural scene that draws travellers not only to its natural wonders, beautiful bays and beaches, but also to its heart at Fort-de-France, the capital. While French is the official language, most islanders also speak Antillean Creole. As part of the European Union, the island uses the euro as its currency. When you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Fort-de-France, you immediately notice the island’s steep hills, colourful colonial architecture, ornate balconies and tropical flowers. Book an MSC excursion to the Balata Cathedral, a miniature replica of the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, Paris, which offers a spectacular view of Fort-de-France and the bay. Before Martinique came to be known by its current name, it was once called Madinina, the island of flowers. At Balata Botanical Gardens, discover 300 types of palm trees, take in views from the garden's suspension bridge and enjoy the tropical flowers in bloom across 16 acres of lush landscape. Or try the island's best rum distilleries. MSC excursions will take you to the Depaz Distillery, in business since 1651, or the St. James Rum Distillery & Museum, where you will learn about the process of making rum and taste the traditional Rhum Agricole, made by using freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than the conventional molasses. Afterwards, visit the ruins of the theatre in St. Pierre, the former cultural capital of Martinique that was tragically destroyed by the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée. The modern-day town of St. Pierre is France's 101st “City of Art and History.” Go to Fort de France Cruises visiting Fort de France

Day 11 Jan 5, 2027 Basseterre, St. Kitts Columbus discovered St. Kitts (short for St. Christopher) and Nevis on his second voyage in 1493. Arawak and Carib Indians who had moved up through the islands from South America already inhabited both islands. While European immigrants massacred many of them, the Caribs continued to stage fierce battles, which became legendary. In 1632, the West Indies' first British settlement was established on the island, which soon developed into an important colony thanks to its sugar industry. France and England shared St. Kitts for some time, but the partition ended with the Peace of Utrecht in 1713. After being declared a British colony in 1783, St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, were administered as a single colony until 1871 when the Leeward Islands Federation was formed. This continued up to 1957 when St. Kitts and Nevis were granted self-government, with Britain remaining responsible for external affairs and defense. Both islands became an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1983. Basseterre, St. Kitts' capital, still shows signs of colonial architecture. However, its setting against the emerald green hills ensures a distinct Caribbean ambiance. Many travelers agree that Basseterre is one of the prettiest of the Caribbean's small capitals. Go to Basseterre, St. Kitts Cruises visiting Basseterre, St. Kitts

Basseterre, St. Kitts photo — Day 11 Jan 5, 2027 Basseterre, St. Kitts Columbus discovered St. Kitts (short for St. Christopher) and Nevis on his second voyage in 1493. Arawak and Carib Indians who had moved up through the islands from South America already inhabited both islands. While European immigrants massacred many of them, the Caribs continued to stage fierce battles, which became legendary. In 1632, the West Indies' first British settlement was established on the island, which soon developed into an important colony thanks to its sugar industry. France and England shared St. Kitts for some time, but the partition ended with the Peace of Utrecht in 1713. After being declared a British colony in 1783, St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, were administered as a single colony until 1871 when the Leeward Islands Federation was formed. This continued up to 1957 when St. Kitts and Nevis were granted self-government, with Britain remaining responsible for external affairs and defense. Both islands became an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1983. Basseterre, St. Kitts' capital, still shows signs of colonial architecture. However, its setting against the emerald green hills ensures a distinct Caribbean ambiance. Many travelers agree that Basseterre is one of the prettiest of the Caribbean's small capitals. Go to Basseterre, St. Kitts Cruises visiting Basseterre, St. Kitts

Day 12 Jan 6, 2027 Tortola As you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, it’s easy to see why pirates took refuge here among the hidden coves and sheltered bays, lush green mountains and powder-white sandy beaches. Today, its beauty continues to draw attention; Road Town, BVI’s capital, is a haven for yacht chartering, upscale tourism and offshore finance. You recognize Dutch and English colonial influences from a bygone era dominated by large sugarcane plantations built on the backs of enslaved African labour. Main Street, Road Town's main shopping district, features several historical landmarks including the Post Office, built in the mid-1800s, St. George's Anglican Church, Britannic Hall and the Virgin Islands' Folk Museum. Despite being a British protectorate, the U.S. dollar is used as Tortola’s main currency. The best way to discover Tortola is on an MSC excursion. Take a panoramic island bus tour through Road Town and the charming districts of Long Trench and Fahie Hill. Then drive along the dramatic north shoreline to beautiful Cane Garden Bay, where you can take a dip in the inviting, clear water and gaze at the anchored boats that prize this placid bay. Along the way, get your fill of Instagram-worthy vistas of the surrounding islands. Feeling more adventurous? Book a 4x4 island tour on a safari-style Land Rover to experience the island's verdant terrain and magnificent views that are well off the beaten track. Enjoy a snorkelling trip on the southern tip of the BVI archipelago at nearby Norman Island, said to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic “Treasure Island” novel. Or let an MSC excursion take you on a pleasant boat ride to the nearby island of Virgin Gorda to visit the stunning beach area known as The Baths, one of the BVI’s most popular sights. Amid the natural beauty, swim, snorkel and see colourful fish, or simply explore the unusual geological formations comprising huge, sea-sculpted granite boulders that line the beach and form tidal pools, tunnels, caves, arches and scenic grottoes. Go to Tortola Cruises visiting Tortola

Day 13 Jan 7, 2027 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.

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

All cabin grades (34) Detailed cabin specs available at booking.

Name	Supplier code	Type
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	EA	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	EB	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	ED	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	EE	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	EF	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Sofa	EZ	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GA	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GB	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GC	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GD	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GE	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GF	Balcony
Smaller Balcony	GX	Balcony
Standard Balcony with Sofa	GZ	Balcony
Balcony Single	QZ	Balcony
Inside (Larger)	OA	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PA	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PB	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PC	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PD	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PE	Inside
Inside (Standard)	PF	Inside
Inside Single	SZ	Inside
Sea View (Standard Outside)	LB	Oceanview
Sea View (Standard Outside)	LC	Oceanview
Sea View (Standard Outside)	LF	Oceanview
Suite	B4	Suite
Suite	B5	Suite
Suite	B6	Suite
Family Sea View Suite	BA	Suite
Conservatory Mini Suite	CV	Suite
Conservatory Mini Suite	CW	Suite
Conservatory Mini Suite	CY	Suite
Conservatory Mini Suite	CZ	Suite