Sailing aboard the brand-new Emerald Cruises Sakara as it tours the eastern Caribbean, Lisa says she has been ‘cruising through life’ with her friend Zoe, enjoying ‘big doses of vitamin sea, bubbling in the Jacuzzis, and doing yoga up on the deck’. Here’s what to expect if you too are tempted by this magical sun-soaked trip.

And this eight-day round-trip from Antigua is ideal for those who want to go off the beaten track in the Caribbean, seeing some of its lesser-known gems. From St John, Lisa set sail for Saint-Pierre in Martinique, nicknamed ‘Little Paris’ for its art and culture. There are some fascinating things to see in this village of just 5,000 people, including colonial remnants such as the old theatre, ruined fort, and dungeon of Cyparis.

Next is Port Elizabeth on Bequia, the second-largest island in the Grenadines, with an open-air market with an 18th-century feel before continuing on to the Tobago Cays in the southern Grenadines – the perfect place to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the marina toys in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a 1,400-acre lagoon ringed by a horseshoe-shaped reef.

Next up is tiny Mayreau, smallest of the Grenadines’ inhabited islands, then on to Saint Lucia to enjoy the hot springs and geothermal fields, botanical gardens, and waterfalls of the original capital La Soufrière, and get chance to relax on the aptly named Glittering Sands beach.

Then it’s off to Terre-de-Haut, which feels a bit like the South of France. This is the easternmost island in Guadeloupe’s Îles des Saintes with their shallow reefs, Fort Napoléon, and botanical gardens. Before heading back to Antigua, make sure to sample Terre-de-Haut’s signature dish, le tourment d’amour – a small tart with coconut jam, covered in sponge cake.

“The excitement of waking up in a new place every morning, watching the sun rise from our balcony, martinis at sunset, and making friends with the locals – I thoroughly recommend this experience with your partner, a girlie trip, or even on your own,” says Lisa.

As part of the itinerary, Lisa also stayed in two incredible properties before and after her sailing: Blue Waters Resort & Spa in Antigua and the Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach Hotel. At Blue Waters Resort & Spa, there is plenty of opportunity to relax and recharge before setting sail, with a stunning white-sand beach to lounge on and a first-class spa set in the grounds of the resort’s 17 acres of tropical gardens. Once your cruise has concluded, spend a night at the Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach Hotel where the good vibes continue thanks to the hotel’s perfect location on the beachfront and just a short walk from Miami’s bustling boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. 

Of her experience working with a Travel Counsellor, Lisa can’t imagine anything better; “Using a Travel Counsellor is the way forward everyone! Tailor-made bespoke travels with all the trimmings!”

To book your holiday to the Caribbean with Emerald Cruises, call your Travel Counsellor today.