Royal Clipper
This is a great way of experiencing the Caribbean and seeing what the individual islands have to offer.
Having visited Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua previously, as many people do on their trips, it was fascinating to experience Dominica, which is just emerging on the tourist route. It is totally self sufficient food wise and it was wonderful to see the avocados, mangoes, pineapples and bananas growing as well as sweet potatoes, onions and various other vegetables in abundance. This island is the envy of many others in the Caribbean.
St Kitts is full of history and its sugar cane plantations and rum production are legendary. Romney Manor dating back to 1626, with its 400 year old Saman tree, are well worth a visit.
Isles des Santes is absolutely charming. A sleepy place with a number of delicious seafood restaurants and quirky boutiques. Very French.
Martinique was much larger and more commercialised than I had expected. McDonalds and KFC had a presence here but again French speaking and different.
Apart from the opportunity to visit numerous islands, the atmosphere on board the Clipper is magical. When the sails are hoisted accompanied by wonderful musical, everyone is silent and in awe of the magnificent sight of the sails and the noise of wind billowing through them. Great friends can be made on board and by the end of the sailing, it is sad to say goodbye.
This is my fourth trip and I am hooked.