Cruise met Vision of the Seas vanuit Baltimore – 12 nachten

Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, where majestic tall ships reveal this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ anthem.

No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbour. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships – a Pearl Harbour-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving mid-Atlantic seafood and photo-worthy views of the water.

Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period-costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.

The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St Croix has it all – gorgeous natural scenery begging to be explored, and quaint colonial towns perfect for wandering. It used to be nicknamed the ‘Garden of the Antilles’ because of its lush fields of sugarcane – and its sugar mills dating back to the 18th century are still popular spots. But these days, it’s world-class dive sites like Salt River Canyon, powdery beaches like Cane Bay, and rainforests teeming with tropical wildlife that keep people coming back. Plus, award-winning rum of course. Cruise to St Croix and discover plenty of Victorian Dutch architecture and charming colonial churches in Frederiksted and Christiansted.

What makes St Maarten so unique is its blend of cultures. The island is home to 120 different nationalities speaking over 80 languages, and is governed by two countries: the Netherlands and France. In fact, it’s the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. While it may be less than 40 square miles, there’s plenty to do on this little island: you can travel back in time while exploring centuries-old ruins and get your adrenaline fix zip lining through lush tropical forests. If you’re after a little rest and relaxation during your cruise to St Maarten, you’ll find plenty of secluded beaches where you can work on your suntan before treating your taste buds to some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.

From dramatic landscapes moulded by ancient volcanoes to sparkling palm-fringed beaches, St Lucia offers some amazing Caribbean eye candy. Luxury resorts nestle up to the natural beauty, giving this island just the right touch of exclusivity. Cruise to St Lucia and explore the coast by catamaran. Hike to the peaks of the soaring twin Pitons. Tour rainforests and explore the fishing villages of Anse-La-Raye. Or take a relaxing dip in warm mineral pools heated by the dormant volcano of Soufriere. In the capital of Castries, you’ll find touches of French and British heritage, from the architecture to the cuisine.

Dominica isn’t nicknamed ‘Nature Island’ for nothing. Its 290 square miles of towering mountains, thriving rainforests and rushing waterfalls deserve all that cred and then some. But the true pulse of the island beats in Roseau. It may be one of the smallest capitals in the Caribbean, but don’t let its size fool you – Roseau is electric with cultural energy. The spicy aroma of Creole home cooking wafts through food stalls at the Roseau Market. Reggae and soca beats spill from the windows of centuries-old stone-and-wood buildings and parties erupt around jing ping bands at hotspots like Bala’s Bar at the Fort Young Hotel. During your cruise to Dominica, you’ll quickly notice that Roseau doesn’t march to the beat of its own drum – it dances.

“St. Kitts is eigenlijk een bijnaam voor het Caribische eiland dat eigenlijk St. Christopher’s is (genoemd door Christoffel Columbus, die geen voet op het eiland zette, maar er in 1493 langs zeilde). Het eiland werd al snel Brits territorium en er werd jaren over gevochten vanwege de begeerde vruchtbare grond, perfect voor het verbouwen van suikerriet. Vandaag kunt u dit prachtige eiland bezoeken en in de voetsporen treden van de geschiedenis. Vaar naar St. Kitts om al dit prachtige land te ervaren, van wandelingen in het regenwoud tot snorkelen voor de kust. Vergeet niet Nevis te bezoeken, het zustereiland van St. Kitts, dat op 45 minuten met de veerboot ligt.

*Beklim de steilste set van 27 treden die je ooit zult beklimmen om bij het Brimstone Hill Fortress te komen. Dit fort werd gebruikt door de Britten en biedt een spectaculair uitzicht over het eiland en zijn buren. Hier kunt u ook meer te weten komen over de geschiedenis van St. Kitts.

*Geniet van de schoonheid van het eiland in het Fairview Great House en de Botanische Tuinen. Dit gerestaureerde huis biedt prachtig uitzicht op de lokale flora en de Caribische Zee.

*Rijd rond het eiland met de St. Kitts Scenic Railway. Deze openluchttrein biedt een fantastisch uitzicht op de prachtige landschappen van het eiland. De trein werd oorspronkelijk gebruikt om suikerriet van de plantages naar de fabrieken in Basseterre te vervoeren.

*Lees meer over het ongebruikelijke vroege leven van Alexander Hamilton, een van de grondleggers van de VS. wie is te zien op de rekening van $ 10. Hij is geboren en getogen in Nevis.”

Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, where majestic tall ships reveal this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ anthem.

No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbour. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships – a Pearl Harbour-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving mid-Atlantic seafood and photo-worthy views of the water.

Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period-costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.