Special Hosted Cruise with Lisa McCaskill, Vice President Sales & Marketing (Scenic Group – Canada)

Lisa is a tourism expert with over 25 years  in sales, marketing and client care. For the past 13 years, she’s led Scenic Group’s Canadian operations, forging valuable partnership and driving success. She’s collaborated with The Globe & Mail and celebrities like Jan Arden and Chef Michael Bonacini, and share her expertise as a guest speaker for BCIT’s Tourism Marketing Program. Her love for travel started early with a trip to Glasgow at six months old. Growing up in Ontario, Lisa dreamed of a pool, but her father’s advice about the cost helped her value their focus on travel instead. Now in Vancouver, Lisa enjoys life with her South African husband and her two rescue dogs from Mexico, Boris and Prada, who bring joy and laughter to their home.

Dining Highlights

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks & selected cocktails throughout the day.
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Welcome Champagne and hors d’œuvres reception

Included excursions

• Secluded island beach escapes
• Island port explorations
• Exclusive beach party BBQ
• Sunset Drinks on the Sky Deck hosted by Lisa McCaskill
• Loyalty Dinner hosted by Captain and Lisa McCaskill
• Up close and personal Q&A with Lisa
• Special gifts and surprises along the way!

Day 1 Fri, 31 Jan San Juan, Puerto Rico
Welcome to San Juan, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Sat, 01 Feb San Juan, Puerto Rico (B,D)
Today you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Caribbean.

Captain’s Welcome Reception with special guest Lisa McCaskill.

Day 3 Sun, 02 Feb Culebra Island & Vieques Island, Puerto Rico (B,L,D)
Culebra is widely known for its white-sand beaches and active reef and is one of the major islands in Puerto Rico’s archipelago. This island offers plenty for nature lovers, giving you peace and tranquillity in a truly pristine destination. There are more than 20 cays bustling with diverse marine life, making it an absolute paradise for underwater adventurers and casual beachgoers alike. Today, join a shuttle to visit Flamenco beach.

Opportunity to spend the day swimming off the yacht and enjoying our marina toys.

After lunch we set sail to Vieques Island. The quaint coastal town of Esperanza has a lovely waterfront with gorgeous beaches and a bustling strip of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. One can walk along the boulevard and visit the various establishments for a glimpse into the local culture and activities on offer. Locals enjoy spending the afternoon at Sun Bay, the main urban beach located in the town’s eastern outskirts.

DiscoverMORE
Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay (extra expense)
Experience the magic of bioluminescent waters on this unforgettable kayaking adventure at Mosquito Bay, Vieques. Embark on your kayaking adventure in double kayaks. Paddle under the blanket of the night sky and marvel at the sparkling swirls of bioluminescent water created by your paddles and the darting fish that leave trails of light behind them. Learn about the microorganisms that give the water its magical glow and the importance of preserving this natural wonder.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

Day 4 Mon, 03 Feb St. John, US Virgin Islands – Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands (B,L,D)
Cruz Bay is the economic and social hub of St. John, with a busy inter-island ferry dock connecting it to other islands in the region. The busy bay is dotted with restaurants and shops, and beautiful Caribbean architecture can be seen in Mongoose Junction as one takes a gentle stroll through town. Today choose between our Included Excursion or our EmeraldACTIVE option.

In the evening, set sail to Jost Van Dyke, one of the main islands in the British Virgin Islands.

Included Excursion
St. John Island tour with Annaberg Plantation Ruins
Explore the stunning beauty and rich history of St. John on this scenic island drive. You’ll board an open-air safari transportation for a comprehensive tour of the island’s most iconic locations. Visit the 18th-century Annaberg sugar mill ruins. Stroll among the stone remnants of this historic plantation, surrounded by vibrant greenery and flowers. Learn about the island’s sugar production history and the significance of this site.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

EmeraldACTIVE
National Park Hike & Snorkelling
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of St. John with a guided hike through the Virgin Islands National Park. Your adventure begins in the quaint village of Cruz Bay, from there, your knowledgeable nature guide will lead you on a one-mile hike along the Lind Point Trail, heading towards the North Shore of St. John. The trail offers gentle terrain but is unpaved, requiring good walking shoes for support.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

DiscoverMORE
Snorkelling at Trunk Bay (extra expense)
Embark on an extraordinary yachting land adventure that unveils the unparalleled beauty of Trunk Bay, renowned as one of the top ten most exquisite beaches worldwide. As you step aboard an open-air safari bus, get ready to be whisked away on a scenic drive through the picturesque hills of St. John. Equipped with high-quality snorkelling gear provided by our knowledgeable guides, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the National Park Service’s underwater marked trails.Take in the sights of colourful fish darting among the coral reefs, while informative plaques on the seabed offer insights into the fascinating ecosystem that thrives beneath the surface.
Activity Level: Moderate-Strenuous, Duration: 2 hours

Welcome Reception: Sunset Drinks on the Sky Deck hosted by Lisa McCaskill.

Day 5 Tue, 04 Feb Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands (B,L,D)
The island of Virgin Gorda, named because it resembles a reclining woman, is part of the British Virgin Islands. It’s known for its laid-back pace and picturesque landscapes. Among the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the Baths are arguably the most famous. They are a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders that were formed by volcanic eruptions.

EmeraldPLUS
BBQ lunch on fully equipped beach with live band
Enjoy a fully equipped beach, complete with lounge chairs, vibrant beach umbrellas, and powdery white sand beneath your feet. Settle in for a delicious BBQ lunch, surrounded by the laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views of the crystal-clear ocean. As you indulge in your meal, the sound of live music floats through the air, courtesy of a talented local band. Their Caribbean rhythms and soulful melodies have you swaying to the beat, feeling carefree and relaxed.

Hosted Cruise Highlight: Special Dinner hosted by Captain and Lisa McCaskill.

Day 6 Wed, 05 Feb Marigot, Saint Martin – Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy (B,L,D)
Marigot is a charming town located on the French side of Saint Martin. Situated on the northwest coast of the island, it is known for its picturesque harbour, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a destination that offers a unique blend of French and Caribbean culture, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a taste of island life, Marigot is a must-visit destination in the Caribbean. Late in the evening, we sail to Gustavia.

Today select one of three excursions to join. Due to limited availability we recommend making your choice as early as possible.

DiscoverMORE
Option 1: Culture & History Tour
Embark on an enlightening journey through the scenic routes of Saint Martin, a unique island that shares two distinct cultures under two national flags. This historical tour offers a comprehensive view of the island’s rich past and vibrant present, covering both the Dutch and French sides. Relive the stories of our ancestors, understand the island’s struggles, and learn about the origin of the name “Soualiga,” which means “Land of Salt”. Learn about the island’s colonial history and the development of its vibrant port.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

DiscoverMORE
Option 2: Buggy Tour
Set off in a caravan-style drive, navigating through the stunning landscapes of St. Maarten in your 4×4 all-terrain vehicle. Enjoy the picturesque views as you drive through the island’s diverse terrain, from coastal roads to lush countryside, taking in the natural beauty and vibrant local life. Arrive at the renowned Maho Beach, where you can bask in the sun, relax on the white sandy shores, and experience the thrill of watching airplanes land close overhead.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

DiscoverMORE
Option 3: Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour and Tasting
Experience a scenic journey to St. Maarten’s award-winning Topper’s Rhum Distillery, beautifully set on Simpson Bay Lagoon. Kick off with a delightful Rhum Punch and dive into a tasting of over 20 premium Rhum varieties, including rare small-batch specialties. Tour the distillery, uncover the secrets of artisanal rum-making, and relish in freshly cooked rhum-infused delicacies. Wrap up your experience with an exclusive tasting from the Topper’s Rhum Tap and shop for unique, hand-crafted local gifts.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 Hours

Day 7 Thu, 06 Feb Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy (B,L,D)
Named for Sweden’s King Gustav III, Gustavia is the charming capital and main seaport of the island of Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barth. It is often considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and a tropical paradise with French flair. You will enjoy the beauty of its large idyllic beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses.

Today select one of three excursions to join. Due to limited availability we recommend making your choice as early as possible.

DiscoverMORE
Option 1: Discover St. Barths
Experience the beauty and charm of St. Barts on a comprehensive island discovery tour led by the knowledgeable and friendly guide. As Ernest navigates through the bustling streets of Gustavia, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque Caribbean town. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and iconic landmarks as you journey around the island, with several stops planned along the way to enrich your understanding of St. Barts rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

DiscoverMORE
Option 2 :Snorkelling tour
Enjoy an exhilarating snorkelling adventure exploring the crystal-clear waters surrounding Gustavia. In Colombier Bay, you can swim alongside colourful fish, discover coral formations, and soak in the natural beauty of this pristine underwater paradise. After, you set sail to Gros Ilets, another fantastic snorkelling spot located at the entrance of Gustavia. Here, you’ll continue your underwater exploration, encountering a diverse array of marine species in this thriving ecosystem.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

DiscoverMORE
Option 3: Catamaran Escape to Colombier Bay
Embark on a luxurious sailing adventure aboard a stylish catamaran, cruising along the serene leeward coast of St. Barts towards the picturesque Bay of Colombier. As you glide through the azure waters, be mesmerized by the stunning vistas of the island’s rugged coastline and the towering Les Gros Islets. Upon reaching the tranquil Colombier Bay, drop anchor and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this secluded paradise. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, snorkel amidst vibrant marine life, or simply unwind on the powdery sands of Colombier Beach.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Day 8 Fri, 07 Feb Little Bay, Montserrat (B,L,D)
Welcome to one of the most unusual and fascinating islands in the Caribbean. Prior to the recent volcanic eruptions that commenced in 1995, Montserrat was considered as one of the “Insiders” favourite Caribbean islands. It was also home to producer George Martin’s Air Studios Montserrat recording studio where some of the world’s most famous recording artists, including Eric Clapton, Little River Band and Paul McCartney among many others, used to record their albums. Recent history has brought some unfortunate blows to the island ranging from hurricanes (Hugo in 1989) to multiple volcanic eruptions that destroyed the lovely capital city of Plymouth.

DiscoverMORE
Volcano Views, Plymouth & Monserrat Volcano Observatory (extra expense)
See the “active” Soufriere Hills Volcano on Montserrat from Plymouth port and learn why it may be called the Pompeii of the Caribbean. No visitor to Montserrat should leave without having an encounter with Montserrat’s most captivating phenomena.On this excursion you will travel to Jack Boy Hill where you can see the volcano and remnants of WH Bramble Airport now completely buried by volcanic lava flows. Then it’s on to a lookout point over Plymouth, which is in what’s called the Exclusion Zone, or Zone V; because this area sits in the path of the greatest current volcanic activity and there is limited public access.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Hosted Cruise Highlight: Afternoon Q&A with Lisa McCaskill.

Day 9 Sat, 08 Feb Saint John’s, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda (B)
Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in St. John’s. After bidding farewell to the crew and your fellow guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Please book your flight to depart out of St John’s after 11:00 AM.

*Please verify with the Shore Excursion Manager onboard whether a DiscoverMORE tour is available on disembarkation day.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.