Caribbean by Yacht: New Year in Luxury with Emerald
For those looking to begin the new year in style—far from the cold and the daily routine—Emerald Cruises offers a unique and refined experience: a 15-day itinerary discovering the Caribbean aboard a luxury yacht.
January and February become the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in postcard-worthy scenery, with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, authentic local culture, and moments of pure relaxation. The journey begins in San Juan, the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, where guests are warmly welcomed and escorted aboard the elegant Emerald Cruises yacht. From here, a voyage unfolds that is designed for travellers seeking the highest levels of comfort paired with the discovery of hidden gems, often off the beaten tourist track.
Discover the yachting islands of the Caribbean emerald (2)
Discover the yachting islands of the Caribbean emerald (2)
The first stop is the island of Culebra, renowned for its unspoiled nature, pristine beaches, and marine-rich waters. After some free time at Flamenco Beach, the yacht continues to Vieques, where the charming village of Esperanza offers a relaxed atmosphere and a lively seafront promenade. For those seeking a truly magical experience, an evening kayak tour in the world-famous Mosquito Bay Bioluminescent Lagoon is available—where the water glows with each stroke, creating an otherworldly effect. The voyage continues to the island of St. John, the lush heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guests can choose between a cultural visit to the Annaberg Plantation ruins or a guided hike through the National Park leading to a secluded bay—perfect for a swim in turquoise waters or simply relaxing on the white sand. The next destination is Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands, where guests enjoy a beachfront barbecue lunch accompanied by the live sounds of a local band, adding an extra layer of Caribbean authenticity and charm.
In Philipsburg, on the island of Saint Maarten, the cruise takes a more urban turn. Here, guests can explore the fascinating blend of Dutch and French cultures. An optional island tour reveals its rich colonial architecture, bustling local markets, and the vibrancy of its twin capitals, Philipsburg and Marigot. The following day, the yacht arrives in Gustavia, the sophisticated capital of Saint-Barthélemy. With its high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and picture-perfect scenery, this stop exudes understated luxury. Guests can choose to explore the island by catamaran, snorkel in the clear waters of Colombier Bay, or simply stroll through the elegant town centre.
Montserrat offers a powerful and emotional experience. This lesser-known island was deeply affected by the eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano in the 1990s, which buried the capital, Plymouth. A visit to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the “buried city” provides a compelling insight into one of the most moving stories of resilience in the Caribbean. The journey then continues to Antigua, where guests have free time to explore the island’s capital, Saint John’s, before sailing on to Barbuda—famous for its rare pink-sand beach and home to the world’s largest frigatebird sanctuary. A guided excursion includes visits to the Martello Tower, local villages, and Two Foot Bay, where panoramic views of the ocean and historical caves with ancient petroglyphs create a memorable experience.
Saint Jhon
Emerald Cruises yacht sailing the sea
The itinerary then leads to the Îles des Saintes, a small French Caribbean archipelago where European elegance and island life coexist in perfect harmony. In Deshaies, Guadeloupe, guests can visit the Botanical Gardens—an oasis of lush tropical flora and colours that delight the senses. After a return stop in Saint-Barthélemy, the yacht sails to Virgin Gorda, known for its iconic natural wonder, The Baths—unique granite rock formations that create a maze of pools and caves, perfect for exploring by foot or swimming. The day concludes at Norman Island, one of the isles said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. The final day of the cruise is devoted entirely to relaxation. Norman Island, uninhabited and surrounded by clear, calm waters, is the ideal setting for enjoying the sea, using the onboard water sports equipment, or simply swimming and soaking up the sun.
Emerald Cruises presents this itinerary not just as an escape from winter, but as a true cultural and natural discovery—without ever compromising on comfort or elegance. Every space onboard the yacht is thoughtfully designed, with personalised service and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Each day is carefully curated to offer the perfect balance between inspiring excursions and total well-being. With a mix of well-known destinations and hidden gems, guests experience the Caribbean from a fresh, authentic perspective.
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