Sun

Bridgetown, Barbados
An infectiously happy island, with beautiful beaches, balmy weather, and a delightful British flair. As a result of its successful sugar economy in the 17th- to 19th-centuries, you'll find large manor estates full of fine Barbados mahogany and antiques, along with gaily painted wooden frame houses-the essence of the festive Caribbean. Rum rules in Barbados, and, over the centuries, cane plantations have divided the Bajan landscape into a pretty patchwork of fields, coconut and royal palms, breadfruit, oleander, and citrus trees.

Midnight

Mon

At Sea

Tue

Basseterre, St. Kitts
Basseterre, set against the irresistible backdrop of St. Kitts' emerald green hills and punctuated by elegant Georgian architecture, is one of the best of the Caribbean's small capitals.

7am

Noon

Tue

Charlestown, Nevis
This 36-square-mile island lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled. Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoiled places and proudly carries the name, "Queen of the Caribees." From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys chatter and scamper; in the sea, the whales cruise by. Stroll around and see the architecture of eras gone by: churches, windmills, and refurbished Great Houses. Its 10,000 residents are friendly and helpful, ready to make new friends and welcome back regular visitors.

2pm

7pm

Wed

Marigot, St. Martin
Half-Dutch, half-French, the island of Saint Maarten/St. Martin is considered the smallest territory in the world shared by two sovereign states. Only a small welcome sign on the road indicates you have passed from one country to another, but the contrasts are marked. Marigot, on the French side, is small and chic – a kind of St. Tropez of the Caribbean, lined with shops, bistros, and charming cafés. Philipsburg on the Dutch side features Front Street, whose gingerbread West Indian buildings house excellent duty-free shopping. St. Martin has 37 white sand beaches, each with its own unique feel.

8am

Thurs

Marigot, St. Martin

1am

Thurs

Gustavia, St. Barthelemy
Tiny, picture-perfect St. Barts has long been the haunt of the very rich who come for privacy, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite French cuisine. It has 20 or more magnificent beaches, linked by hilly narrow roads you can explore in open-air Jeeps or "mini-mokes." In Gustavia, the island's Lilliputian port, quaint streets lead past small markets and bakeries – and dozens of small shops selling French perfumes, sportswear, watches, and crystal.

8am

5pm

Fri

Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Another perfect day for photography. Visit the enchanting Deshaies Botanical Gardens and produce a masterpiece.

7am

Noon

Fri

Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
This island paradise offers miles of sandy beaches and turquoise waters—picture postcard material—and it's yours for the day. The quiet and friendly locals may offer you a good deal on a shell necklace or a delicious piece of tropical fruit!

2pm

7pm

Sat

Pigeon Island, St. Lucia
The twin towers of the Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet, mark St. Lucia, an island of lush green valleys, acres of banana plantations, and bubbling sulfur springs. 24 miles of vibrant reef make St. Lucia a haven for divers and snorkelers. Pigeon Island National Park, a 40-acre island connected to the mainland by a causeway, was once a pirates' hideaway. Today, impressive ruins of old English forts, archaeological relics of Arawak Indians, and splendid beaches make this a fascinating place to explore.

7am

4pm

Sun

Bridgetown, Barbados

4:30am