At a glance
- Seabourn sails to off-the-beaten-track ports in the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands.
- Seabourn’s Caribbean cruises are hosted aboard ultra-luxury all-suite ships; expect the atmosphere of a private yacht and an all-inclusive model.
- Food and drink are at the heart of what makes Seabourn special, both on board and off, thanks to signature events like “Shopping with the Chef” and “Caviar in the Surf”.
1. Ports most cruise ships can’t reach
Seabourn prides itself on taking guests to lesser-sailed destinations that most visitors never see. The ultra-luxury line’s fleet of small ships can navigate boutique ports that larger vessels can’t.
In the Caribbean, that means itineraries that combine marquee ports, such as Bridgetown, Barbados or San Juan, Puerto Rico, with hidden yacht harbours that reveal unspoiled land and seascapes.
Memorable stops include…
Terre-de-Haut, Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
You won’t find sprawling resorts, duty-free franchises or flashy casinos here. Instead, expect wild coastlines and well-preserved authenticity. You might spend your time at Fort Napoléon, taking in panoramic views of the archipelago or wandering the cacti-rich botanical garden – beware of the particularly prickly mother-in-law’s cushion.
Guided snorkel sessions or transparent kayaks, meanwhile, are excellent ways to see the kaleidoscopic coral formations and marine life, with chances to glimpse sea turtles on seagrass beds and butterflyfish in abundance.
The local flavours are not to be sniffed at either; think foie gras expertly paired with local rums and French classics interpreted with a Creole flair.
Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
At just three square miles (less than half the size of the Disneyland Paris resort), this is the smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands, but it may be the most worth visiting. It borrows its name from a 17th-century Dutch pirate who used it as a hideaway, and to this day, it retains the feel of an off-the-radar bolthole.
When you sail into its well-protected anchorage, you encounter the Caribbean of your imagination: lush, volcanic interiors sloping down to blinding stretches of white sand, all the more dazzling contrasted with the electric blue of the water.
Days here are best spent on a catamaran or snorkelling, spotting colourful parrotfish, blue tang and angelfish, or perhaps lounging in a laidback beachside bar, a Painkiller – the island’s signature rum cocktail – in hand.
Port Elizabeth, Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
This tiny, lightning-bolt-shaped island, with a name that roughly translates to the “Island of the Clouds”, packs a remarkable amount into just seven square miles. Many visitors opt to hike the verdant slopes of Mount Peggy; the views from the top – luminous blue-green stretching to the horizon – are worth every step.
Of course, no one would blame you for spending all of your time down by the water, either. Princess Margaret Beach, named after the British Royal following her visit in 1955, is ideal for lounging with coconut water after a leisurely swim.
The island’s concentration of marine wildlife is also extraordinary. Hawksbill turtles arrive to nest in significant numbers, and it’s even earned the moniker whale capital of the Caribbean thanks to the migratory humpbacks that come to visit from February to April.
2. A private-yacht atmosphere
As well as providing access to some of the Caribbean’s most coveted boutique ports, Seabourn’s fleet of small all-suite ships offer a private yacht-like atmosphere.
Take the 600-guest Seabourn Ovation, which frequently visits the Caribbean. Its elegant interiors, from the Seabourn Square where well-heeled guests socialise to the Retreat with its flower-shaped canopy and private cabanas, have been masterfully designed by celebrated hospitality atelier Adam D. Tihany. And with a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the service matches the six-star surroundings.
3. An all-inclusive experience
Seabourn doesn’t just take the route less travelled when it comes to itineraries. It’s also one of a few elite cruise lines to take a truly all-inclusive approach. As well as core components such as full board, drinks and accommodation, a generous swathe of extra perks is included, such as…
All gratuities: Ultra-personalised service comes as standard, with no tipping required or expected.
Local entertainment: Immersive performances by local musicians and artists, uniquely tailored to your sailing. On past cruises in the Caribbean, that’s meant the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, which is the world’s oldest continuously operating steel band.
A Wi-Fi package: Seabourn ensures you can stay connected to family and friends, even when sailing to remote Caribbean islands surrounded by endless blue. The package includes unlimited minutes, with next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity from SpaceX’s Starlink.
Seabourn Conversations: An enrichment programme with guests such as astronauts, authors, chefs, explorers and photographers. Examples include official royal photographer Hugo Burnand and the author of Chocolat, Joanne Harris.
Onboard activities: These range from alfresco dance parties with live music to guided stargazing sessions. The low light pollution as you glide between Caribbean islands makes the latter particularly spectacular.
4. Caribbean flavours
Across its fleet, Seabourn offers fine dining and premium drinks as standard, but its relationship with food goes far beyond that. It puts its culinary offering front and centre, celebrating its ability to make travel more immersive.
The ultra-luxury line’s executive chefs invest time in key ports, forging relationships with small purveyors to secure the best regional ingredients. As a result, guests can expect destination-inspired dining on board, including in venues such as the alfresco Earth & Ocean and The Colonnade.
On a Caribbean sailing, that might mean grilled lobster from the British Virgin Islands, nutmeg ice cream from Grenada or premium rum from St Lucia.
In addition to eating and drinking well, guests have the chance for more hands-on gourmet experiences, such as live cooking demonstrations. Seabourn’s complimentary “Shopping with the Chef” excursion is a standout. After spending a day in a bustling market in Barbados or Grenada, seeking out the very finest spices and fresh seafood, you’ll see dishes on the menu featuring your finds.
5. Caviar in the Surf
This signature experience is one of the most memorable moments on a Seabourn cruise to the Caribbean. The complimentary event happens at Carambola Beach, located at the edge of South Friar’s Bay in Saint Kitts and Nevis, just a short drive from the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill fortress.
By the time guests are tendered to shore, Seabourn’s chefs have fired up grills for fresh seafood and meats, laying out an elaborate buffet, complete with linen-covered tables and a fully stocked bar. Bubbly and tropical cocktails flow freely as a steel band plays calypso.
Then it’s time for the eponymous moment. Crew arrive by speedboat or Zodiac, bearing caviar and champagne on surfboards, ready for a one-of-a-kind experience, waist-deep in the brilliant blue of the Caribbean Sea.
Frequently, the event is paired with watersports directly from the ship’s marina platform. Snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards and more are at your disposal – as well as umbrellaed lounge chairs if that’s more your speed.
6. In-depth exploration
Beyond its signature events, Seabourn’s team of experts have curated a considered programme of shore excursions in the Caribbean.
That includes access to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites across its Caribbean itineraries, such as the historic area of Willemstad in Curaçao and the volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée in Martinique.
Here are three shore excursions worth every penny…
The Buried City & Observatory: Guests can join this excursion from Little Bay, Montserrat. You’ll be taken on a scenic drive to Montserrat Volcano Observatory, where you’ll learn why the Soufrière Hills Volcano holds the distinction of being the most closely monitored volcano in the world. Then it’s on to the haunting ruins of Plymouth, or the Buried City, which lies entombed beneath 40 feet of volcanic ash.
Whale & dolphin sea safari: This excursion from Roseau, Dominica, takes you whale watching aboard a 60-foot catamaran, with the chance to spot local species, such as sperm, pilot and false killer whales, plus spinner dolphins. Hydrophones are placed into the water to listen for the clicking, whistling and singing of the majestic creatures.
Sint Maarten 12-Meter America’s Cup Regatta: Compete in a yacht race around a shortened America’s Cup course aboard either the cup-winning Stars & Stripes or contenders Canada II or True North IV. The crew provides the guidance you need to grind a winch, trim a sail, take the helm, or sit back and enjoy one of the most exclusive sporting events in the world.
Celebrating 40 years at sea
Discover Seabourn’s collection marking its Ruby Jubilee, including Caribbean cruises such as the 7-day Yachtsman’s Caribbean and 10-day Leeward Islands Holiday. One key highlight: on New Year’s Day 2028, two Seabourn ships will come together for the iconic Caviar in the Surf event at Carambola Beach.
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