DETAILS
Dear National Trust Tours Traveler, Visit some of the most visually stunning and culturally rich islands in the Eastern Caribbean on this cruise aboard the beautiful Sea Cloud II. Soak up the natural beauty, rich history, and mix of adventure and leisure in the Lesser Antilles. After an overnight in St. Maarten, embark on a seven-night sail aboard Sea Cloud II, stopping for full days on Martinique, Antigua, and Anguilla, and morning visits to the lush island of Dominica, known as the “Nature Isle,” and the volcanic island of Nevis, birthplace of Alexander Hamilton.
- Pricing from
- $7,495
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Mar 24, 2027 - Apr 1, 2027
ITINERARY
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day 1
U.S. / Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Depart from the U.S. for Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten, famed for its dramatic landings just above Maho Beach. Upon arrival, transfer to the JW Marriott beachfront resort on Dawn Beach. In the evening, attend a welcome reception and orientation for the week ahead, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers. JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
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day 2
Philipsburg, St. Maarten/Embark Sea Cloud II
Spend the morning at leisure before embarking Sea Cloud II in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten, known for its colonial architecture and colorful storefronts. Settle into your cabin before dinner.
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day 3
at Sea
Enjoy the morning at sea with lectures and discussions led by onboard experts. Lunch is served on the Lido Deck while you take in the surrounding Caribbean waters. In the afternoon, weather permitting, observe the ship under sail as the crew hand sets more than 30,000 square feet of canvas.
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day 4
Saint-Pierre / Martinique
Begin the day with a walking tour of the ruins of the first French trading post in the Caribbean, including the museum of the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to Emerald Park near Mount Pelee, featuring tropical gardens and local wildlife, or Balata Garden, which includes a canopy walk, a traditional Creole house, and manicured gardens.
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day 5
Cabrits, Dominica
Spend the morning exploring the “Nature Isle.” Opt to tour the ruins of Fort Shirley within Cabrits National Park, which dates back to the 18th century and offers views of the surrounding bay, or take an Indian River (named after the Kalinago settlements on the upper banks) tour in a hand-rowed wooden boat, observing native plants, tropical birds, and the river’s mangrove-lined channels. Humpback whales may be seen offshore as they migrate through Dominican waters.
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day 6
St. John’s, Antigua
Enjoy a full day on Antigua with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Site Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s only continuously working Georgian era dockyard, Shirley Heights lookout with sweeping views over English and Falmouth Harbors, and Betty’s Hope, a sugarcane plantation that dates back to 1650. Afternoon excursions include a boat ride through the mangroves to Great Bird Island, an uninhabited nature reserve, for hiking and snorkeling, or a visit to Galleon Bay to learn about rum distilling.
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day 7
Charlestown, Nevis
Spend the morning on Nevis visiting the Museum of Nevis History, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, followed by a stroll through the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, home to native plants and flowering tropical species.
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day 8
Road Bay (Sandy Ground), Anguilla
Explore Anguilla’s heritage trail, including the the grounds of Wallblake House. Spend the final afternoon at leisure at one of Anguilla’s stunning beaches.
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day 9
St. Maarten / Return to U.S.
Disembark in the morning and transfer as a group to the Princess Juliana International Airport to board return flights to the U.S.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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The iconic Sea Cloud II is perhaps the most luxurious three-masted sailing yacht on the seas today. Like Marjorie Merriweather Post’s legendary Sea Cloud, she combines the seafaring elegance of a bygone era with the highest modern standards of luxury. In the grand tradition of the world’s finest sailing vessels, guests can experience this marvelous ship under sail as the skilled crew hand sets over 30,000 square feet of canvas.
The Sea Cloud II offers an intimate setting with just 47 beautifully appointed cabins, gracious common areas, world-class service, and five-star dining. Four spacious outdoor decks and al fresco dining on the Lido Deck provide ample space for relaxation. Indoors, enjoy inviting spaces such as the sizable lounge and dining room, as well as a library, gym, and spa featuring a sauna and massage therapy. The swim platform is the ideal launching pad for various water sports and snorkel equipment is provided.
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
PASSENGER CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% non-refundable. After the final payment deadline on November 24, 2026, all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
NOTE: Neither the National Trust for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of nonrefundable tickets.
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