US & British Virgin Islands

Day One: Board in the charming Caribbean village of Red Hook -just 30 minutes from St. Thomas Airport. Once aboard, we weigh anchor for a short hop across Pillsbury Sound, dropping anchor in the turquoise waters of Cruz Bay, St. John. Surrounded by the protected waters of Virgin Islands National Park, the village of Cruz Bay is the perfect place to start our island adventure. After a “welcome aboard” reception, we go ashore to dine at one of Cruz Bay’s premier restaurants.

Day Two: Early risers can breakfast with the sunrise over the distant verdant hilltops of St. Thomas.  Arabella gets underway early for our first stop in the British Virgin Islands- Soper’s Hole, Tortola, where we clear customs.  After a short swim call (just to get you used to the 85 degree seawater!), we hoist sails. Charging into the Sir Francis Drake Channel, Arabella sets her course for Norman Island, made famous by Robert Louis Stephenson as the setting for “Treasure Island”.  By mid-afternoon we’ve dropped the hook off the caves of Norman Island for our first snorkeling adventure (snorkeling gear is provided—however you are welcome to bring your own). The Caves are famous for their spectacular rock formations and crystal clear water. We’ll also launch our kayaks for those who wish to explore further.  Once at our evening anchorage in the “bight” of Norman Island, enjoy an on board cookout under the stars.  After dinner, the more adventurous can take the launch to the “William T. Thornton”, a floating nightspot/pirate ship of much ill-repute.

Day Three: Enjoy breakfast lounging on deck while the crew prepares for today’s sail. We’re off to the “Baths” of Virgin Gorda, a boulder-strewn beachscape of unparalleled beauty. A short sail up the channel brings us to the anchorage off the Baths (weather permitting). Our launch will ferry ashore those who wish to wade or swim. Underway again, we pass the resort of Little Dix Bay and enter the protected waters of North Sound, Virgin Gorda. Tonight we moor off the world-renowned Bitter End Yacht Club, where all are invited ashore for the famous Tuesday night barbecue-buffet.

Day Four: Arabella remains in North Sound. All Arabella guests are welcome at the Bitter End’s facilities. Lounge by the pool, schedule a massage, or take a windsurfing lesson! The Bitter End has more than two hundred watercraft at your disposal from Boston Whalers to Catamarans.  Side excursions include a circum-island tour, dive expeditions, and a daylong trip to the island of Anegada for great snorkeling on the reefs. Of course, you can just lounge under the palms along the beach sipping margaritas! This evening the world is your oyster, or at least this small part of it is! Within a short launch trip are several dining options, ranging from the five-star cuisine at the Biras Creek Resort to the casual pub at the Bitter End.

Day Five: After breakfast, we bid adieu to Virgin Gorda, setting off on a brisk reach past the Dog Islands. By early afternoon we reach Salt Island, named for the salt works that produce the BVI’s yearly levi to the British Crown. Stock up on sea salt before we set sail for Peter Island.  Anchored in Peter Island’s tranquil Great Bay, we have time for a quick swim before heading ashore to our beachside dining pavilion courtesy of the Prospect Reef Club. Tonight you’ll eat by candlelight under the rustling palms in this idyllic harbor. Bury your feet in the sand by the crackling bonfire while recapping the day’s highlights with your fellow shipmates.

Day Six: We bid farewell to Peter Island as we fix a course for Jost Van Dyke stopping midway at the tiny desert island of Sandy Cay. We should have this speck of sand almost to ourselves to snorkel, swim, or simply stroll in the sand. After a picnic lunch on the beach, we shift our anchorage to Great Bay, Jost Van Dyke. Early evening we will rendezvous at one of the most famous restaurants and nightclubs in the islands, Foxy’s. We have timed our stop here for the well-known Friday Night Barbecue Bash. There will be lots of food and lighthearted entertainment and a chance to end our trip in style. After dinner, guests might choose to either quietly stroll in the moonlight feeling the tropical breeze or dance to the Caribbean rhythm.

Day Seven: This morning we will set sail for the last time and proceed to St. Thomas. We make a short stop to St. John’s to clear customs, and should arrive at Red Hook in the late morning.  All guests will disembark with their bags, and their memories.

*This is a sample itinerary.  All stops are subject to the captain’s discretion and may vary due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

St. Martin / Anguilla / St. Bart's     - Seven Day/Six-Night Itinerary -

Day 1:  Arriving in St. Martin, it is but a short drive along the calm lagoon of Simpson Bay to Marigot. Near the crystal clear waters of Marigot Bay, you’ll have time to explore this charming blend of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean that is the hallmark of this French colony. Besides great shopping—the entire island is duty free—you can enjoy wonderful dining along the bistro-lined wharfs at Port Royale, just steps away, or take a short expedition to the beachfront scene at Grand Case, the gastronomic center of St. Martin.

Day 2: After breakfast and once sails are hoisted, it's anchors aweigh!, and we're off on a sparkling broad reach towards the beckoning shores of Anguilla. A member of the British Commonwealth, Anguilla is known for its exquisite hospitality and stunning beaches rated #1 worldwide. Clearing into Road Bay, we'll drop anchor at Sandy Ground, a charming Caribbean outpost of Mother England. Once ashore trips to the day spas at Cuisin Art Resort or Malliouhana can be easily arranged, or a tour of the island's signature beaches with a stop at the Valley to purchase Anguilla crafts. For the water sports enthusiasts, Arabella will depart for a short sail to the Prickly Pear Cays, for an afternoon of snorkeling among the colorful coral reefs. Back at Sandy Ground by later afternoon, you can tour the Pyrat Rum Factory fed by natural springs behind Salt Pond. This evening we'll dine in one of the casual beachfront restaurants fronting the esplanade at Sandy Ground, perhaps joining our shipmates for some live music and post-dinner entertainment.

Day 3: Breakfast will be served while we shift our anchorage to Crocus Bay, where we'll stop for a morning snorkeling expedition before hoisting sail to proceed to our lunch spot off Scrub Island. Once clear of Windward Point and Scrub Island, we'll set sail for a glorious reach across the sparkling Caribbean Sea - southward bound for St. Bart's - the green peaks off of Monrne de Vitet just visible on the horizon.

By late afternoon, we'll be furling sails as we glide into the protected harbor of Gustavia, the principle town on St. Bart's. After clearing customs we'll immediately head ashore to take in the sights and sounds of this sophisticated French port, where shopping and food are the best in the Caribbean.

Day 4: Awakening amongst the megayachts off Gustavia, savor breakfast at anchor off Corossal Beach. Today we'll sail to the anchorage at Columbier Bay, where you can spend the day enjoying the isolated beach accessible only by boat. Launch service is also available to Gustavia during the day from where arrangements can be made for sportfishing or diving excursions, or a private tour of the island. Be sure to check out the unique boutiques that St. Bart's is famous for - don't forget your wallet!  By early evening, Arabella will be dropping her sails as we return to Gustavia. This evening we will enjoy a wonderful dinner in a building that was built in Bali.

Day 5: This morning you have the option to stay ashore and soak up the local scene or join us as Arabella sets sail for Ile Fourche, an uninhabited isle that is part of the St. Bart's Marine Reserve. Once anchored in this pleasant bay, you can kayak along the grottos lining the shore, or hike inland - just you and the native goats! Snorkeling here is excellent - not only reef fish, but also rays and sea turtles can be seen along the vibrant reef ecosystem.

As the sun sets, we'll hoist anchor and set sail for our return to St. Bart's. Make sure you take a "disco nap" if you plan on partaking in the nightlife tonight!

Day 6: Today we'll anchor off one of the glorious beaches St. Bart's is know for, such as Grande Saline, Lorient, or Flamands. You can mingle on the strand with bronzed celebrities or find a quiet cabana to relax in. If you haven't yet, make sure you rent a scooter or take a taxi tour of the islands' winding roads and scenic lookouts. Tonight Arabella anchors in Bay St. Jean for our farewell party close to the Nikki Beach Club - where you can retire to for after-dinner entertainment at this famous nightspot.

Day 7: Awaken to a morning sail with the crystal blue Caribbean sliding under Arabella's glistening figurehead. Our final voyage will bring us into the harbor at Simpson's Bay, St. Martin - the verdant peaks of which beckon on the horizon. As we see St. Bart's fade into the distance, raise a toast to the many pleasures you've left behind.

*This is a sample itinerary.  All stops are subject to the captain’s discretion and may vary due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.