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Caribbean Cruise with Classic Cruises
The Caribbean Under Seven Sails
by Brooke Cunningham
Watching seven sails unfurl along the 156’ deck of Arabella is the first hint of the romantic experience ahead for island lovers. Waves surge under the figurehead on the bow flowing with energy as graceful Arabella offers a guest the poetry and luxuries of island hopping under sail.
In six days of travel up to three dozen guests visit several islands in the US, British and Spanish Virgin Islands. Discovering these islands is a memorable adventure that will linger in your mind long after your tan fades. The week offers an afternoon on the wide white beach at Cooper Island, a visit to the famous Baths at Virgin Gorda, snorkeling inside the caves on Norman Island, a day at the sailor’s paradise of Bitter End Yacht Club, dinner at the Prospect Reef Club on Peter Island, and an evening of dinner and dancing at world famous Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke. While each day is filled with potential adventure, guests are welcome to stay aboard if the quiet rocking of the yacht is what you are seeking.
Morning begins with the smell of coffee as it flows out into the soft light and turquoise sea of the Caribbean. It is followed by mountains of salmon with capers, onions and cream cheese, or platters full of bacon, sausage and eggs, muffins, and there is always juice, yogurt and fruit available. Lunches generally consists of interesting salads, wraps and warm cookies or brownies. At the perfect hour freshly made baked brie, cheeses, dips and crackers or sushi is set up near the bar in the main saloon and guests warmed by the tropical breezes meet for cocktails. The saloon then became a charming gathering place for diners in groups of two to eight. Fresh fish, salads, outdoor grilled meat and vegetables, or both meat and vegetarian pastas were placed on the two buffets so guests could serve themselves. Candle lighted dinners ashore under the stars with the sea lapping gently at the shore on several islands during the week created sweet dreams on several evenings.
After breakfast on most days, guests enjoy the last cup of coffee while seeking out comfortable spots to chat as the sails unfurl and you set out for a new day. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands is generally line of sight, the longest passages being about 3 hours. 156 feet of deck space means that you can always find padded places to read, work on a tan, sip iced tea and chat, or snooze in sun or shade.
Cabins are bright and spaces concise without a lot of storage but certainly room for everything you need. Each cabin has its own “head” (shower, sink and toilet), telephone, climate control air, and a small satellite TV as well as several drawers and shelves. Some cabins were bunk rooms, others had double beds. None of us spent much time there as topside was so comfortable and we all seemed to be interested in watching the islands flow by. With the lingering effects of warm water swimming, tropical breezes and salty air the gentle rocking of the yacht at night made sleeping deep and sound.
I have been to the BVI several times before, but I found myself telling our captain Sandy Sunderland that this had been my favorite way to see these islands. He told me that in the summer Arabella does cruises starting out of Newport RI, and going to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cuttyhunk so we are thinking of joining this beautiful yacht with its friendly crew for that cruise as well.
Each day of the six we were aboard had its own flavor. We made friends that we will see again, put on some weight, danced until we were exhausted, and came home so laid back that we could barely remember how to drive the car. Pretty much the definition of a perfect honeymoon vacation.
Photo: Brooke Cunningham
For more information:
Classic Cruises of Newport
Sailing Yacht Arabella
800.395.1343
http://www.CruiseArabella.com/default1.htm
http://www.cruisenewport.com
[email protected]
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Brooke Cunningham |
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