Costa Fascinosa - March 8, 2024

Expect to be immediately immersed in the French Caribbean way of life. Vendors hawk everything from hairpins to bouquets of anthuriums on the congested narrow streets, and the markets are some of the Caribbean's most colorful. The largest, Marche St. Antoine, at the corner of Rues Frebault and Peynier, teems with activity all day long, with tropical produce and spices in madras bags sold by very vocal market women.

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial outpost featuring shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies, as well as beautiful beaches.

Originally established as a British settlement in the 17th century, Antigua certified its independence in 1981. Today, it is a vastly popular oasis, famed for its spectacular climate and 366 pristine beaches. St. John's is a splendid jewel on this tropical crown, boasting lush greenery and limitless recreation options. Take a hiking safari and be dazzled by the sights of the island at 1200 feet.

Kingstown is best appreciated for its West Indian feel rather than for any grand attractions. It's a good place to relax and stroll the cobblestone streets. The town gets its unique atmosphere from the produce vendors along Bay and Bedford streets, the crowds at the fish market and rum shops, and it stone-block colonial buildings.

Expect to be immediately immersed in the French Caribbean way of life. Vendors hawk everything from hairpins to bouquets of anthuriums on the congested narrow streets, and the markets are some of the Caribbean's most colorful. The largest, Marche St. Antoine, at the corner of Rues Frebault and Peynier, teems with activity all day long, with tropical produce and spices in madras bags sold by very vocal market women.