MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE Arts & Gardens of the Caribbean Antigua to Barbados Aboard Sea Cloud February 5–12, 2019 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE Dear Travelers and Friends, When winter’s chill has us in its grip, what could be a more delightful interlude than a voyage to colorful West Indian gardens aboard a historic sailing ship? Next February, join the Museum Travel Alliance aboard the legendary Sea Cloud to sail waters rich in maritime history, discover centuries-old gardening traditions, and experience Caribbean culture and culinary delights. The Museum Travel Alliance (MTA) provides museums with the opportunity to offer their members and patrons high-end educational travel programming. Trips are available exclusively through MTA members and co-sponsoring non-profit institutions. This cruise is co-sponsored by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Newsweek, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Embark our elegant ship in Antigua for a seven-night cruise. Call at St. Kitts to visit Brimstone Hill, and watch batik artists at work at 18th-century Romney Manor. Sail to Nevis, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, to tour his childhood home or explore the island’s botanical Basseterre ST. KITTS & NEVIS Charlestown garden. Step ashore at Iles des Saintes, site of a significant naval battle between the ANTIGUA British and the French. Experience the healing hot springs of St. Lucia, and on Grenada, GUADELOUPE the “Spice Island,” visit a working fruit and spice plantation. Explore the African, English, and French influences of tiny Carriacou before arriving on St. Vincent to discover two remarkable gardens. Iles des Saintes Sea Cloud is a destination unto herself. Watch as her energetic crew scales the masts to set the sails by hand, gather in the lounge for lectures, or sip a drink on the Lido Deck as the onboard pianist plays popular melodies. For those who cannot resist lingering in a warm climate, an optional three- Caribbean Sea day postlude is offered in Barbados. We hope you will join us for this unique exploration of stunning landscapes Soufriere and surprising legacies. ST. LUCIA BARBADOS Sincerely, ST. VINCENT Kingstown CARRIACOU Jim Friedlander St. George’s GRENADA President Museum Travel Alliance CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS DISCOVER the rich cultural legacy, lush landscapes, and historic gardens of the Caribbean islands SPEND seven nights aboard the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud VISIT traditional plantation homes and private tropical gardens, where owners greet us personally ENJOY a special tasting of artisanal rums from local distilleries DOCK in Soufrière Bay, tucked between the majestic pitons of St. Lucia, and enjoy a tour of Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens REDISCOVER connections between the Caribbean and early America at the childhood home of Alexander Hamilton and the magnificent fort on Iles des Saintes SWIM at exquisite hidden beaches and snorkel in clear blue waters Arts & Gardens of the Caribbean Antigua to Barbados Aboard Sea Cloud February 5–12, 2019 St. Kitts FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8: SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA Anchor this morning in the Bay of Soufrière, tucked between the dramatic Anse des Pitons. Soak in mineralrich mud baths fed by Soufrière Volcano, or tour the lush Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Attend a lecture as the ship sails this afternoon. B,L,D SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9: ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA Spend a morning at sea before arriving on Grenada to anchor in St. George’s, whose brightly colored houses are set against lush green mountains. This is the Spice Island, where you can shop for local nutmeg, cloves, cocoa, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. After a visit to privately owned Sunnyside Gardens, continue to Tower Plantation House, a working fruit and spice plantation high in the wooded hills. In the company of the owner, visit the historic house, walk in the manicured garden, and relax with a TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5: DEPARTURE / ANTIGUA Arrive in Antigua this afternoon and transfer to the traditional rum punch. Alternatively, enjoy a snorkeling awaiting Sea Cloud for our seven-night Caribbean cruise. D excursion to see an underwater sculpture park. Gather on the Lido deck tonight for dancing under the stars to the WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6: BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS / music of one of the Caribbean’s best steel bands. B,L,D CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS Tender ashore in St. Kitts, which was transferred back and SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10: CARRIACOU / AT SEA forth between British and French rule in battles fought over Call this morning at charming Carriacou to discover its the imposing fortress, Brimstone Hill. Visit this UNESCO small museum and boat-building traditions or enjoy the World Heritage Site known as the “Gibraltar of the West white powdery sand of its beaches. Spend the afternoon Indies” for its extensive battery. In Basseterre, visit the at sea under sail as Sea Cloud takes full advantage of the gardens of the 18th-century plantation house, Romney trade winds. Watch the crew practice the art of setting the Manor. Return to the ship for lunch. Arrive this afternoon sails by hand, or perhaps settle into a comfortable deck at the island of Nevis, birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. chair with a favorite book. Gather tonight for the captain’s Explore either the Hamilton house, with its historical farewell dinner. B,L,D museum, or Nevis’ spectacular botanic garden. The fiveacre garden contains a variety of tropical plants, orchid terraces and a rainforest conservancy. Tonight join the captain for welcome cocktails, followed by dinner. B,L,R,D THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7: ILES DES SAINTES, GUADELOUPE The Iles des Saintes is an archipelago of eight tiny volcanic islands and site of the 1782 Battle of the Saintes between the British Royal Navy and the French fleet. Tour the colonial-style capital, Terre-de-Haut, or visit 17thcentury Fort Napoleon, with its commanding views and exotic gardens. Or perhaps enjoy a swim at one of the white-sand beaches before returning to Sea Cloud for lunch and an afternoon sail and lecture. The evening festivities feature a tasting of fine rums from island distilleries. B,L,D Sea Cloud Antigua MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11: KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT Arrive in Kingstown, St. Vincent for a morning visit to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Botanic Gardens, considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the Caribbean. Continue to the stunning Montreal Gardens, located in the shadow of Grand Bonhomme Mountain. The afternoon is at leisure as we continue to Barbados. B,L,D TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12: BARBADOS / RETURN Disembark Sea Cloud this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home. B An optional postlude is offered in Barbados from February 12-15, 2019. DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.museumtravelalliance.com/terms. SEA CLOUD CAPTAIN’S AND LIDO DECK CRUISE RATES (Per Person) 36 34 32 30 Cabins Decks Double Rates Single Rates SPANKER BRIDGE DECK LIDO DECK 37 35 33 31 Cabins 14 to 17 Promenade $9,999 $11,999 Upper/lower twin beds, shower. PROMENADE DECK Cabins 28 & 29 Promenade $10,999 $16,499 24 22 20 18 14 Twin beds, shower. 28 16 PURSER 17 Cabins 18 to 25 Promenade $11,999 $17,999 29 25 23 21 19 15 DINING ROOM Twin beds, shower. Cabins 32 to 37 Lido $12,999 Inquire MAIN DECK Twin beds, shower. 10 86 4 2 Cabins 6, 30 & 31 Main & Lido $12,999 Inquire Queen-size bed, shower. 9 7 5 3 1 Cabins 3 to 5 & 7 to 10 Main $15,999 Inquire Queen-size or twin bed(s), marble fireplace, and bath. Cabins 1 & 2 Main $17,999 Inquire ith her rich mahogany and gleaming brass, the legendary Sea WCloud travels under 30 billowing sails trimmed by hand. Her Original Owner’s Suites. King-size bed, marble fireplace, and bath. original owners, heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and financier E. RATES INCLUDE F. Hutton, desired a craft like no other. They spared no expense to create the largest private sailing ship ever built and in 1931, Sea Cloud n Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Sea Cloud was launched. In the ’30s and ’40s, as she sailed the world, the four- n All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, masted beauty was host to leaders including the Duke and Duchess L=Lunch, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea of Windsor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Sweden’s King Gustavus V. with all meals; wine and beer with lunches and dinners; Now carefully restored by a team of master craftspeople, this great complimentary open bar throughout the cruise lady continues to offer elegant quarters, fine dining, and impeccable n service. Praised by the world’s most discerning travelers, Sea Cloud Airport/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on receives consistently high rankings from Condé Nast Traveler. n suggested flights n Enrichment program of lectures and special events n Escorted sightseeing by private motorcoach and entrance fees for all included visits n Lido Deck dining area (left); Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers Owner’s Suite 2 (right) n Customary shipboard gratuities NOT INCLUDED IN RATESInternational airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; excess baggage; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; optional postlude in Barbados; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Variety Voyager Romney Manor, St. Kitts, photo by giggel THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE ARTS & GARDENS OF THE CARIBBEANn FEBRUARY 5–12, 2019 RESERVATION FORM To reserve a place, please call The Museum Travel Alliance at 212-302-3251 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to The Museum Travel Alliance.