Castries Cruises
Castries, the capital of the island nation of St. Lucia, is known for its palm-lined, soft, white Vigie Beach. Like St. Lucia itself, the city combines heritage and culture with peace, relaxation and tranquillity, and Castries is a gateway to St. Lucia’s wealth of national parks with vast forests, native plants and wildlife.
The city’s streets are easy to navigate. Leafy Derek Walcott Square – named after a native noble laureate – is home to a 400-year-old Samaan tree and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception built in 1897.[ReadMoreMob] The nearby market in Jeremie Street, sells a wide range of items including fresh local fruit.
Overlooking the town is Morne Fortune, which provides some splendid views alongside Royal Navy history. Here the original French colonists built La Toc Battery, but was taken by the British in 1796, replacing it with a new fort built in 1888 to protect the harbour.
Top Experiences
Pitons
Towering over the St Lucian landscape, the majestic twin peaks of Gros and Petit Piton stand more than 740 metres above sea level. A protected UNESCO heritage site, the Pitons can be climbed and offer breath-taking views over the island from the top.
Sulphur Springs Park
Sulphur Springs Park, near Soufrière, sits on the site of a dormant volcano and covers around 45 hectares. Visitors can drive into the heart of the volcano and see the many bubbling pools and hot springs, as well as sulphuric pools for bathing in.
Derek Walcott Square
Named after St. Lucia's Nobel Laureate, this square in the centre of Castries pays homage to Sir Derek Walcott, as well as serving as a memorial to St. Lucians who lost their lives in battle. Visitors can admire the well-kept gardens and the bandstand.
Cruises to Castries
Classic Caribbean Islands • S2324
- Cuisine, culture, natural beauty and breahtaking beaches - experience the best of the Caribbean
- Sample Caribbean rum in Barbados, and learn about cocoa and sugar cane farming in Grenada and St Kitts
- Relax on the sands of Antigua, witness the volcanic wonders of St Lucia and Dominica, and much more
Transatlantic Voyage to the Caribbean Islands • M2330
- Escape the British winter and enjoy a well-earned break in the Caribbean
- Capture the beauty of gorgeous island landscapes and relax on paradise beaches
- Sample authentic Caribbean culture, flavours and delve into rich history
Transatlantic voyage to the Islands of the Caribbean • M233031
- Swap the winter gloom for Caribbean sunshine, scenery and Christmas celebrations
- Relax on beautiful beaches, discover volcanic lands, look out for whales and more
- Enjoy Christmas on board Braemar and, after exploring Havana, welcome 2024 in the Cuban capital
Iconic Caribbean Islands • M2404
- Discover iconic Caribbean islands and their beauty and rich culture
- Get a feel for the history of Reggae and sample carnival atmospheres
- Highlights include two days in Havana and a visit to Jamaica