Basseterre Cruises, St Kitts
One of the British Leeward Islands, St Kitts is one of the Caribbean’s pearls. Once an illustrious sugar colony, it now focuses its efforts on being a tropical paradise. And it excels in every sense, with its seductive blend of blonde sands and duck-egg blue seas. Away from the shores though, you’ll find plenty of historic sights to tick off your checklist. Or why not pop across to the neighbouring island of Nevis, which is just three kilometres over The Narrows channel?
- Hop on a train at the Needsmust Station, and St Kitts Railway will take you on a tour of the island’s best bits. You’ll chug over ravines 300-feet-deep, circle Mount Liamuiga volcano and take a sneak peek at the island’s black-sand beaches.
- Soak up the jaw-dropping views over lush sugarcane fields from the 17th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress. Once known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, this major British garrison was abandoned in 1850. Now, it’s been restored back to its grand former self, with cannons, swords and the like all on display.
- Sunbathe your way through the day on one of St Kitts’ beaches. There’s a selection of white sand spots like Turtle Beach and black sand spaces like Pump Bay. Alternatively, see if the grass is greener on the other side of The Narrows Channel. This is where St Kitts’ tropical sister island, Nevis, simmers in the sea.
SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions
St Kitts Scenic Railway
Get to know St Kitts on this train and bus extravaganza. First up is a ride on the island’s Scenic Railway. The railroad was built almost a century ago to carry sugar canes from the fields to the sugar mill in Basseterre. These days, the double-decker trains are just a nice way of seeing the island. Take a seat for some great views as you chug past the sprawling fields, volcanic peaks and leafy forests of the north coast. On the lower level deck there will be music from the Scenic Railway Choir. The second part of your tour sees you board a tour bus for a drive along the south coast. Important landmarks lie around every corner here. Look out for the Brimstone Hill Fortress, Middle Island – once home to Thomas Jefferson’s great-grandfather – and neighbouring Nevis, birthplace of the first Secretary of the US Treasury.
Best of St Kitts
Tick off the top sights of St Kitts on this ‘Best of’ tour. First up is a drive through the island’s capital, Basseterre. Home to the National Museum and Independence Square, it’s jam-packed with history. Your guide will point out what’s what, and fill you in on St Kitts’ chaotic past. You’ll head up the coast to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Caribbean’s answer to the Tower of London, it’s all old-world turrets and cannons. But the best thing about this place is the views. The fortress sits on top of 38 acres of limestone, so you can see as far as neighbouring Saba, St Eustatius and St Barts. Leaving Brimstone Hill, you’ll make your way to Romney Manor for the last stop of the day. This 18th-century estate is spread over eight acres, and is home to the famous Caribelle Batik. Watch artists create works of art from wax and fabric. Then wander through peaceful botanical gardens before heading back to the ship.
Essential St. Kitts with Fairview
You’ll get a real flavour for the history of St Kitts on this half-day tour. On the drive to your first stop, Romney Manor, you’ll pass by the Bloody River. It earned this name because it was the site of a major battle in the 16th century. When you get to Romney Manor, your guide will show you around. The 12-acre property features beautiful gardens as well as local artworks. Next, you’ll briefly stop at the tomb of Sir Thomas Warner – an English explorer who settled in St Kitts during the 16th century. You’ll then get to visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Because it’s perched on top of a hill, and 750 feet above sea level, you’ll have great views of the coastline, countryside and five neighbouring islands. Your trip will end at Fairview Great House. Here, you’ll get to learn about life on the island during colonial times, and wander through the dining room, with its 16-seat, mahogany dinner table and antique silverware.