Sailing yacht Arabella to launch St. Barths itineraries commencing in January '06 (Aug. 30, 2005)

Sailing yacht Arabella to launch St. Barths itineraries commencing in January '06
The Arabella, a 160-foot, 40-passenger sailing yacht, already popular for her Virgin Islands, Southern New England and Chesapeake Bay itineraries, will begin St. Barths cruises in January 2006. Ports of call will also include St. Maartin and Anguilla.

Since launching in winter 2001, Arabella has garnered the reputation as being an ideal small ship cruising experience combining upscale accommodations and personalized services with a casual and laid-back ambiance. With her intimate size, Arabella is able to visit charming, small harbors that larger cruise ships cannot enter.
All 20 stylishly appointed staterooms feature private baths, satellite TV and telephones, and on-board amenities include a hot water spa, a fleet of two-man sea kayaks and enough snorkeling gear to outfit all guests. On all voyages daytime meals and hors d'oeuvres are served on board and passengers head to shore in the evening for an array of unique dining options and nighttime adventures.

A sampling of the St. Barths itinerary includes:

Day 1: Arrive in St. Maartin with overnight accommodations at a charming French hotel in Marigot, which has the air of a quaint Mediterranean village.

Day 2: Board Arabella in the morning and enjoy a short sail to Anquilla, known for its breathtaking beaches. Passengers will spend the day snorkeling, kayaking or exploring the towns of Sandy Ground and The Village.

Day 3: Set sail in the morning for the four-hour cruise to St. Barths. At lunchtime, Arabella will anchor off Scrub Island and then continue on to Gustavia, the principal town on St. Barths. Known as the Caribbean's playground for international superstars and billionaires, St. Barths offers endless world-class shopping, dining and nightlife. Gustavia is known for its high-end retail shops and galleries.

Day 4: A quick sail to Colombier Bay renowned for its breathtaking beach. Passengers will enjoy a day of watersports and relaxing in the sun. For those who prefer to explore the island, tours can be arranged. Evening will take Arabella back to Gustavia where dinner on shore will be followed by a night out at some of St. Barths' best night clubs.

Day 5: Arabella will head to Ile Fourche where SCUBA diving, wind and kite surfing and sport fishing can be arranged. It's back to Gustavia in the late afternoon for more wining, dining and merriment!

Day 6: Sail to St. Jean, the smaller town on St. Barths where passengers will enjoy shopping in specialty boutiques and gallery hopping.

Day 7: A quick morning sail back to St. Maartin where guests disembark and bid Arabella adieu.

While in St. Jean, Arabella passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a world-class dining experience at Eden Rock, one of St. Barths' finest hotels. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux, Eden Rock is situated on its own rocky promontory surrounded by a coral reef and beautiful turquoise blue sea. Eden Rock boasts some of the Caribbean's most spectacular scenery overlooking the ocean.

Arabella guests are invited to dine at On-The-Rocks restaurant which is perched high above the reef. Here the tables are laid out on three levels with views out over the illuminated reef. Chef Jean-Claude Dufour, trained at the 3-starred Aux Trois Gros in Roanne, and his world-class fare combine a classical French-style base with contemporary touches.
His open plan kitchen enables diners to watch the team at work. For additional information visit www.edenrockhotel.com.

Rates for the Arabella St. Barths cruises range from $1,295 to $2,195 per person based on cabin type and include breakfast and lunch daily, evening hors d'oeuvres and three dinners ashore. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Arabella is part of the Newport-based Atlantic Stars Hospitality Group. Additional Arabella cruises include the six-night U.S., British and Spanish Virgin Islands in the winter and early spring, a five-night Chesapeake Bay in spring and fall, and a five-night Southern New England during summer.

(Source: Atlantic Stars Hospitality Group)