3 James Bond Locations To Visit With Star Clippers

23rd August 2019

We’ve all imagined ourselves as James (or Jane) Bond at one time or another, whether that’s whilst walking out of the sea, sipping a cocktail in the sun or donning our best formalwear for a night of entertainment. But what about following in the famous spy’s footsteps?

Ian Fleming’s classic creation is one of the most iconic British film characters in the world and his missions have taken him all over the world. So, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, here are three stunning locations where you can live the life of 007.

Phang Nga Bay

Perhaps one of the most recognisable James Bond locations on the planet, Phang Nga Bay is home to a dramatic-looking isle by the name of Koh Tapu. The dominant feature here is a towering rock that was used as the setting for Scaramanga’s hideout in the film ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’. This patch of land has become so famous in the wake of the movie that it is now widely known as James Bond Island. As well as admiring the rock and soaking up the stunning scenery all around, you can take a kayak tour of the intricate sea caves.

Monte Carlo

There are few other cities in the world that sum-up the Jams Bond lifestyle better than Monte Carlo. Million-pound yachts bob up and down in the harbour, helicopters come and go overhead, fast cars roar around the streets (especially during the annual Grand Prix) and everybody does all they can to look their best. So, it’s no surprise that it was used as a setting for ‘GoldenEye’.

Whilst Port Hercule is featured during a daring speedboat chase, it is the Monte Carlo Casino that is the main point of interest for Bond fans. The building and its ambience have inspired scenes from ‘Dr No’ and ‘Casino Royale’, but it physically made its way onto our screens during the aforementioned Pierce Brosnan story. If you’re into gambling, feel free to try your luck, but you’re most likely to feel like Britain’s favourite spy at the bar. The drinks menu is filled with nods to the franchise, including the Vesper, and vodka and gin martinis – shaken, naturally.

Jamaica

It was recently revealed that when we next see James Bond, during the opening sequences of the as-yet-unnamed Bond 25, he will be living a retired life in Jamaica. The island has been referred to as Bond’s spiritual home, due to the fact that so many scenes have been filmed here over the years. Perhaps the most iconic is that which features Ursula Andrews emerging from the waves in ‘Dr No’ and introducing us to the first Bond girl. Officially ‘Laughing Waters Beach’ (but now known as ‘James Bond Beach’), you can visit this spot just outside of Ocho Rios, in Oracabessa.

Another scene shot in this part of Jamaica takes place in ‘Live and Let Die’. The Couples Sans Souci hotel was used as the base for the villainous Baron Samedi as James tries to stop him from sacrificing Solitaire. And that’s not the only part of the film captured on these shores. Although it was doubling as the deep south of Louisiana at the time, the famous crocodile-hopping sequence enacted by Roger More actually took place at Jamaica Swamp Safari in Falmouth. The original owner of this now booming local attraction was actually Moore’s stunt double in the film and you can buy James Bond souvenirs from the ‘Kananga Gift Shop’ on-site.

If you would like to visit any of these amazing James Bond locations – on our Caribbean, Eastern Mediterranean or South-East Asia cruises – you can contact the team by calling 0845 200 6145. Alternatively, you can use our online chat.