Pearls of the Caribbean

8 days / 7 nights

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Pearls of the Caribbean

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Pearls of the Caribbean

Cruise Caribbean

from 29 February 2020 to 7 March 2020
8 days / 7 nights

Departure Port : Fort-de-France
Arrival Port : Fort-de-France

Ship : LE CHAMPLAIN

Ref : C290220

Other departure dates

from 21 March 2020 to 28 March 2020

PONANT brings you a brand-new itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise combining long white-sand beaches and the easy Creole way of life.

An experienced diving instructor is on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming and scuba diving

From Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique, Le Champlain will set sail to Les Saintes, a highly popular anchorage site with crystal-clear waters and fabulous seabed. You will then set sail to Bequia Island, the “whale-hunting island,” and its wild and unspoiled coastline.

In the island of Grenada, visit its elegant capital, St. Georges, a particularly picturesque town dotted with pastel-coloured colonial houses nestled in a very pretty bay.

During your cruise, Le Champlain will lower her anchor in the Tobago Cays National Park. This rosary of islands bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife and its secret coves.

You will then island hop gently towards Saint Lucia and its two majestic rocky peaks soaring straight from the sea, a unique location listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. You will finally reach Fort-de-France. Make sure to visit one of its renowned rum distilleries!

Diving

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Fare From * AU$4,570

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* Subject to availability.

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Special offer(s) :

FLIGHT CREDIT

$AUD 1300 flight credit per person on select cruises. This offer is valid until June 30, 2019, is subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn without prior notice. It cannot be backdated.

Highlights

A true picture-postcard of the West Indies: long white-sand beaches, colourful seabeds, and the easy Creole way of life.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Discovering Saint Lucia and its two rocky peaks.
Discovering the Grenadine Islands, considered one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos.
On Mayreau Island, privatisation of a beach for the day and barbecue.
Exceptional sea bed with possibility to observe turtles, barracudas, spiny lobsters and parrot fishes.
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

Staterooms & Suites
LE CHAMPLAIN
Port of call & excursions
Formalities
Scuba diving
Pre/Post & Overlands

Staterooms & Suites

Deluxe Stateroom
AU$10,040
AU$5,280
Not Available

Prestige stateroom Deck 4
AU$5,790
AU$4,570
Available

Prestige stateroom Deck 5
AU$5,960
AU$4,710
Available

Prestige Deck 6
AU$6,150
AU$4,850
Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 3
AU$15,500
AU$8,010
Not Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 5
AU$15,500
AU$8,010
Not Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 4
AU$15,500
AU$8,010
Not Available

Deluxe Suite Deck 6
AU$15,500
AU$8,010
Not Available

Prestige Suite Deck 5
AU$11,960
AU$9,320
Available

Prestige Suite Deck 6
AU$23,200
AU$11,860
Not Available

Privilege Suite Deck 6
AU$12,680
AU$9,880
Available

Privilege Suite Deck 5
AU$12,680
AU$9,880
Available

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
AU$13,060
AU$10,160
Available

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
AU$24,640
AU$12,580
Not Available

Owner's Suite
AU$25,420
AU$12,970
Available

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Choose your fare basis* :

Single Double

LE CHAMPLAIN

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the second ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Champlain will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Virtual tour

Port of call & excursions

Fort-de-France

Embarkation 29/02/2020 from 20H30 to 21H30 . Departure 29/02/2020 at 23H15 .

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

1 March 2020 – Les Saintes

Arrival 01/03/2020 early morning. Departure 01/03/2020 late afternoon.

During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. On Terre-de-Bas, you'll be charmed by the authenticity of the village of Petites-Anses. Off the coast of the "Saints" archipelago, traditional fishing vessels sail the blue seas of the Caribbean. Don't turn down a coconut "tourment d'amour", a sweet treat you'll be offered when you disembark.

See available excursions

2 March 2020 – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island

Arrival 02/03/2020 early morning. Departure 02/03/2020 evening.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This secluded island, strongly attached to its tradition of whale hunting, is popular with visiting yachties and divers. Port Elizabeth, the islandﾒs main town, has a lively atmosphere and further afield tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches provide a natural setting for peaceful walks.

3 March 2020 – Saint George's, Grenada

Arrival 03/03/2020 early morning. Departure 03/03/2020 evening.

Delicately set against the back of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s attracts newcomers by the beauty of its location and its friendly, festive atmosphere. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites, but you’ll also want to spend some time here moseying around its narrow streets where colonial houses and lush green gardens coexist. Carenage is Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbour, high in colour, especially when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands. 5 kilometres south, the Grand Anse beach is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean islands.

4 March 2020 – Mayreau Island

Arrival 04/03/2020 mid morning. Departure 04/03/2020 late evening.

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their white sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. Onshore, make the most of a shaded and fully equipped beach, from where you’ll be able to set off snorkelling to explore superb coral gardens overflowing with life and colour.

5 March 2020 – Tobago Cays

Arrival 05/03/2020 early morning. Departure 05/03/2020 early evening.

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park that has some outstanding marine fauna in its turquoise lagoons. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

6 March 2020 – Pigeon Island Beach

Arrival 06/03/2020 early morning. Departure 06/03/2020 early afternoon.

Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. The tropical vegetation of this wild, protected island is home to abundant birdlife. It is easy to explore on foot; the remains of Fort Rodney offer an insight into the region's naval history as well as fabulous views. Two beautiful beaches nestle on the southern side of the island, where you can take a scuba dive adventure, an exciting mix of diving and snorkelling.

See available excursions

6 March 2020 – Soufrière

Arrival 06/03/2020 mid afternoon. Departure 06/03/2020 late evening.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town, and you will fall in love with its authentic Creole charm and warm friendly atmosphere. As well as diving and swimming off exquisite beaches, don't miss Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for the mineral baths, one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.

Fort-de-France

Disembarkation 07/03/2020 at 07H00 .

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.
In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.

Scuba diving

Fauna and flora of the Caribbean Sea

The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the different dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, queen angel fish, spotted drums, puffer fish, parrots fish, and pelagic fauna such as spotted eagle ray, barracudas, horse eyes jackfish, as well as fixed wildlife such as gorgonians and barrel sponges.

Supervision of the dives

Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

Level required for scuba diving on this cruise

The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.

Process of the dives (certified divers)

The instructor can dive with 4 certified divers at a time. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:

For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
For those with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 25 metres.
If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)

Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.

Duration of the dives

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.

Supplied equipment

Diving wetsuit
Stabilising jacket
Fins, mask and snorkel
Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)

Scuba diving activities on this cruise

PORTS OF CALL	DIVES (for certified divers)	Discover scuba diving (for beginners)
GUADELOUPE – Les Saintes	YES	YES
ST VINCENT & LES GRENADINES - Bequia	YES	YES
LA GRENADE – ST Georges	YES	NO
ST VINCENT & LES GRENADINES - Mayreau	NO	YES
ST VINCENT & LES GRENADINES – Tobago Cays	YES	NO
SAINTE LUCIE – Pigeon Island	NON	NO
ST LUCIA – Soufriere	YES	NO

These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.

Rates

Price per person

Initiation dive:

Introductory dive (1 dive): € 80
Ponant Discovery Pack (2 dives): € 150

Certified dive:

Exploration (1 dive) : € 80
Excellence Package (3 dives) : € 225
Passion Package (6 dives) : €420

Pre/Post & Overlands

After your cruise
07/03/2020 – Flavours of Martinique

230.00 AU$ ^**
More information

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the port of disembarkation and the airport.
Fort-de-France
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
First you will be taken to Morne Savon, a hilly suburb of Balata where is located the church of Balata. The church of Balata is a small replica – scaled down to a fifth of the original monument - of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris. The pure white Dome and bell tower contrast with the lush vegetation of its surroundings. Built in 1925, its offers an impressive panorama over the city of Fort-de-France. If the church is opened and there is no mass celebrated, you will get the opportunity to visit its interior during this photo stop.
You will them spend about one hour at Balata Botanical Garden created in 1982 by the expert botanist Jean-Philippe Thoze. Inspired by his journeys, this garden is an epic floral works of art made out of roses, hibiscus, orchids, and many other plants. Today it contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world. It is organised around the family house built in a typical creole style. You will experience a nice stroll in the quiet, shady paths lined with colorful flowers appealing to the eyes as much as to the smell.
You will continue your exploration to the village of Le Francois for the visit of the Habitation Clement. The Habitation Clement stands an important place in the architectural and industrial patrimony of Martinique. It has been recognised as a Historic Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The term ‘Habitation’ in its Creole sense, describes a property and its structures dedicate to agricultural or commercial purpose. You will get the chance to visit the domain, the main house and the distillery. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.
You will then join the restaurant where your lunch will be served. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes :
Lunch with beverage package: mineral water + 2 glasses of wine + 1 coffee or tea, served at Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa (or similar).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
Access to leisure amenities (including the outdoor swimming pool) at Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa 4*, is restrictive to overnight stay.
Tips for the driver and local guide.
Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
To visit the Church of Balata, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees). It is not permitted to visit the church during masses.
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
Before your cruise
28/02/2020 – Beauties of Martinique (1 night)

590.00 AU$ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one day to discover the Southern Martinique and its cultural heritage. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Fort-de-France
Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will be directly transferred by coach to the hotel Bakoua.
Check-in your room.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - Fort-de-France
Check-out.
Morning at leisure.
Enjoy lunch at the hotel Bakoua and then depart for the Le Domaine de La Pagerie, famous family house now a museum where Joséphine de Beauharnais lived her childhood, extraordinary destiny of a woman who married Napoleon Bonaparte and became Empress of France.
A visit to the museum of the Sugar Cane Museum which shows three centuries of sugar cane production in Martinique thanks to documents, models and old engravings, could replace the visit to Le Domaine de La Pagerie which is closed on certain dates.
You will continue your exploration to the Commune of Sainte Luce in order to visit one of Martinique’s oldest rum distilleries, the Trois Rivières Distillery. You will recognize its famous mill which is the emblem of this house. Learn about the different steps to make this traditional drink, from the sugar cane cut to rum aging. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.
After the visit, you will be transferred to a villa on the heights of Fort de France. Enjoy a relaxing cocktail before being transferred to the pier to embark aboard your ship.
Your hotel:
Bakoua Hotel is located in a former colonial residence which has retained its authentic French East Indian Company charm, with wide open spaces, cane work and precious woods. The tropical garden looks out onto the white sandy beach and the Carbet Peaks, silhouetted against the blue of the sea and sky. Rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi access.
Your programme includes:
1-night accommodation in Privilege Sea View at the tree-star Bakoua Hotel (or similar), including breakfast.
Accommodation Tax.
Lunch with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Privatisation of a villa in the late afternoon, for the participants of this programme. A large selection of drinks will be offered on sight.
Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
Dinner on Day 1.
Tips for the driver and local guide.
Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Contact of your hotel:
Bakoua Hotel
La Pointe du Bout
97229 Les Trois Ilets – Martinique French Antilles - France
Telephone: (+596) 0596 66 02 02

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
29/02/2020 – Transfer and cocktail on the heights of Fort-de-France

180.00 AU$ ^**
More information

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your half-day transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Fort de France
Meet at Fort de France airport in the Arrival hall. Look for a PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be directly taken to a Creole Villa on the heights of Fort de France. You will enjoy the private house with a cocktail reception.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
A private cocktail reception for the participants of the programme
Transfers as mentioned.
Services of English assistance
Your programme does not include:
Tips for the driver.
Personal expenses
Other services not mentioned in the programme.

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details