Pearls of the Caribbean
* Subject to availability.
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$5,280 Not Available Prestige stateroom Deck 4 AU$4,570 Available Prestige stateroom Deck 5 AU$4,710 Available Prestige Deck 6 AU$5,940 Not Available Deluxe Suite Deck 3 AU$8,010 Not Available Deluxe Suite Deck 5 AU$8,010 Not Available Deluxe Suite Deck 4 AU$8,010 Not Available Deluxe Suite Deck 6 AU$8,010 Not Available Prestige Suite Deck 5 AU$9,320 Available Prestige Suite Deck 6 AU$11,860 Not Available Privilege Suite Deck 6 AU$9,880 Available Privilege Suite Deck 5 AU$9,880 Available Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5 AU$12,580 Not Available Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 AU$12,580 Not Available Owner's Suite AU$12,970 Available
LE CHAMPLAIN
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.
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.
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'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.
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 .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.
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
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
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After your cruise
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Before your cruise
** Prices per person, based on double occupancy
Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.
Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.
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