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The Essential Caribbean – Luxury Cruise

The Essential Caribbean – Luxury Cruise

From AUD $8,220

Description

PONANT invites you on a 13-day cruise to the heart of the West Indies. From Fort-de-France, you will sail the idyllic waters of the Caribbean Sea to discover stunning islands, as well as historical and architectural landmarks. An experienced diving instructor is on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming and scuba diving. First of all, you will venture to Antigua, whose blend of British influences and Creole culture gives its picture postcard scenery a unique atmosphere. Your ship will then call at Saint Martin, a small cosmopolitan island that is half French, half Dutch. In the British Virgin Islands, made up of some 60 islands, most of which are uninhabited, you will have the chance to enjoy the beaches of Jost van Dyke, for a peaceful swimming break. You will cruise on to the enchanting island of Dominica, known as the Nature Island, before you reach Saint Lucia and its two majestic rocky peaks soaring straight from the sea. This unique location is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, you will head south to the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies connects this chain of islands and reveals incredible underwater fauna and secret coves. Then you will return to Fort-de-France after a magnificent cruise.

Trip Name
The Essential Caribbean - Luxury Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 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 first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot 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. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 FORT-DE-FRANCE
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 ANTIGUA
Between white sandy beaches and lush tropical forest, you will discover Antigua, the largest of the two islands that make up Antigua-and-Barbuda, a sovereign Commonwealth state. From its British colonial heritage, this picture-postcard island has kept English as its official language and a pronounced taste for cricket! The steep hillsides of the south of the island offer splendid vistas over English Harbour and the Antigua shipyard, a building dating from the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and over Indian Creek, where the first Awarak Indians settled. To the east, the clear waters of the village of Seatons are the ideal site for snorkelling alongside the rays.
Day 3 - Day 3 MARIGOT
Located on the west coast of the French side of Saint Martin, an island in the north-east of the Caribbean Sea, Marigot has stunning discoveries in store for you. Its streets are home to old Creole huts, the traditional dwellings in the 19th century, as well as a host of luxury boutiques and artist studios. Overlooking Marigot Bay and facing Anguilla, Fort Louis is an ideal spot from which to admire the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the surrounding small, lush mountains. For those who enjoy walking, taking a lovely stroll from the Fort Louis marina via the market, is an opportunity to fully enjoy the easy way of life in this charming, picturesque town.
Day 4 - Day 4 JOST VAN DYKE
During your cruise, discover the pearl of the British Virgin Islands, said to have been named after a fearsome Dutch pirate from long ago. he hilly landscape offers travellers beautiful wild expanses lined with immaculate beaches where the breeze gently caresses the coconut palms. In this slice of heaven with crystal-clear waters, you will be able to enjoy the lively atmosphere of White Bay. As for the wildlife, iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have taken up residence on these islands, much to the delight of our passengers who love a good holiday snap!
Day 5 - Day 5 SOUTH FRIARS BAY, SAINT KITTS
Nestling along the peninsula of Saint-Kitts Island, South Friars Bay shelters one of the Kittitians’ most popular beaches. You will find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand ideal for a spot of sunbathing, or you may prefer to go and discover the history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It affords an exceptional view of the island’s coast.
Day 6 - Day 6 LES SAINTES
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. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local speciality, the “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.
Day 7 - Day 7 PORTSMOUTH
With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.
Day 8 - Day 8 PIGEON ISLAND BEACH & SOUFRIÈRE
Linked to St Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden. You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. You will thoroughly enjoy the calm and beauty of this place, which is really conducive to simply relaxing. 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. In the vicinity of the lush botanical gardens, you will be able to enjoy the curative powers of the Diamond Falls mineral baths. From the beach at the north end of the bay, you can set off to explore the reefs that are home to stunning gardens of sea fans at the foot of the cliffs that plunge into the sea.
Day 9 - Day 9 TOBAGO CAYS
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 whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.
Day 10 - Day 10 MAYREAU ISLAND
Among the string of paradisiac islands with their 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. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you’d like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.
Day 11 - Day 11 PORT ELIZABETH, BEQUIA ISLAND
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. You will love the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.
Day 12 - Day 12 KINGSTOWN
Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, independent since 1979 but still a member of the British Commonwealth. Some of the 32 islands of the Grenadines are inhabited, like Mustique, some are not, like Tobago Cays. But they are all renowned for crystal clear, calm waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The Botanic Garden in Kingstown is the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and well worth a visit, as is Fort Charlotte, featuring panoramic views of the archipelago. La Soufrière, Saint Vincent's active volcano, dominates the northern end of the island, where it periodically erupts (most recently in April 2021), scarring the surrounding land with lava and ash.
Day 13 - Day 13 FORT-DE-FRANCE
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.
Day 14 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $9,600Deluxe Stateroom
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $10,110Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $10,390Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $10,800Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $14,490Deluxe Suite
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $15,580Prestige Suite Deck 5
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $16,070Prestige Suite Deck 6
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $16,480Privilege Suite
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $16,970Grand Deluxe Suite
06-12-202418-12-2024AUD $22,210Owner's Suite
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $11,130Deluxe Stateroom
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $11,700Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $12,050Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $12,510Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $16,800Deluxe Suite
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $18,080Prestige Suite Deck 5
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $18,650Prestige Suite Deck 6
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $19,110Privilege Suite
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $19,700Grand Deluxe Suite
17-12-202429-12-2024AUD $24,240Owner's Suite
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $12,360Deluxe Stateroom
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $13,730Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $14,410Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $15,250Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $19,910Deluxe Suite
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $24,050Prestige Suite Deck 5
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $25,150Prestige Suite Deck 6
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $25,980Privilege Suite
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $26,800Grand Deluxe Suite
06-01-202518-01-2025AUD $28,140Owner's Suite
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $13,670Deluxe Stateroom
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $14,410Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $14,840Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $15,420Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $20,780Deluxe Suite
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $22,360Prestige Suite Deck 5
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $23,080Prestige Suite Deck 6
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $23,670Privilege Suite
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $24,390Grand Deluxe Suite
18-01-202530-01-2025AUD $25,110Owner's Suite
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $12,810Deluxe Stateroom
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $14,230Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $14,940Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $15,780Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $20,590Deluxe Suite
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $24,840Prestige Suite Deck 5
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $25,980Prestige Suite Deck 6
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $26,820Privilege Suite
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $27,660Grand Deluxe Suite
28-12-202509-01-2026AUD $32,510Owner's Suite
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $8,220Deluxe Stateroom
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $9,120Prestige Deck 4
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $9,570Prestige Deck 5
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $10,110Prestige Deck 6
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $13,150Deluxe Suite Deck 6
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $13,150Deluxe Suite Deck 3
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $13,150Deluxe Suite Deck 4
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $13,150Deluxe Suite Deck 5
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $15,840Prestige Deck 5 Suite
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $16,560Prestige Deck 6 Suite
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $17,100Privilege Suite Deck 5
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $17,100Privilege Suite Deck 6
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $17,630Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
19-01-202629-01-2026AUD $17,630Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $13,090Deluxe Stateroom
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $14,550Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $15,280Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $16,160Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $21,120Deluxe Suite
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $25,490Prestige Suite Deck 5
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $26,670Prestige Suite Deck 6
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $27,530Privilege Suite
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $28,420Grand Deluxe Suite
10-02-202622-02-2026AUD $29,890Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise through the paradise islands of the West Indies, between idyllic beaches, coral reef gardens, volcanic reliefs and lush vegetation.
    • Discovering 9 islands on the same cruise: Martinique, Antigua, Saint Martin, Jost Van Dyke, Saint Kitts, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Antigua Naval Dockyard; Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St. Kitts and Nevis; Morne Trois Pitons National Park on Dominica; Saint Lucia’s rocky peaks.
    • Exceptional seabed with possibility of seeing turtles, barracuda, spiny lobsters and parrot fish.
    • Discovering the British Virgin Islands, where each white-sand beach is more stunning than the next.
    • On Dominica, the National Park of Cabrits and Fort Shirley.
    • On Mayreau Island, private use of a beach for the day, including a barbecue.
    • In Kingstown, the opportunity to visit the magnificent Botanic Gardens and enjoy a catamaran trip with views over La Soufrière Volcano.
    • Multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

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