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Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands – Luxury Caribbean Cruise

Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands – Luxury Caribbean Cruise

From AUD $10,940

Description

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.
The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT’s emblematic yacht.
You will move away from the shores of Guadeloupe and sail under wind power towards Dominica, the wildest and most mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles. In Portsmouth, in a local boat, you will go deep into the fascinating mangals of the Indian River edged with mangrove trees and populated with green herons, moorhens, pelicans and kingfishers. On the banks, you will meet the Kalinago people, one of the indigenous Caribbean peoples. The chief will welcome you into his village, tell you about the history of his people and invite you to taste their food.
In the muted décor of Le Ponant, each moment of your cruise is steeped in the peacefulness of the Caribbean. It is now time to set sail for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Carried by the wind dancing around the ship’s rigging, you will reach this strikingly beautiful archipelago. From island to island, savour the gentleness of the Creole way of life, admire the beauty of the sunsets, and explore the waters teeming with life.
Following a port of call on Bequia, where an indigenous fisherman is trying to save Hawksbill sea turtles from extinction, you have a very good chance of finding yourself face to face with one of these creatures in the warm and crystal-clear waters of Tobago Cays and Sandy Island. Thanks to the horseshoe-shaped coral reef connecting these four uninhabited islets, the Tobago Cays archipelago constitutes a real marine wildlife reserve that you can explore while swimming, diving or snorkelling. Back on your yacht, stretched out on the deck, barefoot and facing the wind, you will see the terns and pelicans flying in the azure-blue sky.
After sailing beneath the stars, the jagged silhouette of the pitons of Saint Lucia will appear on the horizon in the early morning light. Weather permitting, you will drop anchor and make the most of the rear deck to swim in this picture-postcard setting. In the evening, you will arrive in Les Anses-d’Arlet. With its colourful houses set on the beach, the tall brick-coloured church belltower standing out against a background of green mountains, and the pontoon jutting out over the sea, it is a perfect spot for admiring the sunset.
On Marie-Galante, the final port of call of your cruise, you will enjoy practically deserted beaches and be immersed in an authentic and agricultural atmosphere focused on growing sugar cane. After this crossing in the form of an ode to freedom, you will gently return to terra firma in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Trip Name
Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands - Luxury Caribbean Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability. The striking lines, the quality of the materials, the sophistication of the way they’re combined: the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, exude a sense of timelessness and offer a genuine connection with the exterior scenery and landscapes. Their design offers a blend of purity, excellence and a sense of easy living through the prominent use of stylish plain tones: off-white, taupe and caviar grey. No flourishes or embellishments here, but instead a unity between the common areas and the staterooms. Exterior bar - Sun Deck Sun Lounge area - Exterior bar The Le Diamant panoramic restaurant - Zéphyr Deck Seats 34 guests - 61 m² - Buffet breakfast and dinner - Fine gastronomic cuisine made using exceptionally high quality organic and local products - Veuve Clicquot champagne - Wines from French artisan wine producers and the regions visited. The Marina - Alizés Deck Two standard kayaks and two glass-bottomed kayaks - Four stand up paddleboards - Snorkelling equipment - Fishing equipment - Scuba diving equipment (for a group of four people) - Saltwater swimming pool - Small equipment for children (noodles, rings, armbands and safety equipment) - Bicycles The lounge and Bar Emeraude - Alizés Deck Interior surface : 92 m² - Seats 35 guests - Exterior surface : 85 m² - Seats 24 guests The wellness space - Alizés Deck Spa / massages (18.5 m²): one cabin offering massages and Biologique Recherche treatments - Gym (16 m²) with dedicated fitness instructor - Yoga sessions on the Sun Deck

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 POINTE-À-PITRE
 At the crossroads of cultures, where European influence mingles with the richness of the Caribbean and the diversity of indigenous traditions, Pointe-à-Pitre promises a unique experience. Here, nestled on the southern coast of the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, you will fall in love with the heavenly landscapes that reveal themselves to you, including white-sand beaches, verdant mountains, and lush tropical forests. Along the bustling streets of the city, you will discover Creole authenticity through the colourful markets, the traditional wooden houses, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Day 2 - Day 2 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 3 - Day 3 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 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 SANDY ISLAND, CARRIACOU
 West of Carriacou, the northernmost island in the state of Grenada, is Sandy Island, a spit of sand set in the bewitching Caribbean waters. Known for its powdery white sand and small lagoon with crystal clear waters, this wild islet, dotted with coconut trees, offers a natural setting for swimming and snorkelling. The abundant and colourful marine life promises memorable and thrilling encounters. Listed as a marine protected area, the site is also a hunting ground for numerous pelicans. Enjoy a fascinating show as they circle above the water before diving suddenly to catch their prey.
Day 6 - Day 6 SAILING ALONG THE PITONS & AT SEA ABOARD LE PONANT & LES ANSES-D'ARLET
 You will sail off the coast of the Pitons in Soufrière Bay. The Pitons are two volcanic spires, covered in tropical rainforest, rising side by side from the sea – they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area’s volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumaroles and hot springs. In the marine area, coral reefs are home to very diverse fauna, including hawksbill sea turtles, pilot whales and whale sharks, these harmless gentle giants that you will perhaps be lucky enough to observe by diving in the sea behind the ship. During your day at sea on board Le Ponant, make the most of your free time and the comfort of your ship for a moment of rest or conviviality. If the weather is right, let yourself be tempted by a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to do some shopping in the boutique and share the highlights of your cruise with the other passengers. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining relaxation, sharing and the pleasure of sailing on a yacht. Lying on the south-western end of Martinique, the charming town of Les Anses-d’Arlet reveals all the colours of the West Indies: from the azure blue of the Caribbean Sea and the emerald green of the surrounding vegetation to the reds, yellows and purples of the traditional Creole houses. This former fishing village, with its picture-postcard appearance and its typical and peaceful atmosphere, promises a unique interlude during which you will be able to spend moments relaxing on long white sandy beaches, discover local culture and explore the lush nature with its singular biodiversity.
Day 7 - Day 7 MARIE-GALANTE
 It is undoubtedly because Marie-Galante concentrates all the charms of the Caribbean into one island that it is today one of the most in-demand destinations in the region. “The island of 100 mills” or the “great galette” as it is sometimes known, in reference to the form of its 15 km diameter limestone plateau, is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean In Saint-Louis, you can take the time to bathe in its turquoise waters, relax under the palm trees and almond trees or stroll along the colourful streets of the village.
Day 8 - Day 8 POINTE-À-PITRE
 At the crossroads of cultures, where European influence mingles with the richness of the Caribbean and the diversity of indigenous traditions, Pointe-à-Pitre promises a unique experience. Here, nestled on the southern coast of the island of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, you will fall in love with the heavenly landscapes that reveal themselves to you, including white-sand beaches, verdant mountains, and lush tropical forests. Along the bustling streets of the city, you will discover Creole authenticity through the colourful markets, the traditional wooden houses, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $11,410Mistral Stateroom
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $13,100Mistral Prestige Stateroom
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $15,360Mistral Junior Suite
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $16,500Mistral Prestige Suite
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $16,730Alizés Stateroom
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $17,300Alizés Prestige Stateroom
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $18,770Alizés Privilege Suite
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $24,670ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
18-01-202525-01-2025AUD $30,190Owner Suite
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $16,250Mistral Prestige Stateroom
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $19,080Mistral Junior Suite
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $20,500Mistral Prestige Suite
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $20,790Alizés Stateroom
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $21,500Alizés Prestige Stateroom
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $23,340Alizés Privilege Suite
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $30,710Owner Suite
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $30,710ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
15-02-202522-02-2025AUD $14,140Mistral Stateroom
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $11,410Mistral Stateroom
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $13,100Mistral Prestige Stateroom
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $15,360Mistral Junior Suite
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $16,500Mistral Prestige Suite
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $16,730Alizés Stateroom
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $17,300Alizés Prestige Stateroom
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $18,770Alizés Privilege Suite
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $24,670ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
15-03-202522-03-2025AUD $30,190Owner Suite
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $10,940Mistral Stateroom
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $11,480Mistral Prestige Stateroom
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $14,740Mistral Junior Suite
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $15,820Mistral Prestige Suite
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $16,910Alizés Stateroom
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $17,120Alizés Prestige Stateroom
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $20,160Alizés Privilege Suite
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $23,630ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
03-01-202610-01-2026AUD $30,820Owner Suite
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $10,940Mistral Stateroom
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $11,480Mistral Prestige Stateroom
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $14,740Mistral Junior Suite
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $15,820Mistral Prestige Suite
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $16,910Alizés Stateroom
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $17,120Alizés Prestige Stateroom
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $20,160Alizés Privilege Suite
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $23,630ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
31-01-202607-02-2026AUD $30,820Owner Suite
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $10,940Mistral Stateroom
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $11,480Mistral Prestige Stateroom
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $14,740Mistral Junior Suite
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $15,820Mistral Prestige Suite
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $16,910Alizés Stateroom
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $17,120Alizés Prestige Stateroom
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $20,160Alizés Privilege Suite
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $23,630ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
28-02-202607-03-2026AUD $30,820Owner Suite
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $11,640Mistral Stateroom
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $12,210Mistral Prestige Stateroom
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $15,680Mistral Junior Suite
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $16,840Mistral Prestige Suite
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $18,000Alizés Stateroom
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $18,230Alizés Prestige Stateroom
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $21,470Alizés Privilege Suite
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $25,170ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
28-03-202604-04-2026AUD $30,820Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise off the beaten path in the Grenadines, featuring unique aquatic encounters, wild landscapes and special moments of relaxation aboard Le Ponant.
    • Meeting the Kalinagos, an indigenous Caribbean people who will share their history and culture with you.
    • On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
    • A rich programme of included excursions.
    • Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
    • A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
    • Exceptional moments on board and numerous water-based activities to discover the beauty of the Caribbean as if alone in the world, with all your senses heightened.
    • Discover the underwater flora and fauna of the Caribbean during your choice of an included beginner’s introduction to diving or a more advanced scuba dive (Level 1 or CMAS 1-star diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor.

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