Overview
Off the coast, the turquoise sea wraps itself around stunning archipelagos, such as the San Blas Islands, home to the Kuna community, or the Grenadines, like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is mesmerising, as are the panoramas provided by the Pitons read more of Saint Lucia and the gentle Creole way of life pervading Les Saintes.
13 Days
Fort-de-France
Colon
Ponant Explorers
184
118
2019
MQFDFPAONX12.2
Itinerary
Fort-de-France, located on Martinique is the largest city in the French West Indies and it has personality to match. Life here is vibrant and fast-paced, and the culture is as colourful as the brightly painted shops that line the city’s cobblestone streets. Ships will dock at the port.
Top Things to Do in Fort-de-France:
- visit the Botanical Gardens
- join a rainforest hike to Absalon
- visit the Rum Distillery
- explore a banana plantation
- see the ruins of Chateau Dubuc
- take a helicopter flight over Martinique
Iles Des Saintes or Les Saintes is formed by nine unspoiled islands, two of which are inhabited. Forest-coated island cones rise from the turquoise waters and crystalline tropical beaches line the shores of these heavenly Caribbean islands. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the island, Terre de Haut.
Top Things to Do on Iles Des Saintes:
- sail around the isles of Les Saintes
- explore the waters in a clear kayak
- hike to the summit of Mount Morel
- visit Fort Napoleon
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. This calm and beautiful island is the perfect place to relax.
Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St. Lucia is brimming with attractions. The town is scattered with colonial-era edifices amid brightly painted wooden storefronts and a bustling seafront. The famous Pitons, volcanic spires, tower over the entrance to the town.
Top Things to Do in Soufrière:
- stroll the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Baths
- visit the sulphur springs
- hike to Sapphire Falls
- visit the Morne Coubaril Estate
Bequia, an island of the Grenadines, is a rustic, unassuming and off-the-beaten-path choice. Offering glorious, often deserted, beaches of pure golden sand, and hillside sweeps of forest and almond trees, Bequia Island is an extraordinary feast for the senses. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to Port Elizabeth.
Top Things to Do on Bequia:
- explore the Island of St. Vincent
- sail around Bequia
- hike through the forest to Crescent Beach
- relax at Bequia Beach Resort
At two square miles, Mayreau is the smallest of the Grenadine Islands. With picture-postcard beaches, a friendly village with a quaint old church and a peaceful atmosphere, Mayreau is the untouched Caribbean you only hear of in whispers. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.
Top Things to Do on Mayreau:
- relax on the beach at Saline Bay
- sail and snorkel the Tobago Cays
- sail to Mopion Islet
- visit the Station Hill village and take in the views of the surrounding islands
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. 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 comfort, rest and entertainment.
Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.
Top Things to Do in Willemstad:
- explore Christoffel National Park
- snorkel in Caracas Bay
- ride the trolley train through Willemstad
- relax on Cas Abao Beach
- visit the Hato Caves
- join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. 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 comfort, rest and entertainment.
Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia and abounds with Spanish colonial charm. From the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande to the beaches of Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta offers a multitude of thrilling adventures. Ships will dock at Puerto de Colombia.
Top Things to Do in Santa Marta:
- hike to the Quebrada Valencia waterfalls
- learn about the Tairona culture Taironaka Indian Reserve
- visit the museum dedicated to Simon Bolivar
- explore Tayrona National Park
- visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta
Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena:
- join a walking tour through the city
- visit the Rosario Islands
- explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- visit the chocolate or emerald museums
- wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands that graces the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Over 300 islands and cays covering an area of 300 square kilometres offer travellers a multitude of treasures.
Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of paradisiac anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bounded by crystal clear waters will allow you to relax and to enjoy an incredible marine fauna before discovering the Kunas Indian community. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the port.
In the province of Colón, along the magnificent Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is located not far from the famous canal. Given its name of “beautiful port” by Christopher Columbus, who discovered it in 1502, this charming and peaceful bay was one of the most important ports for the shipping of precious metals from the New World to Spain. Don’t miss a visit to its fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has preserved the strong religious and cultural traditions of its colonial past, such as the veneration of the Black Christ and a strongly-rooted Afro-Caribbean culture. The Congo ceremonies retrace the story of Spanish domination over black slaves through traditional dances and music.
Home to the Panama Canal's Atlantic Ocean entryway, Colón was founded as a result of the California gold rush in 1850, the starting point of a railroad that carried prospectors across the Isthmus of Panama. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Colon:
- explore Portobelo National Park
- watch ships pass through the Panama Canal
- check out the old quarter of Panama city, Casco Viejo
- shop until you drop at the Duty-Free Zone
- ride a vintage train on the Panama Railway
Life On Board
Take an voyage in French sophisticated luxury when you explore the world on Le Bougainville. Read more
Unwind in the chic decor of your ocean facing stateroom or suite complete with luxury amenities. Read more
Situated at the stern of the ship you can watch the coean pass by as you swim. Read more
Hear the sounds and catch a glimpse of the underwater world through the windows of the Blue Eye. Read more
Enjoy socialising and dancing in the main lounge or applaud a live show in the theatre. Read more
Dine al fresco at the grill or enjoy buffet and table service in the main restaurant. Read more
Ship Reviews (1)
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Ponant Exceptional Voyages of Discovery (2026-27)
Alongside iconic expeditions in Antarctica, the Caribbean, Asia and the Atlantic archipelagos, you’ll find pioneering voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot as it returns to the Far North, including the icy St Lawrence. Enriched by partnerships with Relais & Châteaux and the Club des Chefs des Chefs, these sailings blend exploration with artistry, offering transformative moments both on shore and on board.
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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