Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean

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

With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Set on sweeping Prince Rupert Bay, backed by steep hills and fronted by a long black-sand beach, Portsmouth is your gateway to this little-known land. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Portsmouth:

• enjoy a boat ride up the Indian River
• hike the Syndicate Nature Trail
• visit the Chocolate Factory in Pointe Baptiste
• explore Cabrits National Park

Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.

Cherry red roofs, yacht-sprinkled bays and a sophisticated French flavour all add to the gorgeous Caribbean allure of Gustavia. St. Barthelemy's capital rolls around a horseshoe-shaped harbour, where gleaming yachts hover and fancy boutiques, bars and restaurants fizz with life. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Gustavia:

• go on a sunset cruise
• sail the coast of St. Barts
• explore the harbour in a semi-submersible
• drive the enchanting countryside
  

Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands archipelago. A mountainous, beautiful island filled with friendly locals, tropical cuisine and wandering chickens. Blue waters hug the shore and granite megaliths at The Baths rise from the sea.

Top Things to Do on Virgin Gorda:

• explore The Baths National Park
• lounge in a hammock at Saba Rock
• hike to Gorda Peak for a panoramic view
• shop in Spanish Town
• visit Little Fort National Park
• sail around the lush island

The British Virgin Island’s smallest island, Jost Van Dyke, runs deep with rugged scenery and colourful folklore. The island offers glowing turquoise waters, lazily bowing palm trees, and pristine white sand beaches. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Jost Van Dyke:

• snorkel Norman Island
• explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda Island
• cruise the waters of Jost Van Dyke and Tortola
• relax on the pristine White Bay beach

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.

The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. The city epitomises the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly.

Located centrally is the Colonial City, a UNESCO site and the first European settlement of the Americas. Wander the maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders. They lead toward colonial buildings turned museums, shops, hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Ships will dock at this port.

The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. The city epitomises the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly.

Located centrally is the Colonial City, a UNESCO site and the first European settlement of the Americas. Wander the maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders. They lead toward colonial buildings turned museums, shops, hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Ships will dock at this port.