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19 Jan 26, from £5,440
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The Essentials of the Caribbean

The Essentials of the Caribbean

  • Itinerary
    Santo Domingo to Fort-de-France
    Duration
    11 days
  • Dates
    19 Jan 26 to 29 Jan 26
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Bellot for an unforgettable voyage.

With featured guest Christine Ockrent, journalist specialising in French and international news and geopolitical questions, author of some fifteen books.

From Santo Domingo to Fort-de-France, succumb to the charms of the Caribbean aboard a 11-day cruise with PONANT. Between beaches and turquoise waters, bays edged with palm trees, and lush tropical forest, this trip from the Greater Antilles to the Lesser Antilles aboard Le Bellot will be an opportunity for swimming and unforgettable discoveries in an exceptional setting.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, chosen with care by PONANT. During this cruise, enjoy embarking on a catamaran and snorkelling from Port Elizabeth on the island of Bequia, explore the town of Soufrière, between land and sea, on Saint Lucia, or appreciate the beauty of Les Saintes by boat and during a swim. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

An experienced diving instructor is on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming and scuba diving.

You will board in Santo Domingo, where you will be able to appreciate the charms of the oldest capital of the “New World”, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the British Virgin Islands, made up of around 60 mostly uninhabited islands, you will have the chance to enjoy the beaches of Jost van Dyke for a peaceful swimming break.

Further south, Le Bellot will sail towards the charming shores of Guadeloupe. You will discover the ravishing Baie des Saintes, a very popular spot for mooring, with crystal clear waters and fabulous seabeds. You will sail towards the enchanting setting offered by the island of Dominica - the Nature Island.

You will then island hop gently towards Saint Lucia and its two majestic rocky peaks soaring straight from the sea, a unique location listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Finally, fall under the spell of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago on Bequia, an island with wild and unspoiled shores. You will enjoy the lively atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town.

You will finally reach Fort-de-France.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Caribbean

Santo Domingo to Fort-de-France

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Timeless, History & Geopolitics

Christine Ockrent

Christine Ockrent

Offers

PONANT Bonus 15%

Diving & initiation dive

Diving & initiation dive

Ref: EE190126

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • Lectures by Christine Ockrent, who shares her views on history, politics and major contemporary issues.
  • Spectacular scenery (idyllic beaches, volcanic reliefs, lush forests) and exceptional marine life with the possibility of observing turtles, barracudas, lobsters and parrotfish.
  • A few of the included excursions: barbecue on the island of Mayreau; discover Les Saintes by boat; explore La Soufrière, between land and sea in Saint Lucia.
The Essentials of the Caribbean null

Customize your journey:

Guest

Sharing your journey with

Christine Ockrent null

Christine Ockrent

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

The Essentials of the Caribbean

Itinerary

Embarkation 19/01/26 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 19/01/26 at 18:00

19 Jan 26 - Santo Domingo
19 Jan 26 - Santo Domingo

Arrival 20/01/26 Departure 20/01/26

20 Jan 26 - At sea
20 Jan 26 - At sea

Arrival 21/01/26 early morning Departure 21/01/26 early afternoon

21 Jan 26 - Jost Van Dyke
21 Jan 26 - Jost Van Dyke

2 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 22/01/26 late morning Departure 22/01/26 early evening

22 Jan 26 - Les Saintes
22 Jan 26 - Les Saintes

5 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 23/01/26 early morning Departure 23/01/26 evening

23 Jan 26 - Portsmouth
23 Jan 26 - Portsmouth

4 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 24/01/26 early morning Departure 24/01/26 midday

24 Jan 26 - Pigeon Island Beach
24 Jan 26 - Pigeon Island Beach

3 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 24/01/26 early afternoon Departure 24/01/26 evening

24 Jan 26 - Soufrière
24 Jan 26 - Soufrière

1 available excursionto this stopover

Arrival 25/01/26 early morning Departure 25/01/26 late afternoon

25 Jan 26 - Tobago Cays
25 Jan 26 - Tobago Cays

1 available excursionto this stopover

Arrival 26/01/26 early morning Departure 26/01/26 late evening

26 Jan 26 - Mayreau Island
26 Jan 26 - Mayreau Island

1 available excursionto this stopover

Arrival 27/01/26 early morning Departure 27/01/26 late evening

27 Jan 26 - Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island
27 Jan 26 - Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island

3 available excursionsto this stopover

Arrival 28/01/26 early morning Departure 28/01/26 midday

28 Jan 26 - Union Island
28 Jan 26 - Union Island

1 available excursionto this stopover

Arrival 29/01/26 early morning Disembarkation 29/01/26 at 8:00

29 Jan 26 - Fort-de-France
29 Jan 26 - Fort-de-France

The Essentials of the Caribbean

Customize your journey

Flavours of martinique

FLAVOURS OF MARTINIQUE
Details

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

 

Fort-de-France

 

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

 

First you will be taken to Balata Botanical Garden Created by the expert botanist Jean-Philippe Thoze in 1982, this garden is an epic floral works of art made out of roses, hibiscus, orchids, and many other plants. Today it contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world. It is organized around the family house built in a typical creole style. You will experience a nice stroll in the quiet, shady paths lined with colourful flowers appealing to the eyes as much as to the smell.

 

You will then join the restaurant where your lunch will be served.

 

You will continue your exploration to the village of Le Francois for the visit of the Habitation Clement. The Habitation Clement stands an important place in the architectural and industrial patrimony of Martinique. It has been recognized as a Historic Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The term 'Habitation' in its Creole sense, describes a property and its structures dedicate to agricultural or commercial purpose. You will get the chance to visit the domain, the main house and the distillery. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.

 

After your visit, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

  Kindly note :

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

 


Total

£170/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Creole cooking class & rum tasting

CREOLE COOKING CLASS & RUM TASTING
Details

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Fort-de-France

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Board your bus and you will be taken to the prestigious Clement plantation, nestled in the heart of sugar cane plantations. The Habitation Clément offers a unique opportunity to discover the techniques and manufacturing process of its famous beverage. A natural product derived from the direct distillation of sugar cane juice, agricultural rum, prepared on the estate since 1917, is first and foremost a story of tradition. Visit the distillery, the gardens, the Art Gallery, Lucie's house, the Master's House and end your visit with a rum-tasting.

Continue your trip to Trois Ilets village to meet one of the best chef in Martinique.

You will share with your chief her cooking experience in Martinique while cooking a full menu (first course, main course, dessert. All meals include the use of fresh seasonal produce carefully selected. You may go home with all recipes.

Savour your Creole dishes under a shady awning. You will accompany your lunch with a rum tasting and homemade cocktails.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

·        Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 local juice or 1 local cocktail + coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and activities as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

Please note :

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this activity to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

 


Total

£170/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Pre cruise discover santo domingo

PRE CRUISE DISCOVER SANTO DOMINGO
Details

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

 

Day 1 - Santo Domingo

 

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

 

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

 

Transfer from the airport to the hotel Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando 5*.

 

Time and dinner at leisure.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 - Santo Domingo

 

Breakfast at your hotel.

 

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own.

 

Lunch at a local restaurant.

 

After lunch, let yourself be carried away by Santo Domingo's fascinating history with a guided city tour, you will discover the emblematic treasures of the colonial zone.

 

You will see the Plaza de España from the outside, the Alcazar de Colon, cross the Calle de Las Damas and pass the Pantheon, the Ozama Fortress, the Parque Colon and finally you will visit the Cathedral.

 

You will then be taken to the port for your embarkation.

 

Your hotel:

 

The Hotel Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando 5* is ideally located in the heart of Santo Domingo's colonial zone, and is a historic establishment dating back to 1502. It offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern comforts, with elegant rooms, an outdoor pool and views of the Ozama River. The hotel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ideal for exploring the main historical sites while enjoying a luxurious and peaceful setting.

 

Superior rooms are also available, at an additional cost and subject to availability. Contact your travel consultant for further details.

 

Your program includes :

 

-1 night in a Classic Colonial category room at the Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando 5*, breakfast included.

-Lunch at the restaurant on day 2.

-Transfers and sightseeing as mentioned in the program.

- Services of a local English-speaking guide.

 

 Your program does not include :

 

-Meals not mentioned in the program.

-Personal expenses.

-Tips to drivers and guides.

-Other services not mentioned in the program.

 

Please note :

 

-It is imperative that you provide your travel agent with details of your arrival flight no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to ensure the correct private transfer.

-Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

 

Contact of your hotel:

 

Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando 5

Calle las Damas, Ciudad Colonial,

Santo Domingo,

República Dominicana

Phone number: +1 809-685-9955

 

To find out your PONANT flight times, please contact your travel agent; they are also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 


Total

£230/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from /to paris + discover santo domingo 1n (pre)+ flavours of matrinique (post)

FLIGHTS FROM /TO PARIS + DISCOVER SANTO DOMINGO 1N (PRE)+ FLAVOURS OF MATRINIQUE (POST)
Details

Total

-.-/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Flights from /to paris in premium class + discover santo domingo 1n (pre)+ flavours of matrinique (post)

FLIGHTS FROM /TO PARIS IN PREMIUM CLASS + DISCOVER SANTO DOMINGO 1N (PRE)+ FLAVOURS OF MATRINIQUE (POST)
Details

Total

-.-/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.