From Fort-de-France to La Romana · Caribbean · 7 nights
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
The volcanic French Caribbean island of Martinique is a land of contrasts, from the lush rainforests of the north to the busy streets of the capital, Fort-de-France. There are plenty of lovely beaches geared towards relaxation, and the French influence also means that the cuisine is a cut above the usual Caribbean fare.
The island of Dominica stands out from the rest of the Caribbean, a rugged natural paradise that remains blissfully free of mass market tourism. The capital, Roseau, is pleasant enough, but the island interior offers so much more, including thick jungle, bubbling hot springs, cascading waterfalls and abundant birdlife.
Montserrat garnered global attention in 1995 when the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted, burying the island’s capital, Plymouth. Although an exclusion zone is still in place in the south, visitors are often surprised by how lush and unspoilt the rest of the island is, home to a colourful variety of birdlife.
The idyllic island of Jost Van Dyke, named after an early Dutch settler, is known for its laid back vibe and friendly beach bars, including the famous Foxy’s, which counts Keith Richards amongst its past customers. It’s a place to kick back and relax, and the clear blue waters are also perfect for snorkelling.
Punta Cana is the broad swathe of coastline where the majority of the Dominican Republic’s resorts are clustered. The beaches are stunning, if rather overdeveloped in places, while inland attractions include the beautiful Ojos Indígenas ecological reserve.
La Romana is situated on the south east coast of the Dominican Republic, with several nearby attractions worth your time. Next to the sprawling Casa de Campo resort you’ll find the pretty tourist village of Altos de Chavón, while the beaches of Isla Saona and Isla Catalina are a short boat ride away.