Category: Fort de France

FOLKLORIC MARTINIQUE & RUM DISTILLERY TOUR

For an authentic taste of Martinique, step off the ship, board a coach and travel through the rainforest to one of the island’s rum distilleries. On the way, a stop will be made at Balata Church, an exact miniature replica of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris that affords a view of Fort-de-France and the bay. After driving through the rain forest road, A visit to the Depaz rum distillery will not only give you a chance to learn a little about the process of making rum, but also let you sample the special rhum agricole, which is distilled only in Martinique and is made using freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than the conventional molasses.

A 10-minute drive from the distillery will take you St. Pierre, the former cultural capital of Martinique that was tragically destroyed in a major outbreak of Mount Pelée in 1902. The modern-day town of St. Pierre is France’s 101st “City of Art and History”. After visiting the Ruins of the theatre and the new museum of St Pierre (memorial), your return trip to Fort-de-France will take you through Le Carbet, the spot where Columbus landed in 1502 and the town that inspired Gauguin to paint some of his most beguiling canvases. Also, on the itinerary are Bellefontaine and its famous boat-shaped house as well as Schoelcher, a seaside resort that was named after a 19th-century French abolitionist writer. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: The tour itinerary may be reversed. As this tour involves travelling along winding roads, it may be unsuitable for guests who are susceptible to motion sickness. Shooting videos and taking photos are not permitted inside the St Pierre Volcano Museum. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

HIKING & PEACE OF MIND

Take some time away from your ship and board a minibus for a short ride from Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique, to the scenic Rue de la Fontaine Didier hiking trail. Hike on roads through landscape marked by rainforest vegetation, tropical trees and wildlife. The trail also takes you past a number of waterfalls before you arrive at Absalon, the final destination of your hike. You will then have time to have a rest, relax and enjoy a well-earned drink on the banks of a small river. To save your feet, a minibus will then be waiting to take you on your return drive to the port and your ship. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be in good physical health and at least 10 years of age to take part. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult (parent/legal guardian) throughout the tour and be under their supervision at all times. Guests are required to wear closed-toe sports or mountain shoes suitable for hiking. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Guests will walk approximately 1.6 miles on uneven terrain during this tour.

BOTANICAL GARDEN and ITS SUSPENSION BRIDGE

After a short drive from the port, enjoy an approximately one-hour visit of Fort de France downtown. Your guide will provide some information and fun facts before you then enjoy some free time to discover on your own the capital of Martinique including its local market and shops. Then continue by bus and head to visit a replica of the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre. Next, your tour will take you to the stunning Botanical Garden where you can walk under the trees and discover a multitude of tropical plants and flowers. Take a moment to cross the Garden’s Suspension Bridge where you will find exceptional views you will want to immortalize in photos. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate.

Please note: Participants of this tour must be physically fit and able to walk about 1.5 miles. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable closed shoes.

The tour itinerary may be reversed. This tour involves winding roads, which may be unsuitable for those who suffer with vertigo and car sickness. Walking on the suspension bridge is not available for pregnant guests, and is unsuitable for those guest who suffer from vertigo. The minimum age for the suspension bridge 7 years old. This tour ends at the port for transit guests and at the airport for guests who are disembarking and booked on flights after 4pm.

The duration of the tour also includes the time for transfer to the airport. To book and prepay this tour before your cruise, please use code MAR21T if you will be in transit in Fort de France or code MAR21D if you will be disembarking in Fort de France. In the event that minimum number of guests required for the tour to operate is not met, guests traveling in transit and those disembarking may travel on the same bus.

The order of drop-off will be determined by local traffic conditions and tour itinerary. If necessary, a stop at the airport may be made prior to returning the transit guests back to the pier

HISTORICAL CLEMENT PLANTATION

During this excursion you will discover the architectural and industrial heritage of Martinique. Your tour begins with a visit to a tropical botanic garden which showcases more than 300 different botanical species throughout 16 acres of lush landscape and an amazing art exhibition. Next you will make your way to the Clement Plantation where you will visit the Main house where you can observe the domestic life of the plantation and admire the Creole architecture. Your visit to the plantation also includes a visit to the Old Rum Distillery where you can learn about the rum making process and have a rum tasting.

Please note: This tour involves winding roads which may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo or car- sickness. Participants must be in good health and correctly dressed. This tour ends at the port for transit guests and at the airport for guests who are disembarking and booked on flights after 5pm. The duration of the tour also includes the time for transfer to the airport. To book and prepay this tour before your cruise, please use code MAR22T if you will be in transit in Fort de France or code MAR22D if you will be disembarking in Fort de France.

In the event that minimum number of guests required for the tour to operate is not met, guests traveling in transit and those disembarking may travel on the same bus. The order of drop-off will be determined by local traffic conditions and tour itinerary. If necessary, a stop at the airport may be made prior to returning the transit guests back to the pier.

TRANSFER TO POINTE MARIN BEACH

Depart Fort-de-France via the main road for an approximately 1-hour drive to the South of Martinique, passing close by the economical heart of the Island. You will drive through Marin village, before arriving at Pointe Marin Beach. Enjoy approximately 3 hours of swimming and relaxing on the beach. Your return to the ship will be via the Atlantic Coast Road, where you can spot landscapes, banana plantations, valleys, and the sea.

Please note: This tour involves driving on winding roads, which may be unsuitable for those who suffer from carsickness or vertigo.

It is recommended that guests wear a swimsuit under their clothes and bring a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and a towel. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not included in the price of this tour and may be available to rent onsite for an additional cost.

BALATA GARDEN AND CLEMENT DISTILLERY

Depart the pier and head East, passing Lamentin town, one of the largest of the Island and where the main economic, industrial, and trading activities take place. You will arrive at the well-maintained Clement Plantation.

Start your visit at the botanical garden, which has 16 acres of ponds, a park, and a tropical orchard. With your guide, learn about the history of the industrial past by visiting the old distillery on site, an exhibition of machine manufacturing of rum. Enjoy a rum tasting before departing. On the way to your next site, you will have a photo stop on the road facing the Lamentin Bay, and you may even spot your awaiting ship. Pass by a banana plantation before your next visit to the Church of Balata. Explore the Balata Garden with its array of plants and flowers before heading back to the ship.

Please note: There are many steps in the garden and at the Clement plantation. This tour is not available for guests who have difficulty walking. Guests must wear closed toe shoes, flip flops are not permitted, and casual clothes

PANORAMIC TOUR & BANANA FIELDS BY TRAM

Begin with an approximately 30-minute drive to Belfort House to explore the banana plantation by tram. Learn about banana production in Martinique, including irrigation and harvesting, and observe farmhands at work. Your visit concludes with a tasting of banana-based products and banana wine. Reboard your bus for a panoramic tour of southern Martinique, including photo stops at Diamond Point and Cap 110, before returning to the ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. The maximum weight for this tour is 90 kg, and maximum height is 2 m. Guests are required to wear close toe shoes. Flip flops or sandals are not permitted

A STROLL THROUGH FORT-DE-FRANCE

Fort-de-France, formerly Fort Royal, is the administrative capital of Martinique with a population of approximately 110,000. It is the island’s main economic center with its harbor and renowned Flemish Bay. On this walking tour, your guide will lead you through the narrow streets and provide historical context as you visit key highlights of the city. Stops and sights include Fort Saint Louis (viewed from the town), the War Memorial near the Savannah, Schoelcher Library, the Prefecture building, Maison Bougenot, the Town Hall, Municipal Theatre, the courthouse with the Victor Schoelcher statue, and St. Louis Cathedral. The tour concludes at the main shopping street. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Guests are recommended to wear casual clothes, closed shoes, a cap or hat, and sunglasses. Due to the walking distance, guest must be in good physical condition and able to walk narrow streets with uneven ground