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Santo Domingo and Caribbean Treasures

Santo Domingo and Caribbean Treasures

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Description

From Santo Domingo to Fort-de-France, succumb to the charms of the Caribbean aboard a new 13-day cruise with PONANT. Between beaches and turquoise waters, bays edged with palm trees, and lush tropical forest, this all-new circuit from the Greater Antilles to the Lesser Antilles aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville will be an opportunity for swimming and unforgettable discoveries in an exceptional setting.

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. You will then make a port of call in the charming bay of Santa Barbara de Samaná, which is edged by creole houses, from where you’ll be able to go and discover the caverns and mangrove of Los Haitises National Park.

Located between the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles, the British Virgin Islands are composed of some sixty islands, most of which are uninhabited. After a stop in Jost Van Dyke for a relaxing swim, discover on Virigin Gorda The Baths National Park and its huge blocks of granite, surrounded by caves and rock pools.

Then your ship will set sail for the famous Saint-Barthelemy, renowned for its wild coves and its elegant little shopping streets, and the island of Antigua. The naval dockyard dating back to Georgian times, sheltered in the hollow of a bay protected from this island with craggy coastlines, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further south, Le Dumont-d’Urville will sail towards the magnificent island of Dominica, nicknamed the Nature Isle, before heading for the charming shores of Guadeloupe. You will discover a stunning beach near the picturesque fishing village of Deshaies, and the ravishing Baie des Saintes, a very popular spot for mooring, with crystal clear waters and fabulous seabeds.

You will finally reach Fort-de-France. Make sure to visit one of its renowned rum distilleries!

Trip Name
Santo Domingo and Caribbean Treasures
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Dumont d'Urville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Dumont d'Urville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1 - 2 SANTO DOMINGO
Capital of the Dominican Republic, located on the south coast of Hispaniola, Santo Domingo is also the oldest town in the Caribbean and the New World. Officially founded at the end of the 15th Century by the older brother of Christopher Columbus, and named after Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order, the city boasts an immense historical heritage. At the heart of the colonial district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can admire the oldest Spanish constructions in the Americas.
Day 2 - Day 3 SANTA BÁRBARA DE SAMANÁ
Founded in honour of Barbara de Braganza, wife of the Spanish king Ferdinand VI, the town of Santa Barbara de Samaná is located on the south coast of the Samaná Peninsula, in the Dominican Republic. Along the seafront, in a bay renowned for the passage of humpback whales during the first months of the year, charming Creole-style houses display their colourful facades. When your ship calls here, don’t miss the chance to visit Los Haitises National Park. There, you will navigate through a stunning landscape of tropical rainforest and discover caves that were once occupied by the Taino Indians. If you prefer to stay on land, the El Limon waterfall in the centre of the Samaná Peninsula is also worth a visit.
Day 3 - Day 4 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 4 - Day 5 JOST VAN DYKE
During your cruise, discover the pearl of the British Virgin Islands, said to have been named after a fearsome Dutch pirate from long ago. he hilly landscape offers travellers beautiful wild expanses lined with immaculate beaches where the breeze gently caresses the coconut palms. In this slice of heaven with crystal-clear waters, you will be able to enjoy the lively atmosphere of White Bay. As for the wildlife, iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have taken up residence on these islands, much to the delight of our passengers who love a good holiday snap!
Day 5 - Day 6 VIRGIN GORDA
Virgin Gorda is one of the British Virgin Islands archipelago’s largest islands. There, you will discover The Baths National Park and its well-renowned picture-postcard beaches. Gigantic volcanic boulders sit surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, creating spectacular geological formations. Indeed, over the years a network of basins, caves and natural pools has formed, resulting in a sublime aquatic maze in which it is enjoyable to lose oneself before heading to the stunning Devil’s Bay Beach. On the island’s south-eastern tip, Copper Mine National Park is still home to many ruins of an abandoned copper mine that looks out over the sea.
Day 6 - Day 7 GUSTAVIA
Lovers of this island call it Saint-Barth. This French island in the Lesser Antilles was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Ever since, this tiny mountainous volcanic gem with its unspoilt nature has been enchanting visitors. You will enjoy the beauty of its large paradisiacal beaches, plus the charm and refinement of its old wooden houses and its sumptuous colonial manors. Although, as you saunter through the rues de Gustavia or Saint-Jean, you’ll come across jewellers, top fashion boutiques and fine restaurants, there is also a simplicity that money can’t buy…
Day 7 - Day 8 SOUTH FRIARS BAY, SAINT KITTS
Nestling along the peninsula of Saint-Kitts Island, South Friars Bay shelters one of the Kittitians’ most popular beaches. You will find this gorgeous stretch of golden sand ideal for a spot of sunbathing, or you may prefer to go and discover the history of the island. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a remarkable example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It affords an exceptional view of the island’s coast.
Day 8 - Day 9 ANTIGUA
Between white sandy beaches and lush tropical forest, you will discover Antigua, the largest of the two islands that make up Antigua-and-Barbuda, a sovereign Commonwealth state. From its British colonial heritage, this picture-postcard island has kept English as its official language and a pronounced taste for cricket! The steep hillsides of the south of the island offer splendid vistas over English Harbour and the Antigua shipyard, a building dating from the 17th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and over Indian Creek, where the first Awarak Indians settled. To the east, the clear waters of the village of Seatons are the ideal site for snorkelling alongside the rays.
Day 9 - Day 10 PORTSMOUTH
With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.
Day 10 - Day 11 DESHAIES
The port of Deshaies has a magnificent setting on the north-west coast of Basse-Terre Island, the western half of Guadeloupe. Nestling in the crook of a pretty bay on the Caribbean Sea, the village of wooden Creole-style houses extends along the foot of hillsides covered in tropical rainforest. Beyond the bay, the former property of famous French comedian Coluche is now a magnificent botanical garden where you can wander among West Indian trees and flowering plants and spot exotic birds. A little farther to the north is Grande Anse beach, one of most beautiful on the island.
Day 11 - Day 12 LES SAINTES
During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local speciality, the “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.
Day 12 - Day 13 FORT-DE-FRANCE
Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • A cruise in the heart of the West Indies.
    • Discovering 8 islands on the same cruise: the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Barthelemy, St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Colonial City of Santo Domingo, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua Naval Dockyard, Morne Trois Pitons National Park on Dominica.
    • Discovering the British Virgin Islands, where each white-sand beach is more stunning than the next.
    • Exceptional seabed with possibility to observe turtles, barracudas, spiny lobsters and parrot fishes.
    • Multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
    • Discovery of the lush tropical forest and the mangroves of the Dominican Republic and Dominica.
    • The picturesque villages and landscapes of Guadeloupe.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

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