Christmas in the Grenadines
* Subject to availability.
- Staterooms & Suites
- LE PONANT
- Port of call & excursions
- Formalities
- Diving in the Caribbean Sea
- Pre/Post & Overlands
Staterooms & Suites
There are no staterooms available for booking. Please contact our cruise advisors.
Port of call & excursions

Pointe-à-Pitre
Embarkation 18/12/2017 from 16H00 to 17H00 . Departure 18/12/2017 at 23H00 .
19 December 2017 – Les Saintes
Arrival 19/12/2017 early morning. Departure 19/12/2017 late afternoon.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. On Terre-de-Bas, you'll be charmed by the authenticity of the village of Petites-Anses. Off the coast of the "Saints" archipelago, traditional fishing vessels sail the blue seas of the Caribbean. Don't turn down a coconut "tourment d'amour", a sweet treat you'll be offered when you disembark.

20 December 2017 – Marigot Bay
Arrival 20/12/2017 early morning. Departure 20/12/2017 midday.On the west coast of the island of St Lucia, Marigot Bay has been described as "the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean". The picturesque marina, steep rainforested hills and deep blue waters have provided the backdrop for movies and the palm-studded beach is a Caribbean dream. Swimming, snorkelling and deep-sea diving are superb here.

20 December 2017 – Soufrière
Arrival 20/12/2017 midday. Departure 20/12/2017 late evening.Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town, and you will fall in love with its authentic Creole charm and warm friendly atmosphere. As well as diving and swimming off exquisite beaches, don't miss Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for the mineral baths, one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.

21 December 2017 – Canouan, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Arrival 21/12/2017 early morning. Departure 21/12/2017 late afternoon.Discover Canouan, a tiny island renowned for the spectacular coral reef that lies along its Atlantic coast. Originally named “Hairoun” this small parcel of land, was initially inhabited by Carib Indians, while Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot on it.

22 December 2017 – Mayreau
Arrival 22/12/2017 early morning. Departure 22/12/2017 late afternoon.Among the string of paradisiac islands with their white sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. Onshore, make the most of a shaded and fully equipped beach, from where you’ll be able to set off snorkelling to explore superb coral gardens overflowing with life and colour.

23 December 2017 – Saint George's
Arrival 23/12/2017 early morning. Departure 23/12/2017 late evening.Delicately set against the back of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s attracts newcomers by the beauty of its location and its friendly, festive atmosphere. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites, but you’ll also want to spend some time here moseying around its narrow streets where colonial houses and lush green gardens coexist. Carenage is Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbour, high in colour, especially when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands. 5 kilometres south, the Grand Anse beach is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean islands.

24 December 2017 – Carriacou
Arrival 24/12/2017 early morning. Departure 24/12/2017 midday.Belonging to the Grenadines archipelago, Carriacou Island unfurls its sumptuous coat of green at the gates of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This lush island, bordered by immaculate beaches, is one of the most beautiful in the West Indies. The appropriately named Paradise Beach is bathed by translucent waters, an idyllic spot where you can soak up the laid-back Caribbean ambience.

24 December 2017▸25 December 2017 – Chatham Bay, Union Island
Arrival 24/12/2017 midday. Departure 25/12/2017 early morning.Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and endless coral reefs – Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of “the Tahiti of the West Indies” to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be “the best-kept secret in the Grenadines” -Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.

25 December 2017 – Tobago Cayes
Arrival 25/12/2017 early morning. Departure 25/12/2017 late afternoon.Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park that has some outstanding marine fauna in its turquoise lagoons. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

26 December 2017 – Bequia
Arrival 26/12/2017 early morning. Departure 26/12/2017 late afternoon.In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This secluded island, strongly attached to its tradition of whale hunting, is popular with visiting yachties and divers. Port Elizabeth, the islandメs main town, has a lively atmosphere and further afield tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches provide a natural setting for peaceful walks.

Fort-de-France
Disembarkation 27/12/2017 at 07H00 .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.
Formalities
The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.
Diving in the Caribbean Sea
Diving in the Caribbean Sea
Scuba diving
Your dives will be led by Patrick Brissac your instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly.
On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Thanks to check below.
PORTS OF CALL | CERTIFIED DIVES | FIRST DIVES |
GUADELOUPE - Les Saintes | YES | YES |
SAINTE LUCIE – Marigot | YES | YES |
SAINTE LUCIE - Soufriere | YES | NO |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Canouan | YES | YES |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Mayreau | YES | YES |
GRENADE - St Georges | YES | NO |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Carriacou/Sandy Island | YES | YES |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Chatmay Bay | YES | NO |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Tobago Cays | NO | NO |
St-Vincent-and-Grenadines - Bequia | YES | YES |
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the Open Water Diver Padi.
What is a confirmed diver?
A confirmed diver is 1 star CMAS certified diver, or the Open Water Diver (PADI).
The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our diving instructor Patrick BRISSAC.
How does it work?
The instructor can dive with 4 confirmed divers at a time, according to their certification. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety.
The depth that can be reached will depend of the certification of the divers:
- For those with Level 1 or PADI Open Water Diver certificates the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two Level 2 divers wish to dive together alone, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration is given as an indication and may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants.
For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption. As we will dive in remote place, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 meters will be mandatory.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilizing jacket
- Fins
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer
Rates :
Price per person
- First dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): €80
- Ponant Discovery Pack (2 dives): €150
- Certified dive:
- Exploration (1 dive): €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): €225
- Passion Package (6 dives): €420
Fauna of the Caribbean Sea
The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the various dives, could observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, yellow tail snapper, red snapper, and pelagic fauna such as wahoo, sail fish, as well as endemic wildlife such as barel sponges, and purple sponges.
Pre/Post & Overlands
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After your cruise
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Your packages
18/12/2017 – Flights From/To Paris (Economic Class) + Transfer to the Port of Pointe-à-Pitre (Pre) + Flavours of Martinique (Post)
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Before your cruise
** Prices per person, based on double occupancy