Cruising the Caribbean's Windward Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys
About This Cruise
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.PONANT brings you an itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise combining long stretches of white-sand beach, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life.Board your ship in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, whose two majestic volcanic peaks – the Gros and Petit Pitons – jut dramatically from sea to sky and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.You will then set sail for Portsmouth in Dominica, a mountainous island where inland rivers and nature trails provide a glimpse into the intriguing flora and fauna of the island and – if you are lucky – the chance to see the nation’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot. Do not miss the opportunity to sample some native chocolate from a local maker.Continue north to Les Saintes, a small archipelago of Guadeloupe, a highly popular anchorage site with crystal-clear waters and fabulous seabeds where opportunities to enjoy the seascape abound. Snorkel, swim, or kayak in the shadow of the imposing 19th-century Fort Napoléon.Your ship will then sail south to the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Here, begin on the island of Bequia, where small, picturesque villages, unbelievably clear waters, and brightly colored coral reefs prove main attractions. Then, enjoy a day on your magnificent private beach on the island of Mayreau.Anchor next in the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This circle of islands, bound together by arguably the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife during your visit.Le Champlain sails on to Bridgetown, Barbados, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center reveals touches of its British colonial past around every corner. Toast the end of your cruise with a glass of the island’s famous rum as you relish the memories of your week at sea on this breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean! Your cruise ends back in Vieux Fort.To further enhance your Caribbean odyssey, an experienced diving instructor will be on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). (Diving is at an additional cost.)The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.Type
Ocean, Luxury
Ship
Le Champlain
Departure Date
23 February 2028
Cruise Line
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 1800 814 008Overview
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.PONANT brings you an itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise combining long stretches of white-sand beach, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life.Board your ship in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, whose two majestic volcanic peaks – the Gros and Petit Pitons – jut dramatically from sea to sky and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.You will then set sail for Portsmouth in Dominica, a mountainous island where inland rivers and nature trails provide a glimpse into the intriguing flora and fauna of the island and – if you are lucky – the chance to see the nation’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot. Do not miss the opportunity to sample some native chocolate from a local maker.Continue north to Les Saintes, a small archipelago of Guadeloupe, a highly popular anchorage site with crystal-clear waters and fabulous seabeds where opportunities to enjoy the seascape abound. Snorkel, swim, or kayak in the shadow of the imposing 19th-century Fort Napoléon.Your ship will then sail south to the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Here, begin on the island of Bequia, where small, picturesque villages, unbelievably clear waters, and brightly colored coral reefs prove main attractions. Then, enjoy a day on your magnificent private beach on the island of Mayreau.Anchor next in the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This circle of islands, bound together by arguably the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife during your visit.Le Champlain sails on to Bridgetown, Barbados, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center reveals touches of its British colonial past around every corner. Toast the end of your cruise with a glass of the island’s famous rum as you relish the memories of your week at sea on this breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean! Your cruise ends back in Vieux Fort.To further enhance your Caribbean odyssey, an experienced diving instructor will be on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). (Diving is at an additional cost.)The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Owner's Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 484 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
- Butler service
- A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
- A private return transfer
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Grand Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
- Butler service
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit on arrival
- A fruit basket every day
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Privilege Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- A fruit basket every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A panoramic sliding bay window
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Prestige Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
- Two sliding panoramic windows
- Champagne and fruit on arrival (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Priority boarding (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- A fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
- One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
- Two bathrooms with showers
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Deluxe Suite
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- Suites on Decks 3, 4, and 6 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs; suites on Deck 5 have a private 64 ft² balcony with two armchairs
- Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5, and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- An armchair and sofa
- A bathroom with shower
- Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
- Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
- One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
- A chaise lounge
- A bathroom with shower
Included in all staterooms
- Minibar
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- 110V American / 220V European
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 2 ADA stateroom
- 24-hour room service
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
- Inclusive Wifi internet
Le Nautilus
At the back of deck 4, our gourmet restaurant, complete with wine cellar, offers French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for your breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Room Service
Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.
The Observatory Lounge
Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.
Swimming pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
Theatre
Settle into your seat for thought-provoking lectures led by guest experts and naturalists, as well as live shows, concerts, and performances by professional dancers and musicians.
When the night comes alive
Concerts, dance performances, or film screenings: every night on board is a promise of wonder and sharing of emotions.
Boutique
An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.
The Main Lounge Room
Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.
The Blue Eye
Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.
Excursion Reception and Office
If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.
Open Bar
From boarding and throughout the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served freely and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
The Spa
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
The Gym
The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.
The Hairdressing Salon
Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.
The Kids Explorers Club
During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.
A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.
Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.
This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)
To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.
The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.
A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.