8 Night In the Heart of the West Indies Cruise from Bridgetown

Ship: Le Dumont D'Urville

Cruise Line: Ponant Cruises

Sailed: Sunday, Mar 5, 2023 from Bridgetown, Barbados

Ended: Monday, Mar 13, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Mar 5, 2023 departure of the Le Dumont D'Urville. If Ponant Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Mar 5, 2023

Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's south-west coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you will see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbour and St. Ann's Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum, and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. There'll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town centre.

Day 2 - Monday - Mar 6, 2023

Bridgetown, Barbados

Depart: 9:00 pm

Day 3 - Tuesday - Mar 7, 2023

St George's, Grenada

Delicately set in the curve of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George's lively commercial fishing harbour is especially colourful when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands and when all the little fishing boats return from their day out at sea. This "spice island" capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites: its picturesque coast or the artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada's gold. Five kilometres (3 miles) to the south, you will be able to visit Grand Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches.

Day 4 - Wednesday - Mar 8, 2023

Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

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 whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers, and snorkellers.

Day 5 - Thursday - Mar 9, 2023

Mayreau, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their 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. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you'd like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.

Day 6 - Friday - Mar 10, 2023

Port Elizabeth, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

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. You will love the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island's main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens, and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.

Day 7 - Saturday - Mar 11, 2023

Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe

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 8 - Sunday - Mar 12, 2023

Portsmouth, Dominica

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 9 - Monday - Mar 13, 2023

Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

Vieux Fort lies to the far south of the island of Saint Lucia. This town, which was a strategic location in the sugar industry from the 18th to the 19th centuries, derives its authenticity from its rich history. Renowned for beaches typical of the Caribbean, it is also famous for its mythical Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse. Built in 1912 and standing 200 meters (656 feet) tall, this lighthouse will be visible as soon as you arrive on the Saint Lucian coastlines. The beauty of Vieux Fort is also reflected in the underwater kingdom that surrounds it. It is home to an abundance of marine species, such as eagle rays or leatherback sea turtles. Vieux Fort is most likely to evoke feelings of enchantment and it reserves a soothing welcome, paced by the rhythm of its waves, for each of its visitors.