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Located in the Lesser Antilles, Martinique is a French overseas territory that combines the enchantment of the Caribbean with a hint of European charm. It’s a popular destination for cruise ship travelers who want to experience the beauty and diversity that Martinique has to offer. The capital of the French overseas territory of Martinique is a popular stop on Caribbean cruises and happily welcomes ships carrying from 400 to over 4,000 passengers. Here you will find all the classic joys of the French seaside – orderly families, baguettes and boules – supplemented by the rum, lilting sounds and tropical splendour of the region.
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Partially destroyed by the volcanic eruption, the cathedral’s imposing ruins are a powerful reminder of the city’s tragic past. Take a moment to reflect on the resilience of the people of Saint-Pierre as you wander through this hauntingly beautiful site. Martinique rum is justly renowned and tours of distilleries are available. Hostesses in Creole costumes greet guests with a beaming smile and handing out practical tourist information leaflets and maps.
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Also in 2018 were upgraded cruise terminal's amenities and services, including pierside passenger greetings, taxi vouchers, new tours, new terminal signage. Fort-de-France lies on the island's west coast, safely tucked into the northern shore of the huge Baie de Fort-de-France. Some cruise ships dock at Pointe Simon pier beside Baie des Flamands, others tie up at the Tournelles Cruise Terminal to the east. The first is preferable, with visitors immediately greeted with live music, officials handing out maps and tented stalls selling local souvenirs and produce. The cruise terminal in Martinique is just a short (and easy) 15-minute walk from Martinique’s capital city, Fort-de-France. This jewel in the French Caribbean is a glorious island to visit with volcanoes, beaches, superb Creole food, and an extremely interesting history with connections to former leaders of France!
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Take a catamaran excursion to Diamond Rock and marvel at the unique geological formation and diverse marine life it has to offer. Indulge in the flavors of Martinique by sampling the local cuisine in one of the village’s restaurants. Taste traditional Martinican dishes such as accras de morue (cod fritters), colombo (a flavorful curry), or fresh seafood caught that very day. After enjoying the beach, wander through the streets of Sainte-Anne and discover its vibrant local culture.
Things to do in Martinique - Cruise Ship Travel Guide - Justin Plus Lauren
Things to do in Martinique - Cruise Ship Travel Guide.
Posted: Sat, 21 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Here you will find clothes, accessories, toys, shoes, bags, suitcases, and just about everything in between. While the Taxis Collectifs sound like they might be the ticket for a day out, these privately owned vehicles might not be in the best condition and can be uncomfortable. Use your own good judgement before using this mode of transportation. If you want to travel outside of the city limits, the Taxis Collectifs are the ones that are used for these excursions. These minivans are privately owned, hold nine passengers, and have a TC sign on the vehicle. The routes that the TC takes are flexible and according to the needs of the passengers.
For the European guests amongst us; Martinique is considered part of the European Union. Your phone and mobile internet will most likely work here as is does at home, provided you are able to roam data. Exploring places when you’re short of time, like on a cruise needs specific itineraries and thoughts about where to go.
The island has just one airport, Aimé Césaire International Airport, in Lamentin, a suburb of Fort-de-France. Accommodations in Martinique can vary from high-end establishments, family-run bed & breakfasts to local Airbnbs that can be booked around the island. Pointe De Bout is the best option for hotels for travelers who want easily accessible to the ferry and has more English speakers on staff to help you navigate around the island. Fort-de-France also has local rentals to choose from for visitors looking to stay close to the airport. Martinique's weather is consistently hot all year long, but the winter months are drier and less humid, making it the most popular time to visit. The official currency is the euro, and cruisers should not expect American dollars to be acceptable as they are in many other Caribbean destinations.
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For those interested in planning a trip to the island of Martinique, our guide is a one-stop-shop to creating the perfect vacation itinerary for your next trip. For nature enthusiasts and hiking enthusiasts alike, a visit to the La Caravelle Nature Reserve is a must when exploring Martinique. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, this protected area offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Les Salines Beach offers a quintessential Caribbean beach experience with its pristine beauty, warm waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or simply a breathtaking view, this beach is a must-visit during your time in Martinique. In this article, we’ll take you through the top 10 things to do in Martinique on a cruise.
What facilities are there at the Cruise Terminal in Martinique?
Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone on this tropical paradise. Like Guadeloupe, Martinique is a French DOM, or Overseas Department, which means that the capital, Fort-de-France, is a good-size French city on a fairly small island. The supermarkets are French, the tourism infrastructure is solid and the roads are well paved, so it's a breeze to get around. Most visitors head south to see the area where Napoleon's wife, Empress Joséphine, grew up on a plantation. Adventurous types can go up-island to explore a vast volcanic terrain covered with fruit farms, cane fields and all sorts of tropical vegetation.
A cruise village is set up on the waterfront on port days, with tented vendors selling everything from T-shirts and sarongs to local rum. For season 2018, the port reported a record number of cruise berth bookings (a total of 365) made by early March 2018. The over 70% increase (2018 over 2017) was mainly due to diverted cruise ships from the Caribbean islands that suffered hurricane damages.
A few excursion operators also include visits to Pointe Marin beach, which is an hour from the cruise port. One interesting option among some island tours includes a stop at the beautiful Balata Church. It is an exact replica of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre-Coeur) in Paris. Like other Caribbean islands, Martinique is expanding its efforts to appeal to cruise ship passengers.
Martinique, is, after all a French Overseas Territory, and being here is like being in the EU, but with a somewhat more tropical climate. Martinique is a lush island thanks to a high amount of rain throughout the year. The average daily high temperatures range from the low 80s Fahrenheit during the winter to the high 80s in the summer. What counts as the main drag is Avenue Loulou Boilaville, which is the first street running parallel to the water and in front of the Point Simone terminal. Le Cloud’s main draw is its rooftop bar overlooking Martinique and the waterfront. The cocktails are creatively executed and include the classic concoctions you’d expect, plus Le Cloud offers finger foods, charcuterie, and cheese boards for when you get hungry.
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