Lesser Antilles: Martinique, Antigua, British Virgin Islands and St Kitts
Wonders of the Caribbean, with the French elegance and spirit of discovery of Le Bougainville
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Martinique and the Lesser Antilles from/to Fort-de-France
Seven nights through the wonders of the northern Lesser Antilles aboard Le Bougainville. From Fort-de-France the route calls at Antigua and the British Virgin Islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke, continues to Basseterre on St Kitts and returns via Deshaies and Marie-Galante. The explorer ship for 184 guests offers premium all-inclusive service with wines and spirits at meals, a marina, the Blue Eye underwater lounge and 16 Zodiacs.
Route highlights
- Fort-de-France: Capital of Martinique with a French-Creole townscape.
- Saint John's: Antigua's capital close to Nelson's Dockyard.
- Virgin Gorda: Granite landscape and pools of The Baths.
- Jost van Dyke: Small BVI island with White Bay.
- Basseterre: Capital of St Kitts with colonial architecture and Brimstone Hill.
- Deshaies: Fishing village on Guadeloupe's west coast, gateway to the national park.
- Marie-Galante: Round sister island of Guadeloupe with sugar cane fields.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Fort-de-France
7 nights
Fort-de-France
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Fort-de-France · Embarkation
The capital of Martinique glows in Caribbean colours, with Creole architecture, lively markets and French cuisine. Particularly striking are the ruins of Saint-Pierre, the "Caribbean Pompeii", buried in 1902 by the eruption of Montagne Pelée.
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Antigua (Antigua)
Antigua is the yachting island par excellence: 365 beaches (one for every day), historic Nelson's Dockyard (UNESCO) as the world's only surviving Georgian naval dockyard, and the annual Antigua Sailing Week make the island a world-class yachting destination.
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Virgin Gorda (BVI)
Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is known for "The Baths" - a natural maze of huge granite boulders and hidden sea pools with turquoise water, one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in the Caribbean. The island's hills offer hiking trails with views over the Sir Francis Drake Channel. At the eastern tip, Copper Mine National Park preserves the ruins of an old copper mine right at the water's edge, while around The Baths a maze of grottoes, pools and natural bathing basins opens up between the volcanic boulders.
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Jost Van Dyke
Jost van Dyke (British Virgin Islands) is barely 8 square kilometres in size, yet famous far beyond the Caribbean. The legendary "Soggy Dollar Bar" at White Bay Beach - where you swim ashore from your anchorage and pay with wet notes - is regarded as the most laid-back beach in the world. At lively White Bay, coconut palms sway over white sand and crystal-clear water, while iguanas, mongooses, pelicans and blue herons have made the hilly island their home - a paradise for photographers.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts
Basseterre is the capital of Saint Kitts and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the English-speaking Caribbean. Brimstone Hill Fortress, the "Gibraltar of the Caribbean", has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
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Deshaies (Guadeloupe)
Deshaies in the north-west of Guadeloupe is one of the most charming small harbours in the Caribbean. Colourful wooden houses, a weekly market and the botanical garden "Jardin Botanique de Deshaies" - known from the TV series "Death in Paradise" - define the village.
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Marie-Galante
This almost circular Caribbean island in the Guadeloupe archipelago is famous for its rum distilleries Bielle, Bellevue and Père Labat, and for the ruins of historic sugar windmills. Long sandy beaches such as Plage de la Feuillère characterise this quieter sister island.
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Fort-de-France · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 |
| Sea °C | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 50 | 50 | 70 | 110 | 110 | 120 | 140 | 150 | 165 | 140 | 90 |
| Season | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Lesser Antilles
Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
In the Caribbean, Le Bougainville brings her guests to coastlines beyond the reach of larger ships - supported by Zodiacs and the knowledge of the expedition team.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Bougainville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 4.870 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.110 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 5.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 7.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.230 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 7.750 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 7.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.190 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.190 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.430 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 10.090 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 4.360 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is December to April (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
