Windward Islands and the Grenadines: St Lucia and Dominica
Pearls 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.
Lesser Antilles from/to Vieux Fort
A week through the pearls of the southern Lesser Antilles aboard Le Bougainville. From Vieux Fort on St Lucia the round trip reaches Bequia, Mayreau and the Tobago Cays, continues to Pigeon Island and Soufriere beneath the Pitons, the Îles des Saintes and Portsmouth on Dominica. The premium explorer ship offers all-inclusive service for 184 guests with wines and spirits at meals. The marina and 16 Zodiacs open up sheltered bays, while the Blue Eye underwater lounge reveals the world below the waterline.
Route highlights
- Vieux Fort: Port in southern St Lucia, gateway to the Grenadines.
- Port Elizabeth: Main town on Bequia with seafaring traditions.
- Mayreau: Tiny Grenadine island with Saltwhistle Bay.
- Tobago Cays Inseln: Sheltered reef islets with sea turtles.
- Pigeon Island: National park off St Lucia with Fort Rodney on the hill.
- Soufriere: Set beneath the Pitons, UNESCO World Heritage.
- Îles des Saintes: French archipelago south of Guadeloupe.
- Portsmouth: Port in northern Dominica, gateway to Cabrits National Park.
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
Vieux Fort
7 nights
Vieux Fort
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Vieux fort · Embarkation
Vieux Fort sits on the southern tip of the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia on the broad Anse de Sables beach. From the nearby Gros Piton, sweeping views open out across the Caribbean Sea as far as Saint Vincent.
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Port Elizabeth, Bequia
Port Elizabeth on Bequia (Grenadines) is the most charming Caribbean harbour for yachts. The small bay with wooden schooner boatyards on the beach, the turtle conservation programme and the whaling tradition make Port Elizabeth unique.
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Mayreau
Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines. Salt Whistle Bay - a perfect crescent of beach with crystal-clear water - is considered one of the finest bays in the Caribbean.
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Tobago Cays (Tobago Cays)
The Tobago Cays are five uninhabited small islands in the Grenadines, sheltered by a vast coral reef. Turquoise lagoon water, sea turtles for snorkelling and untouched nature make the Tobago Cays perhaps the most beautiful anchorage in the Caribbean.
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Pigeon Island Beach
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Soufrière (St. Lucia)
On the west coast of the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, Soufrière sits at the foot of the striking Pitons volcanic peaks. Sulphur springs, rainforest and a botanical garden make the town a nature destination.
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Les Saintes
Small archipelago south of Guadeloupe in the French Antilles arc of the Caribbean, with Terre-de-Haut as its main settlement. The sheltered bay ranks among the world's most beautiful natural harbours and recalls Brittany with its white houses.
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Portsmouth
Portsmouth on England's south coast has been home to the Royal Navy for 800 years. The historic dockyard with Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, the Tudor ship Mary Rose and HMS Warrior (the first iron-clad warship) make Portsmouth a global naval port.
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Vieux fort · 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 | € 4.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 4.850 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 4.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 6.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.840 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 7.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 7.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.740 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.740 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.970 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 10.090 | Available | 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 4.110 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.
