Atlantic Crossing East to West: From the Canary Islands to Martinique
Long days at sea and nights beneath the Milky Way
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.
Gran Canaria → Fort-de-France
This 10-night Atlantic crossing aboard Le Champlain runs from Gran Canaria to Fort-de-France on Martinique. The Explorer-class ship for 184 guests offers the Blue Eye underwater lounge, 16 Zodiacs and a marina, with premium all-inclusive Ponant service. The crossing is a pure sea passage along the classic trade-wind route of the sailing fleets. On board, lectures, themed evenings, wellness and the view of the open ocean take centre stage.
Route highlights
- Gran Canaria: A Canary island with Las Palmas as the launching point for Atlantic crossings.
- Trade-wind route: The classic westbound line of sailors with steady winds from the north-east.
- Sea days: Several uninterrupted days on the open ocean with a wide horizon around the ship.
- On-board programme: Lectures on oceanography, history and astronomy, wellness and culinary evenings.
- Blue Eye lounge: An underwater salon with live recordings of the surrounding sea as a special experience.
- Starry sky: Clear tropical nights with the Polar Star sinking towards the horizon as latitude drops.
- Fort-de-France: Capital of Martinique with French-Caribbean atmosphere and market as the destination.
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
Gran Canaria
10 nights
Fort-de-France
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Kanarische Inseln · Embarkation
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The city beach of Las Canteras, the colonial Vegueta quarter and the Casa de Colón recall Christopher Columbus's stay before his Atlantic crossing.
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At sea
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Fort-de-France · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Gran Canaria
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Sea °C | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 25 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 26 | 32 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Canary Islands (Las Palmas)
Disembarkation: Fort-de-France
| 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
Destination
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
Between the Canaries, Le Champlain offers volcanic landscapes and Atlantic expanse - accompanied by naturalists who explain the geology and wildlife of the islands.
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 Champlain
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 | € 3.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 3.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 3.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 3.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 4.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 4.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 4.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 4.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 4.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 4.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 4.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 4.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.100 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 7.110 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
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. 10 nights from EUR 2.720 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
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?
For embarkation in Gran Canaria the best time to sail is Mild year-round; for disembarkation in Fort-de-France it is December to April (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
