Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands: Martinique, Antigua & the British Virgin Islands
Wonders of the Caribbean, with French elegance aboard Le Champlain
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 & Lesser Antilles from/to Fort-de-France
Seven nights to the wonders of the northern Lesser Antilles aboard Le Champlain during the Christmas season. From Fort-de-France the round trip calls at Antigua, the British Virgin Islands of Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, St Barthélemy, the island of Nevis and returns via Marie-Galante. The explorer ship for 184 guests offers premium all-inclusive service with wines and spirits at meals. The marina, Blue Eye underwater lounge and 16 Zodiacs unlock bays and reefs.
Route highlights
- Fort-de-France: Capital of Martinique with a Creole market and French bistros.
- Saint John's: Antigua's capital with Nelson's Dockyard.
- Jost van Dyke: Small BVI island with White Bay and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Virgin Gorda: Granite boulders and pools of The Baths.
- Gustavia: French harbour on St Barthélemy.
- Charlestown: Capital of Nevis with hot springs and Georgian architecture.
- Marie-Galante: Round island south 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. Above the city lies the Jardin de Balata, a tropical botanical garden whose suspension bridges lead through the rainforest canopy.
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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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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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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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Gustavia (St. Barth)
Gustavia is the capital of Saint-Barthélemy and is regarded as the "Côte d'Azur of the Caribbean". The small natural harbour, surrounded by international boutiques, gourmet restaurants and elegant yachts, blends relaxed island feel with European refinement.
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Charlestown, Nevis
Charlestown is the capital of the island of Nevis and the birthplace of US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Colonial stone architecture, Pinney's Beach and the hot springs at the foot of Nevis Peak shape the island.
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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 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.
In the Caribbean, Le Champlain combines tropical islands with the Blue Eye Underwater Lounge - where you experience coral reefs not only snorkelling but also from within.
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 | € 4.490 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 4.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 4.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 5.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 6.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 7.110 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 7.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.500 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.500 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 10.390 | 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. 7 nights from EUR 4.230 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?
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.
