Martinique 2015 - (Page 17)

MARINE NATIONALE Martinique: One island,many options Quantum of the Seas. Martinique is one of the fastest growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with a 524 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals since 2010. Capital improvements were made in the past five years to primary cruise ports located in Fort-de-France (Pointe Simon and Tourelles) in order to leave a memorable experience for visitors. Pointe Simon can now welcome the largest cruise vessels in the world, whereas Tourelles is the dedicated homeport. Martinique has six cruise ports-three in the south, one in the north, two in the center-with the addition of Trois-Ilets as a cruise port for boutique ships. Consider these shore excursion options: ■ Beaches of the South, plus a look at Le Marin marina and verdant banana plantations. ■ Walking Tour of Fort-de-France, replete with stops at the Cathedral, library, market, etc. ■ Turtle-spotting and fish-viewing in a craft with submerged portholes. ■ Habitation Clément (gardens, rum tasting) and La Pagerie, Empress Josephine's family home. ■ Nature walks in Emerald Estate, a thriving rainforest preserve at the foot of Mount Pelée. ■ 4x4 tour of the south with visits to a rum producer, fishing village, and pottery village. ■ Snorkeling trip that includes Martinique's famous bat cave and schools of Technicolor fish. ■ Rum tasting at the St. James distillery, a Creole lunch and a visit to Saint-Pierre. ■ Boat ride to Chancel Islet to see giant iguanas and take a swim in the lagoon. ■ Kayaking in the mangroves, home to tropical birds, fish, and flowers. ■ Two-hour rainforest walk from the Didier Fountain, with a dip in a waterfall. ■ Visit to Balata garden and the plantation house and gardens of Habitation Clément. ■ Visit to Saint-Pierre and a tour/tasting at the centuries-old Depaz Distillery. ■ 4x4 excursion through the heart of the island: rainforest, farms, and a swimming hole. ■ Guided tour of La Savane des Esclaves, a reenactment of a former slaves village. ■ Visit to House of Bèlè culture and music museum, and a tasting at St. James distillery. ■ Guided tour of a plantation that grows 44 kinds of bananas, plus (of course) flowers. Please note that these tours are only bookable through the cruise lines. For cruise lines whose itineraries include stops at Martinique, see the Martinique Specialist Program at edu.recommend. com/martinique. Martinique is projecting a record 22 ships slated to make their first-ever port calls in The Isle of Flowers, these include Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and more. g 17 http://edu.recommend.com/martinique

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Martinique 2015

A Quick Tour of the Island of Flowers
Historic Sights & A Thrilling Backstory
Food & Rhum
Shopping & Island of the Arts
Active Pursuits
Cruising Destination
Accommodations
Calendar of Events & Essential Facts

Martinique 2015