Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
PONANT brings you an itinerary to the heart of the most enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea. Board Le Bellot for a 9-day cruise combining long stretches of white-sand beach, idyllic turquoise waters, and the laid-back island way of life.
Board your ship in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, whose two majestic volcanic peaks – the Gros and Petit Pitons – jut dramatically from sea to sky and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You will then set sail for Portsmouth in Dominica, a mountainous island where inland rivers and nature trails provide a glimpse into the intriguing flora and fauna of the island and – if you are lucky – the chance to see the nation’s national bird, the Sisserou Parrot. Do not miss the opportunity to sample some native chocolate from a local maker.
Continue north to Les Saintes, a small archipelago of Guadeloupe, a highly popular anchorage site with crystal-clear waters and fabulous seabeds where opportunities to enjoy the seascape abound. Snorkel, swim, or kayak in the shadow of the imposing 19th-century Fort Napoléon.
Your ship will then sail south to the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Here, begin on the island of Bequia, where small, picturesque villages, unbelievably clear waters, and brightly colored coral reefs prove main attractions. Then, enjoy a day on your magnificent private beach on the island of Mayreau.
Continue to Saint George’s, the capital of Grenada, a hilly island of unspoiled beauty and the southernmost isle of the Lesser Antilles. Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada is home to a number of nutmeg plantations. The island boasts the pristine Grand Etang National Park, which you may choose to visit.
Anchor next in the Tobago Cays Marine Park. This circle of islands, bound together by arguably the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, will reveal its incredible underwater wildlife during your visit.
Le Bellot sails on to Bridgetown, Barbados, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center reveals touches of its British colonial past around every corner. Toast the end of your cruise with a glass of the island’s famous rum as you relish the memories of your week at sea on this breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean! Your cruise ends back in Vieux Fort.
To further enhance your Caribbean odyssey, an experienced diving instructor will be on board for the entire cruise, enabling you to safely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent). (Diving is at an additional cost.)
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : VVEU45US - EE280124
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Engaging...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Franklin Knight
Franklin W. Knight is currently Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor Emeritus and Academy Professor at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore where he taught for 43 years. Born in Jamaica, he attended the University of the West Indies, Mona (BA Hons. 1964), and the University of Wisconsin, Madison (MA 1965; PhD 1969). He has published widely on the social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as on slave systems in a global perspective. His publications include 13 books, 108 professional articles, and 184 refereed reviews in professional journals. In addition, he has made more than 304 presentations at national and international professional meetings. At Johns Hopkins, he directed the Program in Latin American Studies (1998-2010) and the Center for Africana Studies (2011-2014). He served as president of the Latin American Studies Association between 1998 and 2000 and as president of the Historical Society (USA) between 2006 and 2008. Between 2000 and 2014, he wrote a bi-weekly column for the Jamaica Observer. He has been honored by the Academy of Letters of Bahia, Brazil (2001); the Dominican Academy of History in the Dominican Republic (2006); the University of the West Indies (2007); The National Research Council of the National Academies (2008); the Asociación de Historiadores de América Latina y del Caribe (ADHILAC) (2011); the Cuban Academy of History (2012); the Asociación de la Historia Económica del Caribe (AHEC), as well as the Institute of Jamaica (2013), the Fundación Fernando Ortiz (2016), and the State of Maryland (2019).
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Ed Smith
A childhood love of nature and good fortune set Ed on the path to a 35-year career with the Smithsonian. The living collections at the National Zoo, ranging from cuttlefish to Kapok trees, kept his hands wet and muddy – a happy state for an organismal biologist. And opportunities to collaborate with like-minded colleagues have taken him to all continents except Antarctica.
As a naturalist, Ed is more focused on ants, plants, frogs, snakes, and birds than on megafauna. But watching an elephant in the field or listening to hippos bellowing at dawn or seeing pink river dolphins break the mirror-like surface of a blackwater lake leaves him transfixed!
During free time, when not outdoors looking for birds, reptiles, etc., Ed enjoys gardening, reading, music, cooking, drawing, museums, and keeping up with friends and second languages (primarily German, Spanish, and Russian), and travel.
Recently retired from the Amazonia Department's curatorial team, he is privileged to be able to share experiences and learn alongside Smithsonian Journeys participants once again.
Language spoken: English
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Caribbean Sea
The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the different dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, queen angel fish, spotted drums, puffer fish, parrots fish, and pelagic fauna such as spotted eagle ray, barracudas, horse eyes jackfish, as well as fixed wildlife such as gorgonians and barrel sponges.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
Discover scuba diving (for beginners) |
Saint-Lucia – Vieux Fort |
NO |
NO |
Dominica - Portsmouth |
YES |
NO |
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island |
YES |
YES |
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Mayreau Island |
YES |
YES |
Grenada – Saint Georges, Grenada |
YES |
NO |
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Tobago Cays |
YES |
NO |
Barbados - Bridgetown |
YES |
NO |
Saint-Lucia – |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
Certified dive :
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Embarkation 28/1/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 28/1/2024 at 6:30 pm
Vieux Fort lies to the far south of the island of Saint Lucia. This town, which was a strategic location in the sugar industry from the 18th to the 19th centuries, derives its authenticity from its rich history. Renowned for its LCVIF and beaches typical of the Caribbean, it is also famous for its mythical Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse. Built in 1912 and standing 200 metres (656 feet) tall, this lighthouse will be visible as soon as you arrive on the Saint Lucian coastlines. The beauty of Vieux Fort is also reflected in the underwater kingdom that surrounds it. It is home to an abundance of marine species, such as eagle rays or leatherback sea turtles. Vieux Fort is most likely to evoke feelings of enchantment and it reserves a soothing welcome, paced by the rhythm of its waves, for each of its visitors.
Arrival 29/1/2024 early morning
Departure 29/1/2024 late afternoon
With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Protected by several national parks, this little-known land, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between Guadeloupe and Martinique, will inspire adventure and exploration. During your port of call, do not miss out on discovering the enchanting landscapes of the Indian River: navigating through this dense mangrove, in which creepers, ferns, forest trees and giant roots are interweaved, is a magical experience, a fascinating voyage into the heart of an almost mystical natural universe.
Arrival 30/1/2024 early morning
Departure 30/1/2024 late afternoon
During the feast of All Saints in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered this archipelago of nine islands that he named "The Saints". Today, only two of them are inhabited. Terre de Haut, in the east, is dominated by the Morne Mire hill; at the summit stands Fort Napoleon, paying homage to the islands' history. In the heart of the botanical garden, shared by iguanas and cacti, there is an exceptional view of the Baie des Saintes, one of the most beautiful in the world. The long shady beach of Pompierre, where it is forbidden to drop anchor, is a peaceful place for a swim, while Pain de Sucre Beach offers wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. On the island, don’t forget to taste the local speciality, the “tourment d’amour”, a cake made with coconut.
Arrival 31/1/2024 late morning
Departure 31/1/2024 late evening
In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You will love the lively and picturesque atmosphere of Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town. From the port, a promenade lined with beautiful traditional houses, landscaped gardens and small restaurants runs along the shoreline. It leads to Princess Margaret Beach, a wild beach where Princess Margaret herself has stayed and which seems to emerge directly from the tropical forest. From rainforest to lush meadows and long stretches of sand, Bequia will offer you a natural setting that is conducive to lovely walks and to spending time on the beach.
Arrival 1/2/2024 mid morning
Departure 1/2/2024 early evening
Among the string of paradisiac islands with their sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. On shore, enjoy a shaded and fully equipped beach from which to go snorkelling if you’d like to observe the colourful fish around the coral sitting at the foot of the rocks that stretch across the bay.
Arrival 2/2/2024 early morning
Departure 2/2/2024 late evening
Delicately set in the curve of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbour is especially colourful when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands and when all the little fishing boats return from their day out at sea. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites : its picturesque coast or the artisanal producers of chocolate and nutmeg, Grenada’s gold. Five kilometres (3 miles) to the south, you will be able to visit Grande Anse and Morne Rouge, two long sandy beaches.
Arrival 3/2/2024 early morning
Departure 3/2/2024 late afternoon
Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.
Arrival 4/2/2024 early morning
Departure 4/2/2024 late afternoon
Bridgetown, the bustling capital of Barbados, is located on the island's south-west coast. Its historic quarters are UNESCO World Heritage sites and contain prime examples of British colonial architecture, which you will see between the postcard-perfect fishing harbour and St Ann's Fort. Streets shaded by palms and flamboyant trees lead you to the Anglican cathedral church of St Michael, built from coral stone, the Barbados Museum and George Washington House, a Georgian-style mansion. There'll be plenty of time to relax on the Caribbean beaches of Carlisle Bay, a few paces from the old town centre.
Arrival 5/2/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 5/2/2024 at 8:00 am
Vieux Fort lies to the far south of the island of Saint Lucia. This town, which was a strategic location in the sugar industry from the 18th to the 19th centuries, derives its authenticity from its rich history. Renowned for its LCVIF and beaches typical of the Caribbean, it is also famous for its mythical Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse. Built in 1912 and standing 200 metres (656 feet) tall, this lighthouse will be visible as soon as you arrive on the Saint Lucian coastlines. The beauty of Vieux Fort is also reflected in the underwater kingdom that surrounds it. It is home to an abundance of marine species, such as eagle rays or leatherback sea turtles. Vieux Fort is most likely to evoke feelings of enchantment and it reserves a soothing welcome, paced by the rhythm of its waves, for each of its visitors.
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
Not included:
Notes:
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
With its dense, green, rain-forest-covered peaks rising from the turquoise Caribbean, St. Lucia is known throughout the world for its remarkably beautiful variety of landscapes and seascapes. It is also one of the most culturally diverse places in an area celebrated for its multicultural heritage. This specially designed program provides the opportunity to experience both of these aspects of a fascinating island.
Day 1 – St. Lucia
Arrive at Hewanorra International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the northern tip of the island to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort, your home for the next two nights. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m.? A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and enjoy the many amenities of the resort before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – St. Lucia
Because of its history as both a French and British colony (control of the island changed hands between these two European powers fourteen times between 1639 and 1814) the creole culture of St. Lucia is a fascinating blend of English, French, African, and indigenous Caribbean language and traditions. Today's excursion begins with a visit to a local farm that is part of the international "FarmHer" movement to highlight and support the role of women in agriculture. Meet with the owner and learn about her entry into the business, and about the support she receives from her creole background, and, of course, sample some of the produce from the farm. Continue to Stony Hill, a private residence with a splendid tropical garden and panoramic views of Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay. Enjoy a guided tour of the garden led by the owner before returning to your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure, until dinner.
Day 3 – St. Lucia | Embark
Breakfast and check-out are followed by a day exploring the western coast of St. Lucia. Your panoramic tour begins with a drive through the town of Castries to a viewpoint overlooking the harbor of this busy port and capital city. Drive further south through lush valleys to the yachtsman's paradise of Marigot Bay, where you pause before continuing to Soufrière, home to the iconic Pitons of St. Lucia. Here you will enjoy guided tours of the Diamond Botanical Gardens and of Sulphur Springs Park, with views of the bubbling pools of sulphur that give Soufrière its name. Your final stop will be at Morne Coubaril Estate, a working farm that produces cocoa, coconut, and manioc and that preserves a sense of 18th-century life on a French creole plantation. Enjoy a delicious creole lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the pier in Vieux Fort to embark your ship in late afternoon.
Your hotel:
The Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on the spectacular golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters of Reduit Beach on Rodney Bay. It boasts a large pool with a Jacuzzi in the middle, two ocean side restaurants, a fitness center, and a business center. The luxurious on-site La Mer Spa and Salon offers a variety of massages and couples treatments.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa
Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay Village
P.O. Box 1892
Castries, Saint Lucia
Local Telephone:?+ 758?457 8514
Toll Free US & CAN:?+ 1 877 620 3200
Total : €1,325