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Martinique - Caribbean Cruises

Fort de France Bay from the shuttle
leaving to "Trois Ilets"

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise that will call at Martinique or if you’re just thinking about a cruise vacation, either way you may want more information about this French-speaking island that lies just north of Saint Lucia and Barbados, further south than Puerto Rico or Jamaica. Then read on! This site is for you.
Martinique - A French jewel in the Caribbean islands. Renowned for the beauty of her scenery, the Carib people named her Madinina - The Island of Flowers.

To help you get the most out of your time with us, this site has been designed to give you information about Fort-de-France, (the capital city of Martinique and the place where your ship will dock) and the many choices of Caribbean Shore Excursions that are available.
The Guest Book is dedicated to your comments, and those of your fellow cruise passengers.
Martinique is essentially a French-speaking island (although the majority of people also will speak to you in English), so we have included a few typical phrases that you might like to try out!
This site is hosted by the Martinique Tourist Board, and can offer you plenty of additional helpful information about our beautiful island, including its weather and annual climate history.

Fort de France - A Capital City

Set in a large bay on the leeward side of the island looking out onto the Caribbean Sea, Fort-de-France became the capital of Martinique when St Pierre was wiped out by the eruption of the volcano Montagne Pelée in 1902.

The town has mushroomed from less than 10,000 inhabitants at the time of the eruption to its current level of nearly 100,000 people.
The historical center grew around the strategic point of the Fort Saint Louis, which was first established in 1638.
There are numerous cultural and historic places of interest in Fort-de-France, as well as a wide choice of quality restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops selling French and Creole products.
English is widely spoken and understood and U.S. Dollars are accepted in most outlets.

Excursions in Martinique

The Schoelcher Library

• Named after Victor Schoelcher, famous for signing the decree that abolished slavery in 1848. He donated his personal collection of books to the library, which as built by Henry Picq between 1885-1886.

The Saint Louis Cathedral

• This is the seventh cathedral to be erected on the same site. Another legacy of Henry Picq who was commissioned to build a place of worship able to resist fire, hurricanes and earthquakes. Unusually, he chose to build this structure entirely in wood.

The Bougenot Villa

• The Bougenot Villa, just next to the Prefecture is a fine example of colonial architecture.

The Old Town Hall

• The Old Town Hall is a registered historical landmark now used as a municipal theatre.

The Regional Museum of History & Ethnography

• Situated in one of Fort-de-France's best preserved examples of colonial architecture, the museum has a permanent exhibition recreating the interior of a bourgeois villa at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, as well as changing temporary exhibitions of photographs depicting life in Martinique over the last 150 years.

The Martinique Museum of Archeology and Prehistory

• More than one thousand pieces from local archaeological excavations - such as painted and engraved ceramics, stone and shell tools - illustrate the lives of the natives of Martinique, the Amerindians, who lived on the island from 4000 BC to 1660 AD - before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the region.

The Spice Market

• Covered market selling fruit and vegetables, plus exotic spices and tropical flowers. Built by Henry Picq it was inaugurated in 1901.

The Atrium

• A recent addition to the skyline of Fort-de-France, the Atrium hosts temporary exhibitions of art and photographs in its foyer. Ask for details of the current program at the Tourist Information Office.

Rue Victor Hugo

• One of the main shopping streets of Fort-de-France, densely packed with boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.

Fort-de-France Bay

• A view of the city taken from the Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal.

Excursions - Rum Distillery Tours

Martinique is renowned for the quality of its rum, which has been awarded with the "appellation d'origine contrôlée" - the sign of excellence from the French government which one also finds on French wines.

There are a number of working distilleries on the island, all offer an interesting visit that often can be coupled other sights and destinations.
Don't hesitate to taste the rums, the punches and the cocktails.
But always in moderation, of course!!

Tour Name	Brief description	Type	Duration
Trois Rivières Distillery and the beaches of the south.	more details	History & Nature	5 hours
La Mauny Distillery, the Ecomuseum and Anse Figuier Beach.	more details	History & Nature	5 hours
Depaz Distillery & Pelee Volcano	more details	History & Nature	4 hours
St James Distillery and Rum Museum. Banana Museum	more details	History	4 hours
Dillon Distillery	more details	History	2 hours

The Galion sugar plantation at Trinité is the only sugar factory still in activity on the island. Until the development of sugar beet production in Europe caused a crisis in the sugar cane industry, numerous sugar factories in Martinique were one of the island’s major employers. The Galion plantation can be visited upon request between March and June. See the tourist offices for more details.

Pre-booked
These excursions are organized by your Cruise Company and may use air-conditioned coaches, local boats or local taxi-men.

Tour Name	Brief description	Type	Duration
St Pierre & Butterfly Farm	more details	General	3 hours
St Pierre & Island Drive	more details	General	3 hours
Martinique Snorkeling Tour	more details	Active	4 hours
Martinique Walking Tour	more details	History	4 hours
St Pierre by land and sea	more details	General	4 hours
Golf at the Martinique Golf & Country Club	more details	Golf	2 hours

More Details - Independent Tours

Island Tour	You leave downtown Fort de France and pass through the suburb of Balata, where you will see the replica of the Sacred Heart Basilica in Paris. The visit continues through luxuriant rain forest, with a short stop near a waterfall. The journey then takes you to St Pierre, the ancient capital of Martinique which was destroyed by the Montagne Pelée volcano eruption of 1902. Only one person survived the catastrophe, a man named Cyparis, who was a prisoner in the town jail. You will then return to Fort-de-France via the Atlantic coast road, passing through a number of fishing villages.
Balata Botanical Garden & the "Route de la Trace" Montmartre in Martinique	Visit the rain forest of Martinique along the Route de la Trace, carved out of the mountainside by Jesuit monks. Practically untouched by civilization, the rain forest offers a privileged opportunity to see unspoiled nature. Stop off and wander round the Balata gardens, where over 100 species of tropical plants are displayed in a natural setting. Examples of these plants are clearly labeled in English, French and Latin. Finally call at the Sacred Heart Basilica, a scaled-down replica of the famous church on the Montmarte Hill in Paris.
Château Dubuc and La Caravelle Nature Trail	The ruins of Château Dubuc, home to one of the earliest settlers on Martinique, lie on the eastern peninsula of La Caravelle, one of the most ancient areas of the island. Spend a few minutes examining the ruins and the beautiful views over the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, then walk to the entrance of the nature trail which has been laid out through the mangrove trees. A one-hour walk lets you see a wide selection of the plants and animals that live on the island. You definitely must bring sun screen, a hat, and some drinking water.
Château Dubuc and Beach at La Caravelle	Another way to visit the ruins of Château Dubuc and peninsula of La Caravelle, then head off in a taxi to Tartane beach to work on your tan, have a swim, laze around. There are snack facilities and mini-golf at the beach. (Food and mini-gold not included in tour price)
Habitation Clement	Considered one of the most beautiful houses in the whole of the Caribbean, Habitation Clement has played its part in history by hosting the 1991 summit meeting between U.S. President George H.W. Bush and his French counterpart, President Francois Mitterand, after the Gulf War. The Habitation stands in beautiful parkland with a tropical orchard and a palm garden. The visit includes a tour of the rum-making machinery, a look round the habitation itself with its beautiful mahogany antiques, a free tasting of Clement rum and cocktails, and the opportunity to purchase rum and souvenirs.
Falaise Gorges	A mildly sporty trip to the beautiful tropical rain forest in the north of the island. Dressed in your swimwear, descend the steps to the bed of the Falaise River. Led by your guide, you will walk, swim and scramble through the gorge to the head of the river and take a dip in a cascading waterfall there. Then it's back up the 200 or so steps to a welcome drink in the bar. Not for people with heart or joint problems.
Fine Wine -Tasting	In the company of a fully-qualified sommelier, sample some of the finest French wines and make the most of this opportunity to learn which wines go best with which foods. You will be able to purchase wines at the end of the visit.
Plantation Macintosh	The estate of the largest producer of tropical flowers in the French West Indies is open to the public. Visit the botanical gardens and the recently opened Amerindian Museum which displays items from the private collection of Jacques Petitjean Roget, founder of the History of Martinique Society. The museum presents ceramics, tools, pre-Colombian artifacts, bows and arrows, all collected over a thirty year period. A moment for contemplation about other civilizations.

Excursions - Rum Distillery Tours Details

Trois Rivières Distillery and the beaches of the south.	Trois Rivières (Three Rivers) distillery lies in the south of the island, about 20 miles from Fort-de-France. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, a tour distillery will explain the rum-making process and offer a free tasting of its products. There is a gift shop. After the visit, continue your journey to one of the sun-kissed beaches and laze awhile or swim. The nearby fishing village of St Luce offers numerous possibilities for refreshments. Bring sun screen and a hat.
La Mauny Distillery, the Ecomuseum and Anse Figuier Beach.	The La Mauny distillery is about 25 miles from Fort-de-France. After a tour of the distillery, you will be able to taste the rums and visit the gift shop if you wish to purchase any souvenirs or gifts. The tour continues at the Ecomuseum on the beach of Anse Figuier which retraces the history of the island, its peoples and their ways of life. You will have time to spend on the beach, where there are showers, games for children, plus snack bars and rest room facilities. Bring sun screen, a hat (and snorkel gear if possible.)
Depaz Distillerie & Pelee Volcano	A tour in the north of the island with a visit to the Depaz Distillery at the foot of the infamous Pelee volcano. See how the national drink – rum - is produced, have a taste, browse in the souvenir shop, then head off to the foothills of the volcano itself, which destroyed the town of St Pierre with an eruption in 1902.
St James Distillery and Rum Museum. Banana Museum	The Rum Museum, laid out in a beautifully restored Creole house, explains the origins of the production of rum from 1654 onwards, and the history of the rum St James from its creation in 1765 to the present day. On the grounds, you will see ancient machinery used in the production of rum. Free tasting and shopping opportunities. A few minutes down the road, visit the Banana Museum to learn all about the production and cultivation of bananas and visit the grounds of the museum where thirty species of banana trees can be seen along a clearly marked trail. Bar and gift shop on the grounds.
Dillon Distillery	The Distillery of Fort-de-France, about a mile from the pier. After a short slide show, you will discover the diverse phases of the production of Dillon rum. Free Tasting.

Excursions - Pre-booked Tours

St Pierre & Island Drive	Leave Fort-de-France on the coast road, passing through charming fishing villages and beautiful scenery. In St Pierre, once the capital of Martinique, you'll see what remains of the city that was destroyed when Mt Pelée volcano erupted in 1902. Then the tour turns inland and takes you along mountainous roads in the heart of the rain forest. En route back to your ship, a stop will be made at the Balata church, a replica of the Sacred Heart basilica in Paris.
Martinique Snorkeling Tour	After a 35-minute ride across the bay of Fort-de-France in the snorkel boat Sea Punch, you will arrive at the snorkeling lagoon. There you will be free to enjoy the wonders of the sea life of Martinique - colorful coral and brilliant fish. Minimum age: 8 years old.
Martinique Walking Tour	Learn all about the history, architecture and plant life of the capital, Fort-de-France, as your guide leads you through the bustling streets from sight to sight. You will stop for a refreshing drink of Martinique sugar cane juice, then you will be free in town to shop and make your way back to the ship.
St Pierre by land and sea	Motor along the west coast of Martinique aboard a party boat, en route for St Pierre. Tour the village on a tram and learn about the place that was once the intellectual and commercial capital of Martinique before the eruption of the Mt Pelee volcano destroyed St Pierre in 1902. You will then return to Fort-de-France by taxi via the rain forest, calling briefly at the Balata church, a replica of the Sacred Heart basilica in Paris.
Golf at the Martinique Golf & Country Club	A par 71 course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The 6640 yard layout takes full advantage of the terrain. Greens are small and fast. Bunkers are everywhere, limiting landing areas for drives. A 15-20mph wind blows constantly and in addition to the distraction presented by the waters of the beautiful bay, a small river flowing out of the hills edges several holes. Transportation, greens fees and shared golf cart are included in the price.

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