After a day at sea, theExplore I ends its route, in the early morning, along the entire west coast of Martinique to the magnificent bay of Saint-Pierre. In the background, the silhouette of Mount Pelée, a majestic, almost mystical volcano, which hides its game well: despite its peaceful appearance, its gentle and green slopes, it is still active and, as such, closely monitored.
As always, passengers, a minority, decide to stay on board and take advantage of the program of activities and conferences. That day, a marine biologist presents his work to protect and conserve reefs. More unexpectedly, a communications pro teaches a course to learn how to create a podcast yourself, how to think carefully about your storytelling, and how to choose the right equipment.
For passengers disembarking on dry land, the Martinique-style welcome, in colors and music, begins with the first steps on the pontoon. At the small covered market, it’s a festival of local products, rums and acras, homemade jams and tropical fruits, but also craft objects, basketry and madras fabrics in particular. Nestled in its bay, the town of Saint-Pierre was the capital of Martinique until the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902 which wiped it out. It keeps the memory of the disaster alive, from the old prison which protected the only survivor of the eruption to the Franck-Perret museum. It also maintains the ruins, notably those of its sublime theater, witness to a glorious past, from the time when it was called “the little Paris of the Antilles”.
Saint-Pierre embodies a unique Creole charm, tinged with nostalgia but always peppered with good humor. A gentle transition before crossing the Atlantic. It is already France, but with a delicious scent of exoticism.
On “Explora 1”, its first ship inaugurated in 2023, with the comfort, services and service of a 5-star hotel, Explora Journeys, the high-end company of MSC Cruises, offers itineraries from 6 to 21 nights, all unique, like the one tested by “Le Point”: 7 days in the Caribbean with, as a common thread, sites classified by UNESCO. The cruises are sold as ultra all-inclusive (champagne and high-end alcohols included), from 600 euros per person per night. In addition: excursions, the gourmet restaurant, spa treatments, cigars and certain wines and spirits. Please note: English is the language spoken on board and during most excursions. A good level is required. Five other Explora ships will be delivered by 2028. www.explorajourneys.com
Find all the stages of our cruise in the Caribbean:
The elegance of a yacht, the luxury of a 5 star hotel
Unusual diving in Dominica
A day to explore the Explora I
Bonaire, the island with no shortage of salt
Willemstad, a concentrate of history in Curaçao
Curaçao, flavors and colors
At sea, another relationship with time
