Martinique is a mountainous Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles. It is a French overseas territory with a distinct culture that combines French and West Indian features. Martinique’s rugged terrain is divided into three major massifs. Mount Pelée, an active volcano, rises to the north; the Carbet Mountains, with Lacroix Peak in the center of Martinique; and Mount Vauclin, which rises to the south. The island’s tortuous relief has resulted in a complex drainage pattern typified by short watercourses. Martinique truly offers it all: amazing natural beauty, magnificent, protected hiking routes, fascinating mangrove tours, and canyoning activities. It is also ideal for world-class surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, boat fishing, and every other water sport imaginable, or simply relaxing on the beach with warm, crystal-clear water.
Fort-de-France
When you arrive in Fort-de-France on a Southern Caribbean cruise, you are instantly struck by the island’s steep slopes, colorful colonial architecture, beautiful balconies, and tropical flora. The country’s largest town and chief port, Fort-de-France, is located on the west coast of the island of Martinique, near the northern entrance to the enormous Fort-de-France Bay, at the mouth of the Madame River. Even if you came to Martinique for the beaches, you’ll appreciate a day in vivacious Fort-de-France, with its steep slopes, little lanes, and La Savane, a garden bordered by colorful local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors will be assisted farther into the city by “city stewards,” who may be identified by their red jacket uniform. These multilingual local advisors, who are stationed throughout the city, are always available to answer inquiries, give directions, or simply greet guests. Martinique has just launched a new project to attract cruise guests: the Martinique Cruise Village, a complex of vendors and information sites at Pointe Simon, at the entrance to downtown Fort-de-France.