tom

so many posts say to forget about getting off the ship in martinique. is it really that bad? are there any redeeming qualities? <BR>thank you, tom

Charli

By all means get off the ship - do you always let other people make your decisions for you? If you don't like it you never have to get off at Martinique again. You may love it.

M.B.

Tom, I was in Martinique a few years ago and it was beautiful....and very enchanting! We loved it---in fact, I bought a great Cartier watch! I loved sitting in the downtown &quot;Plaza&quot; visiting with the natives....or &quot;tryin' to visit&quot; that is! It's a wonderful island. Do plan on spending some time there! VERY French--and fun!!

Cathy

The biggest problem with Martinique is the language barrier. I speak a little French and I fared well, but I found that fewer people speak English on Martinique than the do in Paris. I also found that getting around was a bit expensive. However, the shopping was good, and the botanical garden was beautiful. If it is your first time, I agree with Charli, get of the ship and check it out.

Paul Therault

I have cruised into Martinique 5 times. There is more than enough to see and experience. <BR><BR>The Anse Latouche Estate is the oldest plantation. Extremely interesting with a butterfly area that can not compare to others from eggs to caterpillars to butterflies.<BR>The ruins still exist from the volcano eruption.<BR><BR>Be sure to visit St. Pierre where you can visit a small museum dedicated to the destruction of the town by Mt. Pelee. Take a walk on one of the black-sand beaches and see the ruins. Very unique. The city was the Paris of the West Indies. You should not miss St. Pierre. The ship's tour does not give you enough time there.<BR><BR>Downtown Fort-de-France has a 12 acre public square filled with gardens, tropical plants and towering traveler-palm trees. Visit the Schoelcher Library that was exibited at the 1889 Great Exposition in Paris and then shipped to Martinique mosiac by mosaic. St Louis Cathedral is famous for its magnificent organ. Visit the covered markets. Shopping is great for French luxury items.<BR><BR>Visit Carbet where Columbus ported in 1502 and Paul Gaugin lived and painted. Also a museum in his name. Nearby is the stunning Valley of the Butterflies. A huge greenhouse filled with hundreds of the insects.<BR>Martinique is the home of millions of rare butterflies.<BR><BR>At Trois-Ilets you can visit the sugar-cane museum, botanical gardens and The Pottery. One can take a short ferry ride to this resort area. Many restaurants, shops and marinas.<BR><BR>We paid a fisherman once to take us to Ilet Chancel (another name - Ilet Ramville). No one lives on this island, it is populated by iguanas.<BR><BR>In the town of Sainte Anne there is quite a few powdery white sand beaches. I believe Les Salines Beach is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>There is quite a bit more but this should be enough to keep you busy.<BR><BR>Paul

Starfish

Agree with Paul. Get off the ship and do something.<BR>I have been there twice.<BR>First time we got a taxi. We went to the Sacred Heart Church, which has a spectacular view then drove around city and the island. <BR>Second trip we did a catamaran snorkel tour. Snorkeling is not that great but we did see the black beaches and the bat cave. Nice catamarn ride. <BR>I am going back in Dec and plan on a ship tour by catamaran to St. Pierre.

Mary

No, Martinique is not that bad. The people are a little pushy but they can't help it - - Martinique is a province of France (hence it is French) and the French homeland people (France) treat the locals like second class citizens. Typical. But what the hey, that's a whole 'nother subject about pushy Europeans.

Michelle

When sailing an itinerary that includes Martinique, you pretty much stop at an island everyday and have few or no at sea days. I think it's better to enjoy your ship than go through the hassle of going to Martinique. You can find better shopping and beaches at the other ports you will go to, and feel more relaxed by the time you get to a port that is worth exploring IMHO.

georgeb

We also have made a few stops in Martinique. Did a catamaran ride one and had fun. The second time, we just walked around the town, got some great baked breads, and passed through an open air market. Both were great ways to spend the day.

Bob

I've been there many times. The reason some people don't like it (and they don't know this) is that there are two different ports that you can come into. The downtown pier is great. If you get off here you walk only feet to the activities you see in most of these posts. Its wonderful and I wouldn't miss it. Problem is this port only has dock space for a couple of ships and if your not lucky you get docked at an industial dock several miles away. It is these people who complain about it not being worth it. The only thing near that port is a small shopping area set up for tourist and if you try to go to the good area you'll find transportation to be very expensive and problematic. This whole discussion revolves around which port you get into and thats why you see two totally different sets of opinions. Don't believe your cruise line about which port you'll be going into. The island plays some little game with incoming ships and I believe it's either first come first served, or which ship (line) pays them the most to use the good port. Hope this helps. Bob

Michelle

Bob-<BR><BR>You are right. I had no idea that it was possible that both times I've been to Martinique, I've gone into the &quot;bad&quot; port. Thanks for the info. I now revise my advice to read- don't go into Martinique if you are not docked downtown

Sally

Remember, Martinique is French for &quot;don't get off the ship.&quot;

Alex

Everyone please read Bobs post, this debate will always have two completely different sides unless people realize that there are two totally different ports in two totally different areas of this tiny island that ships all refer to as simpley &quot;Martinique&quot;. One is the pits and the downtown port is wonderful to visit.

Paul Therault

Yes, but when one visits an island doesn't one wish to explore the island not just walk around where the ship docks? One could simply take the transportation into town if it is just to shop.<BR><BR>Paul

Edward

Paul: Even you are missing Bob's point. People do not know there IS A TOWN to shop in if they get off in the industrial port. <BR>I was there twice and did not realize that there was a downtown port and Carnival didn't explain this to us. It wasn't until our third time there that we were lucky to get one of the few slots for cruise ships in the downtown port and I actually thought we were at a different island until someone explained what Bob was talking about in the earlier post. I've noticed that travel agents, just like cruise lines, don't offer that there are two totally different ports in Martinique. I have a feeling its because agents and the lines don't want their guests to be disappointed when they get off in bigger industrial port.

Cathie

When you book your trip will you know which port in Martinique that your ship will dock at?

Starfish

Probably not. Don't worry about it. I have seen some pretty ugly docks and this should not stop you from seeing the island. Take a tour and enjoy yourself.

Cathie

Thanks...

Paul Therault

I believe he cruise director will explain where the ship's pier is located in his port talk and will also describe how to get to the shopping areas. A cruise line just not just drop everyone off in a port and not explain what there is to see and do. It may take away from important pool time but if one is unfamiliar with a port, one person in the group should attend the lecture.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>