Plan a CruiseFort de France Cruise Port Guide
Fort de France, the vibrant capital of Martinique, offers independent cruise passengers a blend of French flair and Caribbean charm. Most cruise ships now dock at the Pointe Simon pier, conveniently located in the center of town. Some vessels may dock at Tourelles, which is about 1.5 miles away, a roughly 20-minute walk from downtown. Upon arrival, expect a warm welcome with hostesses in traditional Creole attire offering tourist information and maps, accompanied by lively local music. The cruise village at the pier features a variety of vendors selling local clothing, jewelry, skincare products, souvenirs, art, and artisanal treats. US dollars are accepted by these vendors, and the atmosphere is often enhanced with live music, local dancing, and rum tasting. Walking from Pointe Simon to the downtown area is safe and takes about 15 minutes; simply follow the blue line painted on the ground. Martinique, an overseas department of France, is an island of diverse landscapes. The mountainous interior is dominated by Mount Pelee, infamous for its 1902 eruption that destroyed Saint Pierre. The island's north boasts lush rainforests and dramatic black sand beaches, while the south is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches popular with tourists. Fort-de-France itself has a unique character, often described as a mix between New Orleans and a French Riviera town, with narrow streets winding up the verdant hills surrounding the bay.
Getting Around from the Port
From the main Pointe Simon pier, Fort-de-France's downtown area is easily accessible on foot, taking approximately 15 minutes. If your ship docks at Tourelles, the downtown is about 1.5 miles away, a 20-minute walk. Taxis are available at Tourelles for a set price of 8 Euros to the city center.
Taxis: English-speaking taxi drivers and tour guides are available at the pier. When considering a guided tour, it's advisable to chat with the driver beforehand to assess their English proficiency, as some may have limited language skills. Taxi tours typically cost around $50 per hour.
Ferries: The ferry dock is conveniently located to the right of the ship (when facing inland). Three companies operate ferries: Madinina, Matinik, and Petrolettes.
- Matinik offers a return trip to Trois Islets for 5 Euros. This is a pretty village, though it offers few other specific attractions.
- Madinina and Petrolettes provide return service to Pointe de Bout for 6.50 Euros. Pointe de Bout features shopping, hotels, a marina, and beaches. Note that these ferries do not accept US dollars. For a better beach experience, Diamant beach is a few miles down the coast and accessible by taxi. Ferries run frequently, typically every 30-45 minutes. An English-speaking ferry dispatcher is sometimes present at the dock to assist passengers.
Car Rental: Renting a car is not recommended due to heavy and often hectic traffic conditions on the island.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have several excellent options for exploring Fort-de-France and its surroundings:
1. Explore Fort-de-France (Walkable):
- La Savane Park: A large, beautiful park in the city center, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It features statues, including one of Empress Josephine, and offers pleasant views.
- St. Louis Cathedral: A must-visit for its architectural beauty, striking bell tower, and intricate stained-glass windows, located in the heart of the city.
2. Ferry to Pointe de Bout or Trois Islets (Ferry, 20-30 minutes each way):
- Pointe de Bout: Take a Madinina or Petrolettes ferry (6.50 Euros return, cash only) for a taste of a St. Tropez-like ambiance. Here you'll find good beaches like Anse-Mitan and Anse-a-l'Ane, along with major island resorts. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes each way.
- Trois Islets: Opt for a Matinik ferry (5 Euros return, cash only) to visit this pretty village.
3. Balata Gardens (Taxi, ~7 miles):
- Located just seven miles from Fort-de-France, the Balata Gardens are a botanical masterpiece. Nature lovers can enjoy an innovative experience exploring the luxuriant canopy via 15-meter-high wooden bridges that run over century-old trees, offering breathtaking aerial views of the garden, Fort-de-France bay, and the Carbet Pitons. A taxi is recommended for this trip.
4. Island Exploration (Taxi Tours):
- Consider a taxi tour (~$50 per hour) to explore more of the island. The northern part of Martinique offers lush rainforests and dramatic black sand beaches, while the south boasts many beautiful white sand beaches popular with tourists. Tours of renowned Martinique rum distilleries are also available.
Shopping
- Cruise Terminal: You'll find excellent duty-free shopping directly at the cruise terminal.
- Cruise Village: Located at the pier, this village features a wide variety of local vendors selling clothing, jewelry, skincare products, souvenirs, art, and artisanal treats. Vendors here typically accept US dollars.
- Crafts Market: An excellent crafts market is situated near the harbor, on the north side of La Savane Park. It's highly recommended for local crafts, art, and clothing.
Dining & Local Specialties:
- Martinique is famed for its rum, and local artisanal treats can be found at the cruise village. While many restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, it's important to note that US dollars are generally not accepted in most local shops.
Safety
Walking from the Pointe Simon cruise terminal to downtown Fort-de-France is considered very safe. However, be aware that traffic on the island can be hectic, so car rental is not advised. When hiring a taxi, particularly for a tour, it's a good idea to converse briefly with the driver beforehand to ensure their English proficiency meets your needs.
Currency and Language
The official currency in Martinique is the Euro (EUR), as it is an overseas department of France. While some restaurants and hotels may accept credit cards, US dollars are generally not accepted in local shops. If US dollars are accepted in limited instances, the conversion rate will likely be unfavorable. For the best exchange rates, use banks or ATMs to obtain Euros. The primary languages spoken are French and Creole Patois. English is known by some inhabitants, particularly those working in tourism.