Holland America Line, Rotterdam, Caribbean Cruise. Fort-De-France, Martinique. 10th February 2023

 10th February 2023. Fort-De-France. Martinique.

Martinique Cruise Terminal

The daily programme shows 07.00 to 15.30. But we arrived at 08.00. We were hiring a car from Europcar and had to pick it up at the airport, with a plan to drive to the South beaches. 

Walking down the pier into the town, everything was very quiet, even the taxi drivers were not out and about yet.  We go the taxi from the main taxi rank by the bus terminal. 

The taxis were very new', clean and regulated with meters and card machines. 

As we drove out of the town, on a six lane highway, with designated lanes for taxis and buses. It became apparent that the roads in Martinique were very modern and very busy. It looked like we were in a busy European resort. After the experience in Barbados we decided that we would not be hiring the car. 

At the Europcar desk, the very helpful assistant was ready, all the paperwork done and keys to the car ready to go- very different from Voyager rent a car. She understood why we had changed our minds about the rental, stating that as it was a Friday the roads would get even busier later in the afternoon. 

The airport looked new, it was very modern. There were a lot of modern buses around but we got another taxi back to Fort-De-France. 

On the pier we got a map of a walking tour around the town and set off to do it. 

The town was easy to negotiate, the market was open and busy, the stalls selling spices, rum, Vanilla, vegetables and tourist stuff.

Martinique 

 We visited the Cathedral, and opposite this a shopping centre. Government house, the colonial pavilion, the Theatre and the wonderful Schcelcher Library. Walked to the park, past the fish marked that was closed. The Cemetery was like a small Recollect.   

Children were in the park practicing for the carnival, it was a shame we would miss the celebrations. 

Sadly the Empress Josephine statue was not on its plinth. The Saint Louise Fort dominates this part of town. 

I really liked Fort-De-France and the bit of Martinique we saw. It was lively and very French. The local people were friendly and very helpful.  
 Back on the ship it was time for a Mud Slide.

Holland America Line Rotterdam Cocktails 

The Ship sailed past the town of Saint- Pierre, and Mount Pelee, with commentary about the volcanic 1902. 

Then it was dinner in the main dining room and the music walk.