Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Clipper
26th March 2015
Day Seven - Martinique
It's difficult to believe how fast time flies on board Royal Clipper, yet how she quickly feels like home. As we sail into Martinique this morning I find myself eager to step ashore and explore a new destination, yet keen to come back to a place that has become a haven to me, filled with friendly and smiling faces. As I walk around the deck this morning crew members are mending sails, painting masts and ensuring the ropes are all tidied away. The process of maintaining the ship is ongoing, and this reminds me that sailing on board a working tall ship is a completely unique experience.
We are calling at two destinations again today, so keen to make the most of the day the group spent the morning ashore exploring Fort De France. After an itinerary consisting mainly of idyllic beaches and very little in the way of towns, this port of call was a reminder of civilisation and that life doesn't always stand still. Fort De France is buzzing with activity and thriving businesses, with dashes of colour lighting up the buildings. Music from the shops fills my ears and the scent from the pastry shop encases me in a food-fuelled heaven. Everywhere you turn here there is something new to find- on our way back to the ship we found a huge street market, filled with fruit and vegetable sellers. It was full of locals buying their groceries, all welcoming us to try their produce.
Once back on board we were welcome with a lunch buffet on deck by the Tropical Bar. Pastas, salads, meat and desserts wafted down the gangway as I climbed back up. The food on board can cater to any taste and any nationality, and the waiters and Maitre'D endeavor to please any taste.
The ship departed under full sail for an hour or so, and before we knew it we were at anchor near a beautiful beach in Martinique, somewhere that seemed a world away from the side we had seen this morning. With fine, white sand between my toes and the sun blazing, we found a beach bar and ordered cocktails, before laying on the beach watching Royal Clipper from ashore. There is no doubt that she stands out in these destinations, yet looks like she was made to belong here.
Once again I watched the sunset on board, before getting ready for dinner and the evening's entertainment. Tonight the guest and crew talent show is taking place at the Tropical Bar, a highlight being the Cruise Director and Bartek from the Sports Team performing a jive to raptuous applause from the audience. We were unable to sail at the scheduled time of 7pm due to weather conditions, so our departure time has been rescheduled to 3am. Itineraries are fixed, however unfortunately the weather is something the Captain is unable to control (despite what is said!), and it is a true reminder that anything can happen.
