{"id":18098466,"date":"2026-05-22T10:30:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=18098466"},"modified":"2026-05-22T10:42:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:42:03","slug":"exploration-cruise-bahamas-caribbean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/exploration-cruise-bahamas-caribbean\/","title":{"rendered":"Scouting: exploring the three faces of the Caribbean"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dsection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d5px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d28px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The genesis of a new tropical itinerary\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d33px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jos\u00e9 Sarica opens his exploration notebook to us. To design future cruises, the Director of Expedition Experience R&amp;D travelled extensively throughout the northern Caribbean, from <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the Bahamas<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dominican Republic<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> passing through the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Behind the scenes of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/destinations\/caribbean\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">creating a Caribbean voyage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">What are your objectives during a scouting trip, and specifically for this one in the Caribbean?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The primary objective is to find the central theme, the story that we will reveal to our guests. To achieve this, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">dialogue with local communities is essential<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, because at PONANT EXPLORATIONS, we are committed to building long-term relationships. The aim is to showcase their heritage and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">work with local stakeholders using local resources<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and where our logistics simply support these initiatives.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I then focus on selecting experiences, from the most contemplative to the most athletic. This allows each guest to immerse themselves in the destination through activities that suit them. The northern Caribbean offers a wide variety of landscapes (beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, caves, botanical gardens) ideal for <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hiking<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">scuba diving<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, as well as a fascinating history, from First Nations to colonisation, with sites and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">museums<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to visit, and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">picturesque towns<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> providing atmosphere and shopping.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.19.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||5px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_464000228.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dAerial view of the island of Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic, its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. \u201d title_text=\u201dAdobeStock_464000228\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||19px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Can you tell us more about this story?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, I discovered that many remains of the islands\u2019 earliest inhabitants are still evident. In <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the Dominican Republic<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> you can find rock paintings created by the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ta\u00edno people<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, while in the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Arawak peoples<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of Amerindian origin were present as early as prehistoric times. This was followed by the period of colonisation and slavery on cotton plantations. Then we have the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">golden age of <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/differences-pirate-privateer\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">piracy <\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">17<sup>th<\/sup><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and 18<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><sup>th<\/sup><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> centuries.\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d0px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|0px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|20px|37px|20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW96513911 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW96513911 BCX2\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{\"ObjectId\":\"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1\",\"ClassId\":1073872969,\"Properties\":[201342446,\"1\",201342447,\"5\",201342448,\"1\",201342449,\"1\",469777841,\"Aptos\",469777842,\"Arial\",469777843,\"Aptos\",469777844,\"Aptos\",201341986,\"1\",469769226,\"Aptos,Arial\",268442635,\"24\",469775450,\"normaltextrun\",201340122,\"1\",134233614,\"true\",469778129,\"normaltextrun\",335572020,\"1\",469778324,\"Default Paragraph Font\"]}'>The Bahamas that I discovered are far from the clich\u00e9 of crowded tropical beaches. The coastline is undeniably beautiful, but there are also abundant mangroves.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Your scouting began in the Bahamas. What did you discover there?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Bahamas<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> I discovered are <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">far removed from the clich\u00e9 of crowded tropical beaches<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The coastline is undeniably beautiful, but there are also abundant <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mangroves<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. There is a real <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPirates of the Caribbean\u201d atmosphere<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! You stroll among mangroves, explore <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">secret caves<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with stalactites, discover <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cenotes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> of a mesmerising blue, and land on <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sandbanks <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">at low tide\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">beach at Staniel Cay<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, I also had an unusual experience in which a group of remarkably relaxed <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">wild pigs<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> delighted in taking to the water and frolicking with the bathers! It\u2019s unexpected and amusing, and I think our guests will head back home with some great photos!<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.19.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/iStock-472667176_pple.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPigs swimming in the turquoise waters of Pig Beach on Big Major Cay Island in the Exumas Archipelago, Bahamas \u201d title_text=\u201diStock-472667176_pple\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||21px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d0px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|0px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|20px|37px|20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW127136699 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW127136699 BCX2\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{\"ObjectId\":\"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1\",\"ClassId\":1073872969,\"Properties\":[201342446,\"1\",201342447,\"5\",201342448,\"1\",201342449,\"1\",469777841,\"Aptos\",469777842,\"Arial\",469777843,\"Aptos\",469777844,\"Aptos\",201341986,\"1\",469769226,\"Aptos,Arial\",268442635,\"24\",469775450,\"normaltextrun\",201340122,\"1\",134233614,\"true\",469778129,\"normaltextrun\",335572020,\"1\",469778324,\"Default Paragraph Font\"]}'>It is the most beautiful coral reef I have ever seen.<\/span><\/span><br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">What was your favourite spot during this scouting trip to the northern Caribbean?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Without hesitation,<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> the Turks and Caicos Islands<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">! Perhaps because it is a British Overseas Territory, but there is a distinctive atmosphere of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">quiet elegance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">refinement<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It\u2019s a contemplative, soothing Caribbean, where time seems to stand still. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The beaches are stunningly beautiful, often deserted.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> I even plan to have the ship stop in front of a sublime little uninhabited island. And below the water\u2026 it is simply dazzling.\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You are on <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the third-largest coral reef system in the world<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, after those of Australia and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/belize-barrier-reef\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Belize<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.It is the most beautiful I have ever seen, despite my travels in Indonesia and the Seychelles. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A forest of gently swaying corals and algae<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">purple gorgonians<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, hundreds of fish, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">green turtles<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> gliding past you, and sometimes <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bottlenose dolphins<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> approaching out of curiosity \u2014 it is extraordinary!<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.19.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||5px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/iStock-913109638.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTortue marine nageant dans une eau translucide\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-913109638\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||16px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d25px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">How will guests experience the seabed exploration?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Everyone, regardless of their level or physical condition, will be able to enjoy the spectacle. With<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> mask and snorkel<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (and a flotation belt to avoid damaging the corals),<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> through scuba diving<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> supervised by the onboard diving instructor, or on a <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">glass-bottom boat excursion<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2014 it is magnificent, and you can even stay dry!\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d0px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|0px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|20px|37px|20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW236411985 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW236411985 BCX2\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">PONANT EXPLORATIONS will be the first company to visit Monte Cristi \u2013 this is an exclusive opportunity.<\/span><\/span><br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Tell us about the third island you visited: the Dominican Republic\u2026<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here, you encounter <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hispanic culture, with a strong African influence. <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is an almost electric energy in the air, something contagious. I met incredibly warm and welcoming people, including Philip Bresinsky, my local contact during the trip. A creator of tailor-made journeys and a true expert on the island, he introduced me to genuinely off-the-beaten-track locations, such as the future port of call in <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monte Cristi<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This small town is a real gem, with colourful Victorian houses, an amazing clock designed by Eiffel, and a national park with remarkable geological formations!\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">PONANT EXPLORATIONS will be the first company to visit Monte Cristi \u2013 this is an exclusive opportunity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.19.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||5px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_1072.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dMangrove landscape in Monte Cristi\u201d title_text=\u201dIMG_1072\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||19px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d0px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|0px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|20px|37px|20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW214992159 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW214992159 BCX2\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{\"ObjectId\":\"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1\",\"ClassId\":1073872969,\"Properties\":[201342446,\"1\",201342447,\"5\",201342448,\"1\",201342449,\"1\",469777841,\"Aptos\",469777842,\"Arial\",469777843,\"Aptos\",469777844,\"Aptos\",201341986,\"1\",469769226,\"Aptos,Arial\",268442635,\"24\",469775450,\"normaltextrun\",201340122,\"1\",134233614,\"true\",469778129,\"normaltextrun\",335572020,\"1\",469778324,\"Default Paragraph Font\"]}'>The whales come to give birth in these warm waters after their long migration from the cold waters of the Arctic and Canada.<\/span><\/span><br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the Dominican Republic\u2019s best-kept secrets is certainly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/samana-bay-dominican-republic\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saman\u00e1 Bay<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, in the heart of<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Los Haitises National Park<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. From mid-January to mid-March \u2014 for which certain departures will mean our ships will be in the area \u2014 <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">whales come here to give birth in these warm waters<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> after their long migration from the Arctic and Canada. You can go out to meet them aboard small boats. For those lucky enough to experience it (and especially for me, as a trained marine biologist) it is truly unforgettable.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.19.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_617505189.jpg\u201d alt=\u201d The tail of a humpback whale diving into the water in Saman\u00e1 Bay, Dominican Republic \u201d title_text=\u201dAdobeStock_617505189\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||13px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">What would you like guests to take away from this journey?<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To take their time, allowing themselves to be surprised each day by new encounters and new atmospheres, and understanding <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/caribbean-carnival\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Caribbean cultural identity<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which is ultimately the common thread of these journeys. The three destinations of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Dominican Republic offer<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> three very different faces of the Caribbean<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that I invite you to explore,<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> far from the beaten path<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font_size=\u201d12px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cr\u00e9dits photos : <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a9AdobeStock ; <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a9iStock ; \u00a9J. Sarica<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/output.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dThe PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise ship Le Champlain sailing in the Bay of the Islands of Les Saintes, in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). \u201d title_text=\u201doutput\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Head for the northern Caribbean<\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":240}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span 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