27/06/2018

This summer, enjoy deserted tropical moorings for cheaper than most Mediterranean spots.

If you’re wondering:

• « Martinique is far and plane tickets are very expensive » o Let's take an example: A Lagoon 450 with a 8 persons crew. In Corsica, the cost for the catamaran will be 8500€, plane tickets 1200€ (8x150€ with a low cost company, no luggage included). Total 9700€. For Martinique, the catamaran will cost in summer 3300€, plane tickets 4800€ (8 x 600€ on a regular airline), i.e. A total amount of 8100€. This leads to a price difference of about 1600€. Far enough to afford grilled lobsters far from overcrowded places, on a deserted beach … For a 6 persons’ crew, the difference reaches 2500€. You may easily calculate the savings compared to Croatia, Greece and all further places.

• « I've been told there are some hurricanes in West Indies during summer » o This is true, but it is also very rare. Once every ten years on average in Martinique, and no major hurricane since 1979. In fact, Martinique is located south of the usual course of hurricanes. And the Grenadines, where 80% of our crews are heading to, are even more south, and are considered by insurance companies as a safe place concerning tropical storms.

• « I wouldn’t know what to do in case of hurricane » o Punch Croisieres' team monitors closely any meteorological system that could generate a tropical storm or more. If some of our boats are cruising close to the estimated course, we call them and ask them to move away for about 100 nautical miles, often to the south. For a catamaran, 100 NM are only a 12 hours trip, whereas the course of the storm is rather well calculated 3 to 4 days before any danger. There is therefore no physical risk for crew during their cruise.

• « What happens if I have to cancel my cruise due to weather forecasts? » o In case of cancellation due to a tropical storm alert, Punch Croisières allows you to postpone your cruise at no cost. You may in addition book an insurance by your Airline, which sometimes will allow you to postpone your flight to avoid bad weather.

• « I've been told it was too hot during that season » o The weather is hotter than between December to March, when the Trade Winds are cooling the air. But the average temperatures are comparable to those in Mediterranea at that time.

• « Crossings between the islands may be bumpy » o During summertime, the Trade Winds slow down and the sea in the channels is much smoother. And there is no Meltem nor Mistral gusts !

• "I’ve been told that the navigation zone was invaded by the Sargassum? " o In most of our rentals, sailing takes place downwind of the islands, so in the Caribbean Sea which is not currently affected by the phenomenon. Caribbean anchorages that are tradionnally part of a Grenadines cruise have not been impacted to date and are unlikely to be.