Port de Fort-de-France – Pointe Simon Cruise Terminal

Fort-de-France, France (Martinique)

Your port day at a glance

Walk to town?: Ask us
Distance to town: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km
Currency: Euro / EUR

On this page

Getting to town
Your day in port
Best time to visit
Shore experiences
Food, drink and shopping
What to wear
Advisor notes

Getting to town

Distance to town: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km.

Your day in port

For an 8–10 hour call at Pointe Simon, many guests spend the morning exploring Fort-de-France’s main sights on foot, then head to Plage de la Française or take the ferry to Pointe du Bout for lunch and beach time before returning to browse shops near the pier. Those wanting more scenery can swap the beach for a guided island or rum-distillery tour, leaving a short hour at the end for a waterfront stroll.

Best time to visit

December through April is ideal, with warm, drier weather and calmer seas that suit Caribbean cruise itineraries. Shoulder months in late November and May can also be pleasant with fewer crowds.

Hurricane season runs June–November, with the highest storm risk typically from August to October.
Summer months can be hot and humid, with brief but intense tropical downpours.
Sun is strong year-round; heat and UV exposure can be significant during midday.

Shore experiences

Beach time at Plage de la Française, with shallow water and facilities close to the ship.
Short city walking loop from Pointe Simon to La Savane, Bibliothèque Schoelcher, and Cathédrale Saint-Louis for easy sightseeing with kids.
Ferry ride to Pointe du Bout, combining a fun boat trip with calmer swimming beaches and ice-cream stops.
Guided island panoramas or South Island tours by coach or minivan to see scenic coasts and fishing villages with minimal walking.

Food, drink and shopping

Local food and drink

Try Creole classics such as accras de morue (salt-cod fritters), Colombo (Curried-style stew), and boudin créole (Creole blood sausage) at local brasseries.
Sip a ti’ punch made with Martinican rhum agricole, lime, and sugar, or sample aged agricole rums from well-known distilleries.
Look for fresh seafood dishes featuring local fish and lobster at waterfront restaurants either in Fort-de-France or across the bay at Pointe du Bout.
Enjoy French-style baguettes, pastries, and desserts at bakeries in the city center, reflecting Martinique’s metropolitan culinary influence.
Markets and small stands may offer fresh tropical fruits, sorbets, and local snacks ideal for a quick bite during city walks.

Shopping

Rhum agricole from Martinique is a signature purchase; check duty-free shops, supermarkets, and specialty boutiques in town.
Local spices, vanilla, coffee, and Creole hot sauces are easy-to-pack souvenirs often found in markets and small grocery shops.
Look for Madras textiles, handmade jewelry, and artisan crafts in boutiques around La Savane and nearby streets.
Prices are in euros with French-style fixed pricing in many shops; duty-free options may be available for cruise passengers, so advise clients to carry ship ID and passport copy.
U.S. dollars may be accepted in some tourist-oriented shops and taxis, but using euros or a card usually yields better value.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes or sandals are best for the tropical heat and city pavements. Swimwear with a cover-up works well if combining beach time and town, and a light rain jacket or packable poncho is useful for brief showers.

Advisor notes

Emphasize to clients that docking at Pointe Simon puts them directly in town, so independent exploration is straightforward and cost-effective compared with more remote Caribbean ports. Agents should clarify in advance which Fort-de-France terminal their ship will use (Pointe Simon vs. Tourelles), as walk times and logistics differ, and tailor excursion choices accordingly.

Sources (9)