Exploring Martinique by Cruise: Volcanoes, Rum, and Hidden Stories

My 2024 return to Martinique gave me a deeper appreciation for the island’s layered history and lush volcanic landscape. I had visited briefly back in 2018, but this time I took a panoramic excursion that went far beyond the port and into the heart of the island.

One of the most powerful stops was the Mémorial de la Catastrophe de 1902 in Saint-Pierre. Once known as the Paris of the Caribbean, the city was tragically destroyed when Mount Pelée erupted with little warning, killing nearly 30,000 people. The museum includes melted household items, photographs, and haunting stories that bring the disaster into sharp focus.

We continued on through winding roads into the hills for a stop at the Sacré-Coeur de Balata, a smaller replica of Paris’s famous basilica. Perched high above Fort-de-France, the church offered panoramic views of the capital and coastline. Inside, timeworn details and soft lighting created a peaceful, almost suspended atmosphere.

The final highlight was Distillerie Depaz, a historic rum estate with deep roots in Martinique’s agricultural past. The estate was beautiful, with flowering gardens, vintage equipment, and Mount Pelée looming in the distance. I learned how sugarcane is transformed into agricole rum and sampled several expressions aged in oak barrels. Even for someone who doesn’t drink much, the tasting was a great way to understand the care and tradition behind the product.

This visit offered a richer, more emotional experience than my first. Each stop added a new layer, whether through history, views, or local flavor. Martinique’s mix of resilience and beauty stays with you long after the tour ends.