Frequently asked questions

Catlante is a French catamaran cruise company specialising in small-group travel. With over 20 years of experience and 100,000 passengers carried, Catlante offers all-inclusive cruises aboard modern catamarans with a dedicated professional crew.

Choosing Catlante means choosing a turnkey formula. Unlike a catamaran charter, everything on board is included: meals, a cabin with private bathroom, water sports and a professional crew are all covered by the price. Cruises carry a maximum of 12 passengers, which guarantees a friendly atmosphere and personalised service.

Yes, Catlante owns its entire fleet. This allows the company to guarantee a consistent level of maintenance, to train its crews on the specific features of each boat and to ensure a uniform experience across all its cruises. The fleet is regularly renewed and maintained to strict safety and comfort standards.

Catlante has been operating catamaran cruises for over 20 years. This long experience has enabled the company to develop in-depth knowledge of its destinations, to build experienced crews and to refine its all-inclusive formula. More than 100,000 passengers have sailed aboard Catlante catamarans, with a satisfaction rate of 98%.

The Catlante fleet is regularly renewed. The models on offer are on average less than 10 years old, and the Catlante NEO represents the latest generation of cruising catamarans. Each boat undergoes thorough annual maintenance and is inspected in accordance with current safety standards before each season.

Catlante offers three catamaran ranges corresponding to progressive levels of comfort:

• Confort range: functional, well-equipped catamarans, ideal for travellers who want to discover sailing cruises at an accessible price. Typical model: Catlante 600.
• Élégance range: more spacious, air-conditioned catamarans offering a better comfort-to-price ratio. Typical models: Catlante 620, Catlante 720.
• Prestige range: the newest and most upmarket catamarans in the fleet. Typical model: Catlante NEO.

Your choice of range depends on your expectations in terms of on-board comfort and on your budget.

Each model in the Catlante fleet corresponds to a different level of comfort and capacity:

• Catlante 600: 18 metres, Confort range, ideal for a first cruise at an accessible price.
• Catlante 620: 19 metres, Élégance range, more spacious and air-conditioned.
• Catlante 720: 22 metres, Élégance range, the largest of the historic fleet.
• Catlante NEO: new generation, Prestige range, with upmarket equipment and finishes.

The Catlante team is available by phone and email to help you choose.

A catamaran is a sailing boat with two hulls joined by a central platform. Its structure gives it far greater stability than a monohull, making it particularly well suited to sea cruises.

On board a catamaran, passengers enjoy generous living areas: an outdoor cockpit, a spacious indoor saloon and private cabins. The boat's movements are limited, which considerably reduces the risk of seasickness.

The catamaran offers several decisive advantages over the monohull:

• Greater stability: the twin hulls reduce pitching and rolling, limiting seasickness.
• More living space: wider decks, larger cabins, a bigger cockpit.
• Shallow draft: a catamaran can anchor in shallow areas that monohulls cannot reach.
• Overall comfort: the aft platform makes swimming and water sports easier.

For a comfortable, sociable cruise, the catamaran is the preferred choice.

The classic sailing yacht (monohull) and the catamaran share the same sail propulsion but differ on several essential points:

• Stability: the catamaran heels very little, unlike the monohull, which can take significant angles in strong winds.
• Living space: the catamaran offers noticeably more generous volumes, both in the cabins and in the common areas.
• Draft: the catamaran can reach very shallow areas.
• Speed: the catamaran is often faster on downwind courses.

For discovery cruises focused on comfort, the catamaran is generally preferred.

A catamaran and a cruise ship offer two radically different cruising experiences:

• Group size: a Catlante catamaran carries a maximum of 12 passengers, compared with several hundred to several thousand on a cruise ship.
• Type of stopovers: the catamaran anchors in wild coves and secluded bays that large ships cannot reach.
• Atmosphere: on board a catamaran, the atmosphere is intimate and sociable.
• Formula: Catlante offers a genuine all-inclusive package, with no hidden extras.
• Sailing experience: aboard a sailing catamaran you really do sail, in direct contact with the elements.

The catamaran is for those seeking an authentic immersion, far from mass tourism.

The catamarans in the Catlante fleet measure between 18 and 22 metres in length depending on the model. These dimensions allow 12 passengers to be accommodated in comfortable cabins, while still sailing to anchorages that only small vessels can reach.

Catlante is committed to limiting the environmental impact of its cruises. The fleet consists of sailing boats that give priority to sail propulsion, thereby reducing fuel consumption. On board, responsible practices are applied: waste sorting, use of reef-safe products and passenger awareness of the need to preserve the marine ecosystems visited.

A by-the-cabin cruise is a catamaran travel formula in which each passenger books an individual cabin aboard a boat shared with other travellers. Unlike a private charter, you are not renting the whole catamaran: you travel with a group of up to 12 people, made up of other individual passengers or couples.

It is the ideal formula for travelling alone, as a couple or with friends without having to make up a complete group. The sailing programme, the meals and the activities are shared, which encourages encounters and a friendly atmosphere.

The by-the-cabin cruise and the private charter are two distinct formulas:

• By-the-cabin cruise: you book one or more cabins on an existing departure, alongside other passengers. This is the accessible, sociable formula, ideal for solo travellers, couples and small groups.
• Private charter: you book the entire catamaran for your group. The programme, the stopovers and the menus can be adapted.

A private charter involves a significantly higher budget but offers total flexibility. For a group of fewer than 10 people, the by-the-cabin cruise is generally more advantageous.

Catlante by-the-cabin cruises are open to everyone, with no sailing experience required. They welcome solo travellers, couples, friends and families with children (subject to age conditions depending on the boat). No sailing knowledge is needed: the professional crew handles all navigation.

Passengers on Catlante by-the-cabin cruises form a varied group: solo travellers, couples, friends and sometimes families. Most passengers are adults between 30 and 65 years old, looking for an authentic experience at sea. The group is limited to 12 people, which encourages natural bonds between passengers. Around 40% of Catlante customers are returning passengers who come back season after season.

The average age of Catlante passengers is between 40 and 70. The cruises nevertheless welcome very varied profiles, from young professionals to retired travellers, as well as families. The absence of any strict age criterion means everyone can find their place on board.

A Catlante catamaran carries a maximum of 12 passengers, plus 2 to 3 crew members (skipper and deckhand/hostess). This intimate format is one of the strengths of the offer: it guarantees flexible sailing, attentive service and a friendly atmosphere, far from mass tourism.

No. The by-the-cabin cruise is one of the formulas best suited to solo travel. On board, meals are taken together, some activities are shared and the rhythm of life on a catamaran encourages exchanges between passengers. Many solo travellers choose this formula specifically for that reason: meeting other people in a friendly setting, without having to organise a trip for a group.

Yes, and it is in fact one of the most common uses of the formula. Booking a cabin on your own aboard a Catlante catamaran is simple: choose your destination, your departure date and your boat range, then book an individual cabin. Depending on the departure, the single-occupancy supplement for a double cabin ranges from 25 to 75% of the price according to destination and season. Female passengers may also share a twin cabin (two single beds) for an administration fee of just €140.

A single supplement applies when a traveller occupies a double cabin alone. This supplement varies according to destination and season. For exact prices, we recommend consulting the cruise pages directly on the Catlante website or contacting the sales team.

Yes. Catlante by-the-cabin cruises are very popular with couples. The double cabins offer private, comfortable space, and the all-inclusive formula means you can enjoy the destination fully without logistical constraints. The intimate group format (maximum 12 passengers) also allows couples to fit easily into life on board while preserving their privacy.

Yes, children are welcome aboard Catlante cruises. The minimum age varies according to the catamaran model and the destination. As a general rule, children from the age of 6 can sail on most cruises. We recommend checking the specific conditions for each departure when booking.

On board, children can take part in water activities (snorkelling, kayaking, etc.) and in life on board, under their parents' responsibility.

The minimum age for Catlante by-the-cabin cruises is 6 years. For a private charter (chartering a whole catamaran) there is no minimum age. Children count towards the number of passengers from the age of one.

Not at all. Life aboard a catamaran cruise is full of activities for children: snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, visits to coastal villages and taking part in manoeuvres. The natural setting of Catlante destinations provides a stimulating environment. That said, Catlante cruises do not offer structured children's entertainment as found on a cruise ship.

An 8-day Catlante cruise alternates between sailing and discovery. Here is an overview of a typical week:

• Morning: casting off after breakfast, sailing towards the day's stopover.
• Daytime: anchoring in a cove or a port, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, visiting a village.
• Evening: back on board, drinks in the cockpit, dinner prepared by the cook, night at anchor.

The pace is relaxed and adapts to the weather conditions.

Yes, Catlante offers private charter of its catamarans, similar to a catamaran charter with a professional crew and all-inclusive service on board, for groups wishing to sail together. Private charter is ideal for large families, groups of friends, corporate seminars and honeymoons. Contact the sales team for a personalised quote.

Private charter prices are calculated on the basis of the total price of the boat. There is no discount for chartering the whole catamaran. Note that 3 of the vessels in the Confort range can be chartered on the basis of 10 passengers instead of 12.

Booking is made directly on www.catlante-catamarans.com, by selecting the destination, the date and the type of cabin required. It is also possible to book by phone or email by contacting the Catlante sales team. A deposit is requested at the time of booking, with the balance generally due 45 days before departure. Most travel agencies also list Catlante cruises in their offer.

To obtain the best prices on a Catlante cruise, several strategies are possible:

• Book early: early booking rates are offered several months before departure.
• Subscribe to the newsletter: offers are communicated to subscribers first.
• Be loyal: Catlante offers benefits to returning passengers through the Club Catlante.

Catlante accepts payment by bank card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), by bank transfer and by Chèques Vacances. The exact payment terms are specified at the time of booking. Payment in instalments may be available depending on the conditions in force at the time of booking.

Prices for Catlante by-the-cabin cruises vary according to destination, duration, catamaran range and season. As a guide, prices start at around €1,600 per person for a week in the Confort range. Detailed, up-to-date prices are available on www.catlante-catamarans.com. They include accommodation, meals, water sports activities and crew services.

The Catlante all-inclusive formula covers all expenses on board. The costs remaining payable by the passenger are:

• Shore excursions organised by local providers and paid directly by the customer to the provider.
• Personal expenses ashore.
• Flights and transfers to the port of embarkation.

Yes, Catlante offers gift vouchers allowing you to give a cruise or a stay on board. Contact the Catlante team directly to find out about the terms and the amounts available.

It is possible to book a Catlante cruise up to a few days before departure, subject to availability. However, for high-season periods, we strongly recommend booking at least 6 months in advance in order to have a choice of cabins and dates.

Catlante applies a standard cancellation policy. Conditions vary according to the time between the cancellation date and departure:

• 25% up to 180 days before departure,
• 40% from 179 to 60 days,
• 75% from 59 to 30 days, 100% under 30 days.

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. The exact conditions are set out in the terms and conditions available on the website.

Booking changes are possible subject to availability and may incur amendment fees. We advise contacting the Catlante team as early as possible if you wish to make a change.

On 3 of the Catlante vessels in the Confort range, the 3rd passenger travels free in a triple cabin.

The price of a Catlante catamaran cruise depends on the destination, the duration, the range of the boat and the season. As a guide:

• Confort range: from around €1,700 per person for a week.
• Élégance range: from around €2,100 per person depending on destination.
• Prestige range (NEO): from around €2,600 per person.

These prices are all-inclusive on board: accommodation in a private cabin, full board, water sports activities and crew services. Flights are not included.

The Catlante all-inclusive formula includes:

• Accommodation in a private cabin with bathroom.
• Full board: breakfast, lunch, aperitif and dinner prepared on board.
• All drinks, alcoholic and soft, during and outside meals.
• Water sports activities: snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding.
• The services of a professional crew of two or three people depending on the catamaran range.
• Destination fees: local taxes, port fees, etc., depending on the vessel range.

Not included: flights, transfers, land excursions and personal expenses ashore.

Despite the all-inclusive formula, a few costs should be budgeted for:

• Return flights to the port of embarkation.
• Airport/port transfers.
• Land excursions and shore visits organised by local providers and paid directly by the customer.
• Personal expenses ashore.

Yes, all drinks are included in the Catlante all-inclusive formula. The selection of spirits and soft drinks depends on the range of the vessel.

No, flights are not included in the price of Catlante cruises. You need to organise your travel to the port of embarkation independently. Catlante can point you towards the nearest airports and provide you with the embarkation times.

To get the best prices on a Catlante cruise, two windows are particularly worthwhile:

• Early booking offers, with discounts of 15 to 20% depending on the booking date.
• So-called low-season departures, such as the period from 1 November to 15 December in the Caribbean.

High season needs to be anticipated further ahead due to strong demand.

No, no sailing experience is required. The Catlante crew (skipper and deckhand) handles all navigation. Passengers are holidaymakers, not crew members. That said, curious passengers are always welcome to try their hand at sailing, to take part in manoeuvres or to take the helm under the skipper's supervision.

A Catlante catamaran carries 2 to 3 crew members:

• A skipper, captain of the boat: responsible for navigation and safety.
• A sailor-cook: in charge of the galley and of assisting with manoeuvres.

In the Prestige range (Catlante NEO), a third crew member looks after the cabins and passenger comfort.

All Catlante cruises are conducted in French and the on-board crew is French-speaking. On some international departures, the presence of foreign passengers may lead the crew to use English. This French-speaking crew is one of the distinctive features of Catlante as a French company.

Meals on board are prepared by the cook using fresh and frozen produce depending on the destination. The cuisine is fresh, balanced, varied and, as far as possible, based on local produce. Breakfast is continental, with a hot dish such as an omelette or pancakes. Lunch and dinner are plated, with 2 or 3 courses and dessert. They always begin with an aperitif generously accompanied by canapés.

Aboard Catlante catamarans, the activities on offer include:

• Snorkelling (masks and snorkels provided).
• Sea kayaking.
• Stand-up paddleboarding.
• Trolling.
• Visits to villages, local markets and natural sites during stopovers.

Yes, all cabins on Catlante catamarans have a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and electric toilet.

Internet connection on board is limited, and even non-existent in a few areas with no coverage. The rest of the time, it is possible to connect to the boat's network, although it remains limited. If you plan to connect frequently for professional or other reasons, it is more sensible to bring an eSIM such as Holafly. But remember that a cruise is also an opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy the marine environment.

When booking, you can express your preferences (forward or aft cabin, bed size, etc.). The final allocation of cabins depends on availability and is confirmed as departure approaches. Allocation is handled at Catlante head office, never by the boat's crew.

At each stopover, your crew will give you information about the finest sites accessible from the anchorage: characterful villages, local markets, beaches, footpaths, viewpoints or good addresses. Everyone is then free to explore at their own pace, alone or with the other passengers. For certain specific activities (guided tour, car hire, diving, etc.), advance booking may be necessary. These remain optional and are payable by the participants. Catlante takes no commission on these activities.

Air conditioning depends on the catamaran model. The Élégance and Prestige ranges have air conditioning in the cabins. Models in the Confort range do not, except in the Seychelles. In that case, natural ventilation and fans are available. The information is specified on each cruise page.

Themed evenings are not organised systematically. However, the crew may arrange typical local meals or convivial evenings depending on the group's wishes. Any initiative from passengers, such as a white party, is always welcome. Birthdays falling during the cruise are always celebrated with a gift and champagne (depending on the destination), offered by Catlante.

Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) must be notified at the time of booking. The cook will take these requirements into account when preparing meals. Some limitations may apply depending on the destination.

Yes, Catlante catamarans have 220V electrical sockets for charging your devices.

Tips are left to the passengers' discretion at the end of the cruise. A collective tip given to the skipper at the end of the trip is common practice in the sailing cruise sector.

Here is an example of a day on a Catlante cruise:

• From 7:30 am: breakfast.
• 9:00–10:00 am: casting off, sailing towards the day's stopover (2 to 4 hours on average).
• 12:00–1:00 pm: anchoring, lunch on board.
• 1:00–6:00 pm: free time — snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, visit ashore.
• 6:30 pm: aperitif.
• 8:00 pm: dinner on board.

This rhythm varies from day to day. There may be several stopovers.

As a general rule, Catlante cruises involve one to two sailing legs per day in order to discover new stopovers. Over a week's cruise, you will discover around ten different stopovers depending on the destination and the weather conditions.

Yes, meals are taken together on board. It is one of the highlights of life on a catamaran: lunch and dinner bring all the passengers together around the same table. This sharing contributes greatly to the friendly atmosphere of Catlante cruises.

For a catamaran cruise, the recommended kit is as follows:

• Light clothing and enough swimwear.
• Sandals and trainers for going ashore.
• Hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sun cream.
• Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
• Personal snorkelling mask (optional, equipment is available on board).
• Light windbreaker for cooler sailing legs.

Travel light: storage space in the cabins is limited. Soft bags are preferable to hard suitcases.

Yes, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance before departure. Ideally it should cover:

• Cancellation or interruption of the trip.
• Medical expenses abroad.
• Repatriation.
• Loss or theft of luggage.

Some premium bank cards include these guarantees. Check your existing cover before taking out additional insurance.

The documents required depend on your nationality and on the destination. As a general rule:

• A valid national identity card, or a passport valid for more than six months after the return date, depending on the destination.
• Proof of travel insurance.

A summary document is sent to you about one month before the cruise departure date.

Travel document requirements depend on your nationality and on the destination. For French nationals:

• In the Mediterranean (France, Spain, Italy, Greece): the national identity card is generally sufficient.
• In the Caribbean, the Seychelles and French Polynesia: a passport is compulsory.

The port of embarkation depends on the cruise chosen. Catlante organises departures from several Mediterranean, Seychellois and Caribbean ports. The nearest airport is indicated by your Catlante adviser or your travel agent. To reach the boat, you can use public transport, hire a vehicle or book a transfer with a local transfer company recommended by Catlante.

Catlante does not charge its own luggage fees. However, storage space on board is limited. We advise bringing only a moderately sized bag (a 60 to 80 litre bag, for example). Large hard suitcases are not recommended. For flights, luggage fees depend on your airline.

There is no strict dress code aboard Catlante catamarans. Dress is casual: swimwear, shorts, T-shirts and sarongs during the day; light clothing for dinner. High heels and marking soles are not allowed on deck for practical reasons. On board, life is lived barefoot.

For a first catamaran cruise, several Catlante destinations are particularly suitable:

• The Mediterranean (Corsica, Provence, Balearics): short distances between anchorages, varied cultural stopovers. Ideal for discovering sailing.
• The Seychelles: an idyllic setting with short distances between stopovers.
• The Grenadines: considered one of the best destinations in the world for a catamaran cruise.

Your choice will also depend on the season and on where you live, in order to optimise the flight.

A Catlante cruise and a boat charter are two very different experiences:

• Catlante cruise: you travel without having to take care of anything. The crew sails, cooks and organises. Ideal with no sailing experience.
• Boat charter (bareboat): you have to manage every aspect yourself.

For non-sailors, the Catlante by-the-cabin cruise is considerably more accessible and stress-free.

For a comparable budget, an all-inclusive Catlante catamaran cruise and a hotel stay offer radically different experiences. Here are the main differences:

What the Catlante cruise includes that the hotel does not:

• Accommodation, meals and water sports are combined in a single price, with no surprises.
• Your "accommodation" changes scenery every day: you sleep in a new cove or a new port each evening.
• You visit several islands or anchorages in a single week, without changing suitcase or hotel.
• The crew is dedicated to your group of no more than 12 people, which no hotel can offer.

What the hotel offers that the cruise does not:

• More personal space and freedom of timetable.
• Easy access to shops, restaurants and transport.
• A stable Internet connection.

For those who want to discover several destinations, experience life at sea and keep control of their budget without unpleasant surprises, the Catlante all-inclusive cruise is generally more advantageous than an equivalent hotel stay.

Catlante offers cruises in several regions of the world, depending on the season:

• Mediterranean: Corsica, Balearic Islands, Provence, Tuscan islands.
• Caribbean: Guadeloupe and Dominica, the Grenadines, Saint Martin, Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, Antigua and Barbuda.
• Indian Ocean: Seychelles.

The full catalogue is available on www.catlante-catamarans.com.

The best time depends on the destination:

• Mediterranean: from May to October, peaking in July and August. May–June and September–October offer an excellent compromise.
• Caribbean: from November to April, during the dry season.
• Seychelles: all year round.

For exceptional lagoon-blue waters, several destinations stand out:

• The Grenadines: considered among the finest waters in the Caribbean.
• The Seychelles: turquoise waters in a setting of granite and tropical vegetation.

If the colour of the water and snorkelling are your priorities, the Seychelles and the Grenadines are the most recommended.

For a first catamaran cruise, the Mediterranean is often recommended for its practicality (short flights, no time difference, predictable weather). Corsica and the Balearics are particularly popular. For a stronger change of scenery, the Seychelles or the Grenadines are excellent choices.

These two destinations offer distinct experiences:

• Mediterranean: rich cultural heritage, characterful villages, local cuisine. Reachable in 1 to 3 hours' flight from France.
• Caribbean: turquoise waters, white sand beaches, exceptional snorkelling. Steady trade winds. An 8 to 9 hour flight from France.

The choice depends on your priorities: culture and proximity for the Mediterranean, nature and a change of scenery for the Caribbean.

To reduce the risk of seasickness aboard a catamaran, several precautions can be taken:

• Before embarking: avoid heavy meals, stay well hydrated, get enough sleep.
• On board: stay outside and look at the horizon, avoid remaining in the cabin in rough seas.
• Preventive medication: Dramamine, Mercalm or Scopoderm are effective if taken before symptoms appear. Consult your doctor.
• Acupressure bands: natural alternatives that may help some people.

The catamaran is considerably more stable than a monohull, which greatly limits seasickness.

If you feel the first signs of seasickness, several steps are recommended:

• Go up on deck and look steadily at the horizon.
• Position yourself in the middle of the boat.
• Lie down if necessary, but avoid staying in the cabin.
• Take an anti-seasickness medicine if you have brought one.
• Eat lightly and stay hydrated.

In the vast majority of cases, symptoms subside after a few hours.

Yes, the catamaran is significantly more stable than a monohull. Its twin-hull structure gives it a very level attitude: it does not heel like a monohull and its movements are far more limited. In practice, many passengers who were worried about seasickness have felt no symptoms at all aboard a Catlante catamaran. It is nevertheless impossible to guarantee a complete absence of movement in heavy seas.

Safety is an absolute priority aboard Catlante catamarans. On embarkation, the skipper gives a compulsory safety briefing covering:

• The location and use of lifejackets.
• Man-overboard procedures.
• The use of safety equipment and the location of the defibrillator.
• The rules of life on board.

All catamarans comply with the regulations in force.

In the event of a medical emergency, the crew is trained in first aid and has a medical kit on board. It can contact the local maritime authorities to arrange an evacuation if necessary. Passengers with chronic conditions are strongly advised to inform the crew on embarkation and to bring sufficient quantities of their medication.

Catamarans are not designed to accommodate people with severely reduced mobility. Getting on board requires negotiating hatches, steps and narrow spaces. People with slightly reduced mobility may consider a Catlante cruise by contacting the sales team beforehand to assess feasibility.

Fear of water or of the sea is more common than people think. Aboard a Catlante catamaran, you are never obliged to swim or to go into the water: water sports are offered but never imposed. If you have specific concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them with the Catlante team before you leave.