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Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

From Edinburgh to Glasgow, PONANT brings you aboard Le Lapérouse for an exceptional cruise to Celtic lands following an 8-day itinerary along the magnificent Scottish archipelagos of Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Hebrides Islands.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the mysterious Calanais Standing Stones when your ship calls at Stornoway; visit the Ben Nevis distillery from Fort Williams to dive into the Scottish way of life; or discover crofting in the Shetland Islands, from Lerwick, and meet shepherds and their dogs during a memorable demonstration. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Departing from Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO, you will first call at the port of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. This port is well known because just a few kilometres inland lie the remarkable ruins of Scalloway Castle, built in 1600.

You will then head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Le Lapérouse will sail towards Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, have taken up residence.

You will also discover the Isle of Skye, known for its rich Gaelic culture, its famous bridge, and its stunning scenery, Stornoway, the largest city in the Hebrides with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

You will then sail towards Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.

Finally, you will reach Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, your disembarkation port.

A Circumnavigation of Sicily - with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

We invite you to join us on a circumnavigation of Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations-Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman-that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean.

Setting sail from Malta, your first stop in Sicily is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean.

Next cross the sea to Tunisia. From Tunis, travel to storied Carthage, a Phoenician stronghold from the 9^th century BC until it was conquered by the Romans in 146 BC. The site includes several important Phoenician remains, including Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal, as well as many monuments from the Roman period. Also explore the Bardo Museum, world-renowned for its spectacular collection of Roman mosaics.

Back in Sicily, after rounding the western tip of the island, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea.

Your fifth day aboard Le Bougainville brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe's greatest cities in the 12^th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Or drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral.

In Lipari, discover the 16^th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis before sailing in the evening to Stromboli, whose active volcano provides the backdrop as you cruise around the island.

From Stromboli, your ship sails through the Strait of Messina to arrive at Taormina on Sicily's east coast. Visit a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, or tour Taormina town with its emblematic Greek theater offering dramatic views of the coastline.

The final port of call before your voyage comes to an end in Valletta is Syracuse, colonized by Greeks in the 8^th century BC only to grow to rival Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You will visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater or Ortygia, the old town and its Baroque cathedral.

Your voyage ends back in Valletta.

Australia's Iconic Kimberley

This cruise is intended for English-speaking passengers. All lectures, comments by naturalists during the outings and visits as well as the announcements and services on board will be in English.

Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following this exceptional PONANT itinerary.  

From Broome to Darwin, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise.

On the Lacepede Islands, take the time to admire the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles residing in the lagoon.

In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.

During your cruise, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs.

The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.

You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.

Your ship will take you along one of the most spectacular coasts in the entire region.

With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.

This itinerary is given as an indication only. Based on tide times and weather conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader may need to switch the order of certain ports of call around to ensure guests have the best possible experience.

Icelandic mosaic

On the edge of the Arctic, with its vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords and legendary volcanoes, Iceland offers a simultaneously romantic and wild face.  During a unique 8-day journey, leaving from the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik, you will fall in love with the enchanting landscapes as well as the singular biodiversity of the western coast of Iceland.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, explore the spellbinding Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Grundarfjördur, discover the three sites of the Icelandic "Golden Circle" (Thingvellir, the "golden falls" of Gullfoss, and Geysir) from Reykjavik, or appreciate the tranquillity of the Geothermal Sea Baths in Husavik and the grandeur of the Godafoss waterfalls from Akureyri. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

This is a veritable masterpiece by Mother Nature, where you will sail the icy waters of the North Atlantic on a quest for the most beautiful treasures offered by the "land of Ice and Fire". The lush hills and plains that border the coastline here create a stunning setting. Waterfalls tumble down jagged cliffs, their sparkling swell flowing along monumental basalt rocks, putting on a captivating spectacle. The fjords appear majestically, stretching their inlets in a protective embrace around small fishing villages full of colourful houses, while volcanoes and bubbling geysers will transport you into lunar landscapes like nothing else in the world.

It is a real nature sanctuary, where the vast lush expanses of meadows are home to a myriad of migratory birds that have come from all over the world to nest here, thus creating a melodious concert of spellbinding song. Puffins and gannets, emblematic of this region, gather on the jagged cliffs, with the blue of the ocean as a backdrop. Arctic foxes sneak silently among the grassy valleys and Icelandic horses gallop along black sandy beaches. The ocean's cold waters are teeming with marine life, from humpbackwhales to orcas; these majestic cetaceans slide graciously through the waves, providing all their observers with an unforgettable moment.

Society Islands & The Tuamotus

PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises is offering an exceptional 11-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and enchanting historical and cultural treasures.

You will be captivated by the resolutely Polynesian ambiance that prevails aboard the Paul Gauguin: a ship with a relaxed and international atmosphere, especially designed for sailing in these shallow turquoise waters.

In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs, or to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.

You will discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze.

The sweet scent of vanilla and Tahitian gardenias bewitches you and your dreams of escape and contemplation now seem within hand's reach. Marvel at the beauty of Huahine; the cradle of Polynesian culture on the mythical island of Raiatea; the majestic ballet of the colourful fish undulating through the turquoise waters of motu Mahana, our small, private paradise steeped in the scent of vanilla; and Bora Bora's stunning lagoon and distinctive volcanic silhouette.

Before disembarking in Papeete, feast your eyes on the incomparable beauty of Moorea.

Fjords & Spitsbergen

Come aboard Le Boréal for a 11-day cruise exploring Norway's magnificent landscapes in springtime, with its majestic fjords and unforgettable experiences. From Bergen, you sail to fairytale lands beyond the Arctic Circle, where you will discover age-old traditions as you go on this exceptional journey.  

Your ship first sails into the splendid Geiranger fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching Alesund. This charming coastal town with its cobbled streets and Art Deco architecture also boasts an attractive hiking trail ideal for admiring the town, as well as Norway's first marine science centre. 

Next, you head for the Smola archipelago and a meadow-covered island where sheep graze and majestic sea eagles nest. Le Boréal approaches the charming and historic Bronnoysund: a former Viking city and the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a natural sanctuary for numerous colonies of seabirds, particularly common eider ducks during their nesting season.

As the Arctic Circle draws ever closer, an unspoilt natural landscape unfolds before you. The deep blue water contrasts with the heathland, covered with green vegetation at this time of year. You will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have a truly other-worldly beauty, alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and colourful huts on stilts.  Your ship then sails into Trollfjorden, bordered by craggy mountains, before heading upstream to Tromso, famous for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the "Cathedral of the Arctic".

A typical Lofoten village, Gjesvær was once a trading post. It was probably the first site in Magerøya to have a permanent settlement. This fishing village was one of the most important in Finnmark from the early Middle Ages until the last century. Here you will find a picturesque church, breathtaking scenery and the Gjesvaerstappen bird sanctuary, ideal for birdwatching.

At Hornvika, the more adventurous can disembark and head for the North Cape on a steep hike. This point, considered the most northerly in Europe, can also be reached by bus from Skarsvag. On this cliff with its iconic monument in the form of an earthly globe, you can contemplate the immensity of the Barents Sea beneath the midnight sun.

Le Boréal then heads for Lakselv. This small village, whose name means "salmon river", is the main town in this territory, and provides an opportunity to discover local life and customs. This stopover will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami, the indigenous reindeer herding people. 

Then you take a trip in the majestic Porsangerfjorden. As you sail, you will fall under the spell of raw and wild nature. The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season's verdant vegetation. On Reinoya Island, you will criss-cross the nature reserve of the same name and attempt to identify the many species of birds that hide in this rich ecosystem. 

It is now time to leave continental Europe to reach the Svalbard archipelago and the High Arctic. Midway between Norway's North Cape and the southern tip of Spitsbergen, you will sail past Bjornoya (Bear Island). Hundreds of seabirds have found refuge in the island's huge rocky cliffs. It is a fascinating sight to observe.

Northeast Greenland's Unexplored Sea Ice

With featured guest Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.

Le Commandant Charcotopens the way to new horizons and invites you aboard to explore the north-east coast of Greenland, an untouched, remote region surrounded by sea ice carried along the Transpolar Drift. At the end of spring, in the comfort of this marvel of technology, be guided and amazed at the opportunities for exploration in one of the hardest to reach areas of the Far North.

In these first days of summer, a time of year that is particularly precocious and hostile in the Arctic, ice and snow are still omnipresent. Along the Blosseville Coast, discovered by the eponymous lieutenant in 1833 during a journey that led to his disappearance, the pack ice, forming sharp peaks. You will explore this inhospitable land and attempt to venture closer to its untouched shores. Off in the distance, the dark rock formations of the alpine peaks rise from the opaline desert.

En route, you will discover the Ittoqqortoormiit region at the entrance to Scoresby Sound, the world's largest network of fjords. The isolated villages, with their colourful traditional houses, stand out against the surrounding whiteness. Among the first outside visitors of the season, you will be warmly welcomed by the community. During privileged exchanges mixed with joyfuland authentic moments, you Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.

Farther on and higher up, the solid and powerful sea ice commands the visitors who venture out to it. To the north-east of Greenland, you will sail with humility amid the drift ice and continue your exploration at the heart of immaculate landscapes, among the icebergs revealing their blue-tinged underside below the surface of the dark water.

Aboard your ship, a kayak or a zodiac, or during a polar hike, you will have diverse opportunities to explore these hypnotic, infinitely varied panoramas, including sumptuous glaciers, huge fjords, and icebergs trapped by the ice. Le Commandant Charcot also offers exceptional conditions for observing the Arctic wildlife. You may get the chance to glimpse a blue whale at the entrance to a fjord, or the stirring silhouette of a large bear in search of food.

For seeker of polar treasures, see the beauty of the world evokes a childlike awe. In the hostile environment, you will find wonder in a ray of light or in the flight of a bird gliding along the edge of an ice monument. With frozen treasures as far as the eye can see, exploring the far reaches of the world feels like a waking dream.

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mostly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen

Somewhere in the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees latitude North, Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains", awaits you for seven days of unforgettable travel looking out for wild life.

You will lift the anchor in Longyearbyen, where colourful wooden homes dot the landscape with a human presence that will certainly be the last you see for a while.

The sea rolls on, and the white-striped mountains, which gave the region its name, rise up from deeply tinted waters. The polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea: these variations all provide the magical, almost surreal, setting with new nuances.

The ship is escorted by Arctic fulmars. The first ice appears; still discreet, it seems to be dancing around you. At the end of a fjord, you will find yourself before an immense glacier. Black-legged kittiwakes share an iceberg, while Arctic terns fly over the area. Aboard the ship or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. The music of the thaw has begun its soft melody: a combination of cracking, roaring, murmuring and fizzing defies the silence of the polar desert.

On land, you will set foot on malleable earth, known as moraine. Only moss, lichen and a few rare flowers have managed to adapt and to take hold here, forming the tundra. On these inhospitable lands, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes coexist with walruses, lying on the beach. It has been a long time since the Pomor settlers, of which traces remain, came to hunt them.

Here, the lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, is never very far away. The crucial aspects of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region's elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Itinerary is?subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

From Glasgow to Edinburgh, PONANT brings you aboard Le Lapérouse for an exceptional cruise to Celtic lands following an 8-day itinerary along the magnificent Scottish archipelagos of Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Hebrides Islands.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the mysterious Calanais Standing Stones when your ship calls at Stornoway; visit the Ben Nevis distillery from Fort Williams to dive into the Scottish way of life; or discover crofting in the Shetland Islands, from Lerwick, and meet shepherds and their dogs during a memorable demonstration. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Departing from Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, you will sail towards Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.

You will also discover the Isle of Skye, known for its rich Gaelic culture, its famous bridge, and its stunning scenery, Stornoway, the largest city in the Hebrides with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

You will then head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Le Lapérouse will sail towards Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, have taken up residence.

You will then sail towards Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. This port is well known because just a few kilometres inland lie the remarkable ruins of Scalloway Castle, built in 1600.

Finally, you will reach Edinburgh, city of history and labelled city of literature by UNESCO.

Icelandic mosaic

On the edge of the Arctic, with its vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords and legendary volcanoes, Iceland offers a simultaneously romantic and wild face.  During a unique 8-day journey, leaving from the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik, you will fall in love with the enchanting landscapes as well as the singular biodiversity of the western coast of Iceland.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, explore the spellbinding Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Grundarfjördur, discover the three sites of the Icelandic "Golden Circle" (Thingvellir, the "golden falls" of Gullfoss, and Geysir) from Reykjavik, or appreciate the tranquillity of the Geothermal Sea Baths in Husavik and the grandeur of the Godafoss waterfalls from Akureyri. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

This is a veritable masterpiece by Mother Nature, where you will sail the icy waters of the North Atlantic on a quest for the most beautiful treasures offered by the "land of Ice and Fire". The lush hills and plains that border the coastline here create a stunning setting. Waterfalls tumble down jagged cliffs, their sparkling swell flowing along monumental basalt rocks, putting on a captivating spectacle. The fjords appear majestically, stretching their inlets in a protective embrace around small fishing villages full of colourful houses, while volcanoes and bubbling geysers will transport you into lunar landscapes like nothing else in the world.

It is a real nature sanctuary, where the vast lush expanses of meadows are home to a myriad of migratory birds that have come from all over the world to nest here, thus creating a melodious concert of spellbinding song. Puffins and gannets, emblematic of this region, gather on the jagged cliffs, with the blue of the ocean as a backdrop. Arctic foxes sneak silently among the grassy valleys and Icelandic horses gallop along black sandy beaches. The ocean's cold waters are teeming with marine life, from humpbackwhales to orcas; these majestic cetaceans slide graciously through the waves, providing all their observers with an unforgettable moment.