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Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean - 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.

This leisurely voyage through the heart of the Aegean is the perfect introduction to all that Homer's 'wine-dark sea' has to offer. Ancient sites, resonating with a mythical past, compete for your attention with the whitewashed homes of present-day farmers and the waterfront cafés and trendy boutiques of stylish jet-set getaways.

Departing from Athens, your first encounter with the rich history of the Aegean is the monumental Byzantine monastery on Patmos that guards the cave where St. John the Evangelist received his visions of the Apocalypse.  Next is the medieval town of Rhodes, whose labyrinthine streets and splendid plazas are the legacy of the Crusader Knights of St. John.

Santorini offers a choice between browsing the sundrenched shops and restaurants of Thira and Oia, perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera of an ancient volcano, or exploring the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, destroyed by a massive eruption of that volcano in the 2nd millennium BC, but preserved in ash and pumice just like Pompeii.

Amorgos represents a completely different aspect of life in the Aegean as it brings you face to face with age-old traditions of olive cultivation, herbal medicine, and religious devotion as they are still practiced in small villages in the mountains.

The island of Delos was sacred to the ancient Greeks-the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and home to countless shrines and temples-a veritable open-air museum. Mykonos, by contrast, is a sophisticated island resort with smart cafes and boutiques, where you will enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to soak in all that this dazzling town has to offer.

From Nafplion travel to Mycenae, the legendary home of Agamemnon and an important center of the extraordinary civilization that flourished here in the 2^nd millennium BC, before continuing to Epidaurus, the ancient shrine of Asklepios, whose ruins are dominated by a 4^th-century BC theater that is one of the finest in Greece.

Your journey concludes upon return to Athens.

Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea

With featured guest chef Jean-François Piège.

With this brand-new itinerary, PONANT is taking you on a cruise from Kobe to Fukuoka. This 8-day circuit will allow you to discover the jewels to be found in the picturesque towns and cities of the Seto Inland Sea. The oldest sea route in Japan, a strategic hub during Antiquity, it was also the theatre of many battles and historic events that shaped its myth and grandeur over time with the ebb and flow of the tides.  

Le Soléal will set sail from Kobe, a forward-looking modern city, and make its way to the island of Inujima. A flourishing centre of the mining industry more than a century ago, particularly for copper extraction, this small 54-hectare island is now an essential destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. It is notably home to the Seirensho Art Museum, designed around the remaining blackened walls of a former copper refinery.   

Aboard one of our zodiac inflatables, you will then head to Tomonoura, known for its gentle way of life and its craggy landscapes, which inspired the artist Hayao Miyazaki for the animated film Ponyo. Then, you will visit Onomichi, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills and home to a large number of temples and emblematic shrines, including the Senk?-ji, Saikoku-ji, and J?do-ji temples. 

After calling at Mitarai and Shimokamagari, two traditional fishing villages, Le Soléal will continue its crossing of the Seto Inland Sea to drop anchor on the island of Honshu, in Hagi. The home of the samurai and of Hagi ware will win you over with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the former residences of the Japanese warriors from this feudal town, of which the mythical Shizuki Castle, erected in the 17th century, emerges as a symbol.   

Then, you will sail towards Tsushima, the largest of the Nagasaki islands. Famous for its Aso Bay, offering exceptional panoramas of its ria coast, the island separates the Korean Peninsula from Japan. Eighty-nine percent of it is covered by natural vegetation and mountains. This green setting is the natural habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, among others. 

Your ship will then take you to Yeosu, in South Korea. Thrust into the international limelight for hosting the Marine Expo in 2012, the coastal city will captivate you with its traditional character, evident also in its fish market.  

Your cruise will end in Fukuoka, your disembarkation port.

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Polynesian Expedition

If heaven were a place on Earth, Polynesia would probably be it. This part of the world has always fascinated and moved, captivated and seduced anyone who has ever stopped here. And with good reason: here, nature has the power to enchant. It emerges with the jagged cliffs of Moorea, it breathes in the dense forests that are home to flamboyant wildlife, and it bewitches with the surreal colour of the lagoons surrounding the islands and islets. Over the course of an unforgettable 15-day cruise, take your time and soak in the gentleness of Polynesia aboard Le Boréal. 

The Windward Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas... the mere mention of these archipelagos is enough to set you off on your journey and have you imagining the heavenly scenery that will soon appear before you. Polynesia is to be experienced and explored to discover lush nature in its raw state. Naturalists will accompany you on hikes on the islands of Fatu Hiva and Nuku Hiva, where flowers in stunning colours abound and the air is filled with the song of local birds. On the Polynesian beaches, another spectacle awaits. It can be discovered by snorkelling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoons or simply from the fine sand of these wild expanses. In Koku'u, on the island of Tahuata, the beach is a dream come true.

The serenity that emanates from Polynesia is intrinsically tied to its unique culture. On your trip, discover the delicate island arts and crafts, as illustrated by the tifaifai, the traditional paintings or the musical instruments. On Rangiroa or Fakarava, the expertise associated with pearl cultivation is revealed during a visit to a pearl farm. In the Marquesas, travel back in time via the Upeke archaeological sites on Hiva Oa or via the 'petroglyphs' or ancient rock art on Fatu Hiva, depicting people, gods, animals, and more. Discover the richness of the Polynesian civilisation by exploring its myriad facets.

Society Islands & The Tuamotus

Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on Le Paul Gauguin on an 11-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef. 

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

You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinct volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks.

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.

Motu Mahana, our little private vanilla-scented paradise with turquoise waters will undoubtedly be the highlight of your cruise.

Discover our excursions without further delay - click here!

Island Treasures of Indonesia & East Timor

PONANT invites you to set sail on a 15-day tropical expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier discovering the stunning scenery of the Indonesian archipelago and East Timor. It is on these islands, scattered like a string of pearls at the far west of South-East Asia, that the fascinating transition from Asia to Oceania is most powerfully felt, through the peoples and landscapes encountered.

Timor, Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo, Banda Neira... Just mentioning these names is enough to conjure up images of spectacular blooms, wide emerald-coloured bays, island-volcanoes, villages peopled with inhabitants who have preserved their perennial traditions, and prehistoric animals. Not to mention hills covered in savannah, tropical forests, dazzling white sandy beaches and waves crashing down on the coral.

Your journey will begin in Darwin. You will then sail to the Kei Islands, in the heart of the Malukus, to discover a peaceful paradise of stunning white-sand beaches.

Your next destination will be Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands.

Le Jacques-Cartier will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to witness the superb natural site of Kiti-Kiti Waterfall surrounded by lush nature.

In the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), dubbed the Spice Islands, you will explore the island of Banda Neira, which was shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

After a stopover in the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, a real concentration of the beauty South-East Asia,Le Jacques Cartier will head for East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, and make a call at Baucau, between the scent of other places and beautiful sandy beaches, and Dili, the capital.

You will then sail towards the magnificent Indonesian archipelago of Kalabahi. This authentic destination in the Alor Archipelago provides the opportunity to interact with local people who have preserved their traditional practices and customs.

You will continue towards Maumere, on the island of Flores. Then you will explore the marvellous Komodo National Park, where the famous dragons, a prehistoric species, reign supreme over the island's herbaceous landscapes. You will also go ashore at Pink Beach, which, as its name suggests, is a magnificent beach of pink sand with sparkling blue water.

Your ship will set sail for Badas on the island of Sumbawa. You will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village, where you will be able to witness a traditional ceremony.

Your cruise will conclude in Bali - 'the island of the gods' - with its captivating charm and grace.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Along the Mediterranean Sea with the Mucem

In partnership with the Mucem and with featured guest Vincent Giovannoni.

Sail the waters of the Mediterranean and dive into centuries of history with the perspective of Vincent Giovannoni, art anthropologist and chief curator of the Mucem. During a 12-day cruise aboard L'Austral, you will be amazed by the Mediterranean and its civilisations, a crossroads of exchange and a territory of divisions, the cradle of a unique way of life weaved together from fascinating cultures.

You will board in Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments that form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic collection bequeathed by Ancient Greece to the rest of the world.

You will cross the emblematic Corinth Canal to arrive in Itea. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, our on-board expert will recount the history of the legendary archaeological site of Delphi.

It will now be time to set sail towards Sicily and flamboyant Palermo. Historic sites such as the 12th-century cathedral or the Teatro Massimo opera house, one of the largest in Europe, blend with a uniquely bustling atmosphere.

Your exploration of the Mediterranean islands will continue as you discover Cagliari, capital of Sardinia and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; its historic centre is full of charm, with shaded stairs, small squares inundated with light and remains conjuring up its medieval grandeur.

Your cruise will then stop in the Balearic Islands on the well-preserved island of Menorca. Mahon, the island's capital, will charm you with its age-old history and its exceptional port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean! A little further on, Ibiza, the "White Island" will enchant you with its wild coves and villages of white fincas, a natural beauty that has earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Roman ruins and sumptuous scenery of Cartagena will welcome you before your departure for Malaga, the lively capital of the Costa del Sol. Next will be Cadiz, one of the country's oldest towns, built on a rock, combining its Mediterranean influences with its opening onto the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean.

Your cruise will come to an end in Lisbon, sitting on the Tagus River, distilling its one-of-a-kind charm imbued with rich history.

Japanese Subtropical Islands

PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of the tropical islands in southern Japan during an expedition cruise. On this 8-day itinerary aboard Le Soléal, from Fukuoka to Taïwan, you will discover the rich natural heritage, traditional villages and craft of the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands, in the Ryukyu archipelago.

Departing from Fukuoka, you will set a southward course to reach the captivating, mountainous island of Yakushima, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Providing an unspoiled natural setting for endemic species such as the Yakushima monkey and deer, the island is home to an exceptional natural environment featuring forests of ancient cedars, bewitching waterfalls, and majestic peaks.

Le Soléal will make its way to the island of Amami Oshima, between Kyushu and Okinawa. You will fall in love with this island surrounded by stunning coral reefs, punctuated with verdant peaks, covered in primary forest and monumental mangroves, and boasting strong Okinawan influences.

Your next port of call will be Zamami, in the Kerama Islands. You will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this pristine island, known the world over for the distinctive blue of the surrounding sea, called "Kerama blue". The sea life in the area is also exceptionally rich and sea turtles can often be spotted swimming among the coral. 

Following a port of call in the picturesque village of Taketomijima, with its traditional Okinawan dwellings and its idyllic sandy expanses, Le Soléal will sail south to Ishigaki, Ishigaki, the capital island of the Yaeyama Islands. In the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, you will be able to enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the eponymous city or discover Kabira Bay, renowned for its idyllic scenery, combining crystal-clear turquoise water and beaches of white sand.

Next, you will set sail south to the island of Iriomotejima. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little corner of paradise will enchant you with its authentic and preserved character, with its wild beaches lying alongside traditional villages surrounded by luxurious tropical forest: jungle, mangrove, rivers, waterfalls. This unique biodiversity is made up of many endemic species.  

The landscapes on the remote island of Yonagunijima, the easternmost of the Ryukyu Islands, offer a striking contrast: cliffs, windswept meadows, wild horses. The beauty of its sea-beds and their mysterious rocky formations will delight the most experienced divers.

You will end your cruise in Keelung, the port of the Taiwanese capital Taipei.

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes - 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.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes amidst the splendid colors of autumn.

Depart from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States' "brew city," and begin your voyage by sailing the length of Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region's indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers.

On Mackinac Island, explore the island's Victorian past by horse and buggy before continuing to Sault Ste. Marie, where you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into Lake Superior.

Your next lake, Lake Huron, boasts myriad islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the quaint town of Little Current, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island. Then explore the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the fantastic UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.

Le Champlain will then sail the canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle.

You will end in cosmopolitan and dynamic Toronto, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Canada's largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.

Ocean Voyage: Reykjavík-Tromso

PONANT invites you to spend several days aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship, enjoying an immersive interlude during an Ocean Voyage. Leaving from Reykjavik, you will set sail north for a five-day voyage, without ports of call, to Tromso.

The sea exercises an undeniable power of attraction. Infinite time and space take on their full meaning in the heart of the elements, inviting you to humbly enter the here and now. As lovers of the sea, experienced observers and curious explorers of the planet, you can make the most of this rare opportunity and, alongside those who bring the ship to life, discover the soul of Le Commandant Charcot, which is fitted out for polar exploration. During this voyage with the ocean as the horizon, you will share an on-board experience that follows the pace of the ship and its crew. You will feel the majesty and the power of this ship, whose design is a genuine technological achievement.

Alongside the naturalists who will share their knowledge of the polar regions with you, you will understand the challenges of scientific knowledge and gain awareness about the actions of the company, which is committed to preserving biodiversity. Following in the wake of Commandant Cousteau, we are convinced that people only really protect what they know.

The interior design, entrusted to the architects Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Jean-Philippe Nuel, provides a precious cocoon in which it feels good to warm up and take shelter so as to get more out of the exterior. Noble materials, soft tones, subdued lighting, refined decoration. The gastronomy symbolises French-style luxury and will offer you fine epicurean escapades, thanks to the menus imagined by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and the signature dishes served in his restaurants.

Let yourself be tempted by a dip in the Blue Lagoon while you enjoy the light over the sea. The indoor pool, the gym and the fitness classes, the Biologique Recherche spa, with its treatment rooms, massages and sauna, the snow room and the hair salon will also allow you to unwind without a care in the world.

Enjoy this crossing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, like a prelude to the infinite possibilities of knowledge and openness to the world that it promises, between a conscious adventure and new explorations.