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Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea - 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 8-day voyage along Japan's northern coast from Maizuru offers a superb introduction to its traditions and customs through a wide variety of carefully curated shore excursions in each port of call-an opportunity for you to sample widely among feudal castles, Buddhist temples, modern art, tea ceremonies, artisanal crafts, landscape gardens, and the wonders of nature.

The richness from which to choose is immediately apparent in your first port of call, Sakaiminato, where options include Matsue Castle, built entirely of pine in 1611; the Adachi Museum of Art, displaying the great masters of modern Japanese painting and sculpture; a demonstration of the ancient craft of making paper (washi) from tree bark; and Yushien Garden, a landscape garden in traditional style, famous for its peonies.

The South Korean port of Busan offers a similar range of experiences: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built in 1376 overlooking the sea; the Busan Museum of Art, featuring an outdoor sculpture garden as well as exhibits of contemporary Korean artists; Gyeongju Historic Areas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the flowering of Silla culture between the 7th and 10th centuries; and a Korean Tea Ceremony at the Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having the largest Buddha statue in Asia.

A day at sea brings you to Kanazawa and a chance to explore world famous Kenroku-en Garden, recognized as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan because it possesses 'the six qualities of a perfect garden'. Kanazawa is also known for its impeccably-preserved samurai and geisha districts, and for its handicrafts, especially its lacquer, pottery, gold, and silk-all of which you will be invited to experience and enjoy.

The final two ports of call - Ogi, on Sado Island, and the small town of Sakata - are where Japan's natural beauty takes center stage.  An excursion to Senkaku-wan Bay Ageshima Yuen Park on Sado Island is a landscape photographer's dream, as are Mt. Haguro, part of the trinity of sacred mountains known as the Dewa Sanzan, and Mt. Chokai and Tamasudare Falls outside of Sakata. But as always on this cruise, alternatives abound, this time in the form of a Folk Museum and Sake Brewery in Ogi and a photography museum and aquarium featuring jellyfish in Sakata.

As a special treat, you are invited to attend an exclusive presentation of taiko drumming by the world-famous drumming group, Kodo, while on Sado Island.

Your cruise ends in Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido.

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 an exceptional PONANT itinerary.  

From Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet.

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.

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.

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

At Ashmore Reef, gaze out over the shades of blue of the Timor Sea off the mainland. The corals are home to extraordinary marine life in this incredibly beautiful paradise.

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.

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.

Your ship will take you along 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.

From Scotland to Spitsbergen

Set off on a 14-day PONANT expedition cruise that will take you from marvellous Scottish shores to the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. Aboard Le Boréal, you will discover the preserved landscapes of Northern Europe and the boundaries of Norway and its island, which is among the world's northernmost.

Departing from Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, you will set sail for the Hebrides archipelago. You will make a stop on Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, home to an impressive abbey, and you will discover Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. This all-new port of call will take you back in time to between 2900 and 2600 BC, the period during which the island's megalithic site would have been created... Before the circle of standing stones, aligned with the cardinal points, the mystery remains entire, the emotion is palpable.

Le Boréal will then sail towards the Shetland archipelago and the island of Mousa, which is home to Scotland's best-preserved Broch - constructed in around 100BC, this tower-shaped fortification served to defend against invaders.

Further north, you will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes, fine sand beaches and huts on stilts.

Your Arctic adventure begins with your stopover in Tromso. You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. You will see many seabirds, such as guillemots or Atlantic puffins, which have found refuge in the vast cliffs of the south of the island.

Even further north, you will reach Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago. In the land at the end of the world, millennial glaciers, steely mountains and spectacular fjords form the backdrop for whales, arctic foxes, walruses and the kings of their realm, polar bears.

Your cruise will end in Longyearbyen.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, 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. 

Northeast Greenland's unexplored sea ice

Le Commandant Charcotopens the way to new horizons and invites you aboard to explore the north-east 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 crystallizes, 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.

Imagine vast virgin-white expanses where the silence is broken only by the sounds of dogs and the grating of sled runners against the ice. An outing alongside the last hunters of the polar region will have you overwhelmed by various sensations aboard this ancient means of transport. Among the first outside visitors of the season, you will be warmly welcomed by the community. During privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authenticmoments, you will learn about the village customs on the ice floe. 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 among the icebergs revealing their blue-tinged underside below the surface of the dark waters.

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 seekers of polar treasures, 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 authorisations 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.

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!

From Malta to the Adriatic coast

In partnership with Relais & Châteaux and with featured guests Maître de Maison Alain Bullo and chef Daniele Galliazzo from Londra Palace in Venice.

Set sail to discover the cultural and artistic jewels of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas with PONANT. During this 9-day cruise, L'Austral will take you to Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy.

Your ship will leave Valletta, the capital of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta and set sail towards Sicily. Then, you will set sail for Syracuse, one of the most prestigious Sicilian cities, whose monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Next, you will visit the stunning Puglia region in Italy when the ship calls at Otranto. Do not miss a visit to Lecce: Its lavish baroque monuments have earned it the nickname "Florence of the South of Italy".

Your ship will then set sail towards Montenegro, for an unforgettable cruise in the Bay of Kotor. This impressive gap between two mountain ranges is home to a veritable inland lake with a magical atmosphere; the medieval city of Kotor and its many historical monuments are its jewels.

You will then head to the aptly named "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its terracotta-tiled roofs, its palaces, cloisters and fountains are bound to impress you and will plunge you into the heart of Croatian history.

You will first stop in Hvar, the most famous and attractive of the Adriatic islands. Ringed by ramparts, the town has many remarkable monuments including its elegant cathedral, old arsenal and aristocratic palaces.

The Slovenian shores await you in Piran, a medieval town extending out into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Its architecture, influenced by five centuries under the rule of the Republic of Venice, affords it a singular charm.

As a grand finale, your voyage will draw an end in Venice the Serenissima and its lagoon. Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal and the palaces along the canals will be your last stops on an unforgettable cruise.

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.

The Cyclades, in the Wake of Le Ponant

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.

"Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun", according to a poem by Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat's subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip.

Aboard its emblematic yacht, PONANT is reshaping the contours of cruising and invites you to experience a new way of discovering the wonderful Mediterranean shores, between olive groves and sun-drenched vines. From unique and iconic ports of call to private moments, experience the very essence of the Mediterranean and welcome the unexpected like a breath of freedom.

From the port of Lavrio, located very close to beautiful Athens, you will set sail in the direction of the Cyclades, these small heavenly islets scattered around the Aegean Sea.

Off the beaten path, from exclusive paradises to emblematic landscapes, your journey takes shape, following the rhythm of the wind and the secret havens. Drink in the pure moments of sailing, cleaving through the foam, as you set off to explore intimate coves and hillside villages.

Carried by the wind, you will head towards Tinos, one of the Greek archipelago's most preserved islands. The serene atmosphere of this spiritual centre infuses its sumptuous scenery. The white rocks of Polyaigos soften the jagged coasts of this uninhabited island, a natural sanctuary bathed by the crystal-clear and turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

The discreet island of Serifos is ideal for a walk punctuated by the picturesque white houses that stretch into the distance, amidst a setting perfumed by the scents of thyme and marjoram. Here, the beach with its surreal blue will also tempt you for a swim.

You will leave the Cyclades and head towards the south-east of the Peloponnese. The fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure.

You will sail, senses heightened, towards Kythnos, a wild and hilly rock, tamed by traditional and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Planted with pine trees, olive trees and flowers, Spetses, known as "the island of jasmine", is a popular haven of freshness in the Saronic Islands. The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for going back to basics in a setting that is conducive to contemplation. 

At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature: glass-bottom kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding*.

*The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain according to the weather conditions, the itinerary and the cruise plan.

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 an exceptional PONANT itinerary.  

From Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet.

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.

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.

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

At Ashmore Reef, gaze out over the shades of blue of the Timor Sea off the mainland. The corals are home to extraordinary marine life in this incredibly beautiful paradise.

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.

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.

Your ship will take you along 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.