Expedition cruises

From the captivating rocky and snow-covered islets of the Arctic Circle to the dreamlike landscapes of the British archipelago, PONANT invites you on a fascinating 10-day musical journey in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE. Aboard Le Lapérouse, the melodies of Grieg, Sibelius, Nielsen, Dvorák, Myaskovsky, Tchaikovsky will converse with the incredible landscapes of Norway and Scotland. These lands of Celtic and Viking legends, jagged coasts, recessed fjords, sculptural cliffs and infinite moors will be enhanced by the beauty of Nordic rhythms thanks to the presence of an exceptional musical line-up and in the company of Alain Duault.

At each port of call on your trip, every guest will be able to choose one included activity from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, hike into the heart of the incredible Briksdal glacier from Olden, visit the neolithic treasures of the Orkney Islands, or dive into the history of the Isle of Skye and its insular traditions, from Portree. The diversity of options on offer promises intense and varied experiences. (Find the full list of excursions under the Itinerary tab.)

Leaving from Tromso, , renowned for the architecture of its emblematic church, nicknamed the Arctic Cathedral, you will set sail for the Arctic Circle. In the heart of preserved nature, you will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofotenarchipelago. These islands have a truly other-worldly beauty, alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and colourful huts on stilts.

Further south, Le Lapérouse will sail along the jagged Norwegian coastlines. Witness this breath-taking spectacle of vertiginous cliffs, immaculate coniferous forests and majestic fjords, and let yourself fall under the spell of these geological masterpieces produced by Mother Nature. Anchored at the entrance to the eponymous fjord and encircled by lush valleys, the picturesque mediaeval city of Trondheim, founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olaf I, still retains traces of this opulent past, like its emblematic Nidaros Cathedral, an interesting blend of Gothic and Roman influences constructed at the end of the 11th century.

In Alesund, fall in love with the Art Nouveau architecture of this historic city, which is surrounded by a ring of rocky islets, enchanting fjord inlets and majestic mountains. It lies anchored opposite Giske, the home island of Rollo, the great Viking chieftain renowned for his many Nordic expeditions to Normandy.

Continue to Olden. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacie

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. Not far from there, the Neolithic Heart of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a striking reminder of the ancient settlements that once inhabited this timeless place.

You will also discover the Isle of Skye, a centre for Gaelic culture, and is stunning scenery, from Portree, the island’s largest town. 

The last stage for your journey will take you to Oban, capital of the county of Argyll, considered the cradle of Scotland, and its spectacular coastlines to the west of the Highlands, before heading for your disembarkation port, Glasgow.

Relax into the laid-back lifestyle of the Bahamas as you sail for San Salvador, where soft sands line the shores and a vibrant array of flora and fauna awaits discovery in the aquamarine waters. Bahamian culture comes alive in the UNESCO Creative City of Nassau, while Key West offers you the distinctly American indulgence of Key lime pie. 

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider's look at the impressive Rheinstein Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.