Ocean cruises

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country's breathtaking backdrops, wines, and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks, and magnificent vineyards where you'll be treated to a sampling of quintessentially French experiences.

Embark on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers' market visit, and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. Join us on a showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region's incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon's majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience "Village Day" in enchanting Viviers. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind. Explore unforgettable "Burgundy & Provence" where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.

This enchanting voyage provides a variety of ways to enjoy captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you sail from Budapest to Nuremberg.

Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Please note: due to site closures during the High Holidays, the Jewish Heritage program will not operate on the following departure: Budapest to Nuremberg: September 28. Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed during other significant events, such as Passover.

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.

Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the "must-sees" of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.

Cruise from Paris through Normandy's countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet's beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.

Experience a different side of Northern France's history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

See the best of Paris in one of three ways: via panoramic tour, a bicycle ride along the Seine, or a walk through the Latin Quarter with a local guide. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing atop the cliffs of Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.

This remarkably scenic route goes from Athens around the Peloponnese and through the Adriatic Sea to the canals of Venice. Along the way, visit the Achillion Palace on Corfu that pays homage to the Greek gods, sail into Kotor’s stunning fjord-like bay flanked by soaring cliffs, and explore the UNESCO-listed treasures of Dubrovnik and Šibenik.

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.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed 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.

 

The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. And for nearly as long, it has been a crucial arena of struggles for dominance in Europe—an important element in the strategic thinking of great powers from the Reformation and the Thirty Years War to World War II and the Cold War. Today, it is once again at the center of current events as Sweden and Finland join NATO after decades of neutrality and as the Baltic States are newly anxious about their independence.

As we visit the great cities that ring the shores of the Baltic, we will explore this history in a series of lectures and discussions with a decorated career foreign service officer and an award-winning journalist, and we will have the privilege of a specially arranged, exclusive presentation and discussion with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk.

But these historic cities of the Baltic, of course, offer so much more. They are great cosmopolitan centers with vibrant cultures and a legacy of art and architecture that reflects a history rich in tradition. Sailing from Stockholm , whose lively old town showcases cobblestone streets lined with 17 th - and 18 th -century buildings, Le Lapérouse calls first in Helsinki . Internationally recognized for its striking Art Nouveau architecture , Finland's capital is also home to the UNESCO Heritage Site of Suomenlinna, a massive military installation that protected the city during the 18th and 19th centuries .

During the next two days of the voyage, you encounter two more UNESCO designated sites. Tallinn's Old Town, a prominent trading center in the 13th century, retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses. And on Gotland—the largest island in the Baltic Sea and the site of Viking treasure —the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby , also once a stronghold for the Hanseatic League, invites exploration of both of these legacies.

Gdansk , whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980, is where we meet with former President Lech Wałęsa and hear the story of the wave of dissent that arose from the Solidarity movement and led to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Old Town , lovingly restored after the ravages of WWII, is a reminder of the town's proud 1000-year-old history of ship-building.

The Danish Island of Bornholm is known throughout the Baltic region for its lush farmland and rich herring fisheries and for the ruins of the medieval fortress of Hammershus and four well-preserved Nordic round churches . And the Danish capital of Copenhagen, a thoroughly modern and sophisticated city, is also proud to display its 800 years of royal history in Christiansborg Palace, which houses the Danish Parliament, and Amalienborg Palace , the winter residence of the Queen. Danish historian and tourism expert Henriette Brink will join us in Copenhagen as a special guest lecturer to share a deeper look into Danish history and culture.

Le Lapérouse's last port of call is the lively Swedish harbor town of  Gothenburg , whose stunning  Museum of Fine Arts  includes works by Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet. Your voyage comes to an end in Fredrikstad, a port city near the mouth of Oslo 's Oslofjord.