Ocean cruises

Follow in the footsteps of the fearless seafarers of the Golden Age of Exploration, sailing almost 8,000km across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to South America. Discover remote islands, historic capitals and endless expanses of deep blue sea.Sailing from Lisbon, this unique voyage retraces routes taken by Vasco da Gama and Magellan more than 500 years ago when they were charting the New World. This is a true oceanic expedition with just a few ports of call, remote outposts in the middle of the Atlantic and historic cities perched on the rugged coastline. You’ll also get to experience one of the most venerated traditions of sailors, crossing the Equator. With ten days at sea, there is ample time to enjoy every luxury on board Scenic Eclipse. Enjoy up to 10 experiences, sip cocktails in the Sky Bar, be entertained in the state-of-the-art theatre, soak in the Vitality pools and be pampered in the indulgent Senses Spa.

Explore the cobblestone streets of scenic seaside towns on this roundtrip journey from Venice. The hilltop St. John’s Fortress offers a panoramic vista of Kotor’s fjord-like bay, while the beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is in full view from the bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj and from the top of the medieval walls encircling Dubrovnik. 

Set out to discover the cultural and artistic treasures of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas with PONANT. During an 8-day cruise, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, L’Austral will take you to Malta, Montenegro, Croatia and Italy for its 4th Opera Festival at Sea. In the presence of Alain Duault, Artistic Director, and an outstanding line-up of musicians, enjoy the greatest lyrical voices of the era, accompanied by the splendour and age-old history of the neighbouring shores. 

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, enjoy a unique truffle-based experience from Rovinj, discover Croatian culinary traditions from Dubrovnik, or visit the former shipyard in Aci Trezza from Taormina. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your voyage will begin in Italy with an embarkation in Venice. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the sublime city of the Doges, with its many canals, its vaporetti and its mythical gondolas before heading to Croatia and the city of Rovinj. Then, L’Austral will sail towards Hvar. Here, on this charming Dalmatian island, the country’s oldest city Stari Grad nestles between dry-stone rustic estates, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You will now leave the shores of Montenegro for Croatia. You will sail along the coast to reach the mythical city of Dubrovnik. In the aptly named “Pearl of the Adriatic”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be inspired by its millennia-old history, fascinated by its limestone cliffs sculpted by the wind and marvel at the heritage of its old town.

L’Austral will continue sailing north to the Adriatic Sea. The majestic, grandiose, iconic Bay of Kotor will stretch out before you. There is an air of the Norwegian fjords here in its sparkling blue waters. Nestling in the heart of a bay surrounded by rocky and woody summits, the city of Kotor will surprise you, as you stroll through the narrow little streets of its old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mediaeval architecture.

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”.

You will take the sea to discover Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.