Luxury Cruise Holidays Your Way

Enchanting villages on this voyage include Portoferraio, where Renaissance fortifications overlook the sea on the island of Elba, and Tuscany’s medieval walled towns of Siena and San Gimignano just inland from Livorno. You’ll also explore colorful harbors of the French Riviera from Saint-Tropez to Cannes.

 

View Sample Shore Experiences in the Mediterranean.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, facing landscapes frozen in time by the ice, set off on a fascinating journey to discover the islands of the Far North. For 14 days, from Spitsbergen to Iceland, via Jan Mayen Island and the eastern coast of Greenland, between fjords and glaciers, observe wild and mischievous nature as it wakes itself up, and set off to encounter the communities who live in these parts of the world, guardians of these untamed spaces. In this hushed world, facing completely unobstructed skies, you will seek out a rare phenomenon: the total solar eclipse, and discover its secrets thanks to the exceptional presence of astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré.

From Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost towns, you will weigh anchor, leaving behind the small colourful wooden homes that dot the landscape.

You will set sail to the north-west of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out for the appearance of the first glaciers and the huge snow-covered peaks that gave the region its name. In this white kingdom, you will sail soothed by the romantic play of the midnight sun upon the icy waters of the fjords. You will observe the slow dance of the colonies of Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes and guillemots nesting on the vertiginous cliffs. On your left, in the distance, bearded seals laze on a piece of ice floe while, on the neighbouring peninsula, mossy tundra offers Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes an ideal playground. You will scan the horizon in the hushed silence of the fjord, hoping to spot the lord of the manor: the polar bear.

Next, your ship will make its way to Jan Mayen Island, which was very dear to Captain?Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Located on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, this isolated and uninhabited volcanic island was a whale hunting centre and is home to large bird colonies.

As you sail along, you will perhaps see whales, before reaching the region of Ittoqqortoormiit on the east coast of Greenland. In the eponymous village, you will receive a warm welcome from the Inuit community and discover their traditions during special and authentic moments, before entering Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord network. This unique setting, made up of gigantic icebergs, golden brown moorland and sheer walls reddened by the minerals, is home to exceptional fauna: musk oxen, Arctic wolves and foxes, seagulls, barnacle geese and other migratory birds. Aboard Le Lyrial or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. 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.

Finally, your ship will set sail towards Iceland. From the village of Isafjörður to Westfjords, between lost valleys and sheer cliffs, discover a land of legends, of wild and enchanting beauty. In the total darkness of night and weather conditions permitting*, the Captain will take you along coasts full of mystery, in search of the best place to observe this total eclipse, the 16th to occur in the 21st century. You will be captivated by the unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.

*As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for manoeuvre and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory.

Itinerary is?subject to change according to port authorizations 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.

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 Regensburg.

Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings; Budapest to Regensburg direction only): 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. Due to capacity restrictions, we recommend Jewish Heritage excursions be reserved in advance. Please note: due to site closures during Passover, the Jewish Heritage program will not operate on the following departure: Budapest to Regensburg: April 5. 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.

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.

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.