Expedition cruises

PONANT invites you to discover the Atlantic coastline with a brand-new 9-day cruise. During this exceptional journey aboard Le Lyrial, let the wild and melancholic beauty of the French, British and Irish coasts surprise you.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, explore the Ria d’Etel, near Quiberon, discover the Mont-Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo, or visit Cork and the famous Old Jameson distillery from Kinsale. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Departing from Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, you will head for the coast of Brittany and call at Quiberon, the port of embarkation for the aptly-named Belle-Île-en-Mer. You will then reach the tip of the Finistère and the ship will enter the magnificent Brest harbour, where you may catch a glimpse of La Recouvrance, the stunning schooner that is both the ambassador of the city and its symbol.

After calling at Guernesey, whose green meadows and romantic cliffs once welcomed the exiled Victor Hugo, you will sail to Saint-Malo. In this town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart walks, and fall under the charm of the city of privateers.

Le Lyrial will cross the English Channel to reach Dartmouth, a charming town tucked away in the heart of the stunning setting formed by the mouth of the Dart. You will discover its old pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and some half-timbered buildings.

Your ship will then sail towards the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches lie alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.

You will leave England for Ireland where you will discover Kinsale, a charming little port sheltered within the Bandon Estuary.

Your cruise will end in Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.

This voyage takes you to the heart of Alaska going from the mountains of Vancouver to Seward’s monumental scenery. Embark from Vancouver and sail to Ketchikan for an introduction to wild Alaska. Sail to see the majestic Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, then spend time immersed in Skagway’s wild remote beauty. You’ll enjoy a stop in Sitka known for its bears and icy adventures, then a cruise around the majestic Hubbard Glacier awaits before arrival in Seward.

Sail to the heart of Alaska going from Vancouver to Seward with stops that showcase beautiful Alaskan scenery which includes glaciers, forests and fjords, local wildlife including bears, otters and whales, delicious cuisine and Gold Rush towns. Blended with the onboard experience of Silver Nova which will be your home away from home during your Alaskan adventure, providing exquisite comfort and style, it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Witness the wonders of Alaska on this round trip from Vancouver. Start with Ketchikan where you’ll find stunning scenery, brown bears, bald eagles, salmon and charming locals. Icy Straight Point promises unspoiled nature and immersive wilderness experiences such as kayaking, ATV adventures and zip lining. Learn about the Gold Rush history in Skagway, see Icy Bay and Seward. Explore Valdez, admire the Hubbard Glacier and discover Juneau, Sitka, and Wrangell.