Expedition cruises

Slip away for three nights of island life. The Bahamian Isle of Bimini offers a wealth of snorkeling and dive sites, from the underwater rock formation of Bimini Road to the vivid colors of Rainbow Reef. Then stroll along the conch houses and gingerbread homes of Key West to learn of historical figures like Ernest Hemingway and Harry S. Truman who enjoyed time in this eclectic city.

Set off on a journey during which well-being and culture will interlace, along the enchanted shores of Turkey, Greece and Italy, bathed in the soft spring light. In tranquil April, you will be able to discover the passionate history of the Mediterranean, this veritable crossroads of civilisations, following the pace of Yoga and Pilates classes as well as relaxing experiences organised by well-being experts. On board, these holistic disciplines will plunge you into profound relaxation while, on shore, the antique sites, spectacular monasteries and majestic palaces will reveal an exceptional Mediterranean heritage. A unique journey that promises serene and suspended moments.

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.