Ocean cruises

Set sail on an unforgettable 8-day cruise aboard Le Boréal. Historical discoveries and stunning scenery will punctuate this trip taking you from Scotland to Norway.

Departing from Glasgow, Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage, you will first sail towards Fort William. This harbour town on the shores of Loch Linnhe is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, close to the beautiful and spectacular scenery of Glencoe.

Le Boréal sails all the way to Loch Ewe, in the north-western Highlands: an inlet with a remarkable botanical Eden full of red deer, red squirrels, otters, seals and golden eagles.

Then you will head for the Orkney archipelago and its windswept moorland landscape. Stromness, a small fishing port with stone houses, reveals a rich history of Vikings, merchants and sailors. 

In the middle of the North Sea, the Scottish archipelago of the Shetlands is rich in unsuspected treasures on its raw territories with jagged coastlines. On Foula, one of the most remote islands, man has learned to live with the elements. The island of Mousa is home to Scotland’s best-preserved Broch. Constructed in around 100BC, this tower-shaped fortification served to defend against invaders. Meanwhile, Noss Island is home to numerous colonies of birds, including gannets, puffins, arctic fulmars and many others.

Le Boréal then heads for Norway, stopping off at Bekkjarvik, a village typical of the region.Your cruise will end in Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf that still carries a few traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

If you have ever wanted to see a glacier up close, watch whales and explore miles of unspoiled icy wilderness, this beautiful voyage is for you. Embark from Vancouver and enjoy a wild and thrilling introduction to Alaska in Ketchikan. Nature’s wildest staging awaits at Juneau then see Skagway, a Gold Rush era town. Sitka offers a chance to watch whales, sea lions and eagles. A cruise around the Hubbard Glacier completes your trip before arrival in Seward.

You’ll immerse yourself in all that makes Alaska exceptional on this beautiful voyage. Embark from Seward’s whales and sail to admire the Cruise Hubbard Glacier. Next is the majestic Mendenhall Glacier of Juneau then it’s on to wild, raw and unrestrained Haines. Sitka’s bears and icy adventures await before a trip to enjoy the natural spectacle of Wrangell. Arrival is in Vancouver where majestic mountains make a fitting end to this glorious journey.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT 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.

Join PONANT aboard  Le Bellot  for an 8-day cruise   on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the  Scottish Isles and the beauty of the  Norwegian fjords . 

Begin your journey in  Glasgow , Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Your ship will first sail to  Fort William , from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled  Loch Ness  or take a tour and enjoy a dram of  scotch whiskey.

From  Portree , spend a day on the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Or, not to be missed on the mainland is  Eilean Donan , one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland.

Your ship sails next towards Kirkwall , capital of Orkney , where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness , built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Le Bellot  then sails for  Lerwick , the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the  Jarlshof  prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.

Next cross the North Sea and sail towards  Nordfjordeid . From this small and charming town, drive further along the fjord to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, to admire the magnificent  Briksdal Glacier .

End your journey in  Flåm  where you will board the  Flåm Railway  to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.

You will disembark in  Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

Sail from Rome to Monte Carlo with stops in lovely ports in Italy along the way. Start with fresh pasta in Naples then sail to Palermo, Sicily for sun soaked beauty and local red wine. Enjoy a full day of relaxation at sea in the comfort and style of Silver Ray. Cruise to Porto Santo Stefano for pizza and then on to Livorno for a crisp white wine. Stop off in iconic Portofino where you can order a dripping lemon gelato before arrival in Monte Carlo.