Ocean cruises

From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, PONANT welcomes you aboard its ships for a Sea Journey. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.

As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.

From Málaga and the Moroccan coast, to the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Madeira, PONANT invites you on an unforgettable 9-day interlude, between Málaga and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This journey aboard Le Lapérouse will take you into the heart of uniquely and wildly beautiful landscapes, featuring majestic volcanos, lush green valleys, isolated inlets, verdant cliffs and historic cities with multiple sources of heritage.  

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, admire the green volcanic landscapes of Santa Cruz de La Palma, stroll along the levadas (canals dug by hand into the mountains in the 19th century) in Funchal, or visit the famous Mount Teide and its crater, the highest mountain in Spain, from Los Cristianos. The diversity of expériences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

From Málaga on the Spanish coast, head for Tangier, where you’ll be able to visit the American Legation, the oldest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, and you may travel across the Rif Mountains to the showcase of Moroccan handicrafts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tetouan. You will then drop anchor in Casablanca, "the white city", which combines tradition and modernity. Here you'll discover the impressive Hassan II Mosque, considered one of the world's greatest religious buildings.

Your ship will then set a course northward to carry you to Madeira, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. On this steep island covered in luxuriant vegetation, the variety of landscapes, including sheer cliffs, levadas (Madeiran aqueducts), banana plantations, and the laurel forest – Laurisilva – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, never ceases to amaze visitors.  

You will journey onward to El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands. Among other activities, in this peaceful and tranquil heaven scattered with volcanic desert and forests of pine and laurel, you will be able to enjoy these vast, untouched, lush spaces during a discovery tour of the island on an electric bike. Then join the vibrant seaside town of Los Cristianos. Succumb to the charms of its atmosphere unlike any other, its mythical Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, and its long stretches of fine sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

Finally, you will visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the final port of call on your Canarian cruise.

UNESCO-designated fortresses and renowned beaches await in San Juan, where this holiday season voyage begins and ends. Along the way, explore the tidal pools, grottoes and granite arches of Virgin Gorda’s Baths, and zip-line through Antigua’s lush forest canopy. St. Lucia’s marine reserve is home to a colorful underwater ecosystem, and more than half of the Island of St. John is pristine, undeveloped national parkland.

On this roundtrip journey from Bridgetown, the coral reefs of the Grenadines teem with luminescent marine life, while the aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon scent the air on Grenada. The beautiful beaches of Dominica are ideal for relaxing on the sand, and St. Lucia’s Pitons are best viewed on a scenic hike along the Tet Paul Nature Trail.

You'll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and escape the hurry and hassle of the holidays as you relax onboard a luxurious ship and cruise through the ravishing landscapes of the Danube.

Celebrate Christmas Eve in medieval Regensburg and ring in the New Year in Vienna. Shop the stalls of the Nuremberg Christmas Market, famous for its gingerbread. Wander through locations from The Sound of Music in beautiful Salzburg and then warm up with rum-laced coffee.

The mighty Danube takes you through three nations decked in all their holiday finery at this most delightful time of year.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Set off to discover the shores of Belize and Honduras, on a journey blending preserved natural jewels and fascinating encounters with the local population. La Ensenada, Half Moon Caye, Water Caye… Throughout your trip, see the beauty of this lush setting unfold, between mangrove forests, coral reefs and white sandy beaches, home to a unique biodiversity. From one port of call to the next, the secrets of ancient civilisations will emerge from the past, while picturesque villages, peopled with welcoming communities, proudly share their customs and traditions. An adventure at the crossroads of wild nature and authentic encounters, promising unforgettable moments.

Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?

Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing "Silent Night" in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava's picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.