Ocean cruises

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.

From the pearl of the French Riviera, set sail on a 9-day cruise in the Mediterranean. Aboard Le Dumon d'Urville, discover the Isle of Beauty and the captivating shores of northwest Italy during an unforgettable trip.

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, dive into the teeming waters of the wild Revellata peninsula at the gates of Calvi, discover the Villa Dei Mulini, Napoleon’s former winter residence in Portoferraio, or set off to discover the captivating nature of Portofino. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

From Nice, set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, experience a wild and authentic Corsica. Further south, Propriano amazes with its rich history and surprises with its incredible beauty. Here, the coastline edging the scrubland, with its distinctly Mediterranean scents, alternates between long sandy beaches and breathtaking coves.

Le Dumont d'Urville will then stop at Porto Ercole, a charming village with colourful houses, on the Monte Argentario peninsula. Here, you will have the possibility of meeting fisherman from the Orbetello Lagoon as well as local producers. The peninsula’s rolling and lush landscapes will also provide you with opportunities for magnificent hikes. Opposite the peninsula, the island of Giglio stands before you. On this mountainous land covered by garrigue on which pine forests and vineyards grow, fine sandy beaches and hidden coves compose a landscape in which the emerald sea serves as a setting for wild nature.

After a port of call at Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spent many days in exile, stop in Portofino. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions.

At the foot of the mountains of Cap Corse and the Agriates desert, the beauty of the landscapes gives this ancient Genoese city a picture-postcard appearance.  

Your cruise will end in Nice, famous for its never-ending riviera.

Set sail on an enchanting odyssey between Iceland and Canada, where nature reveals its boundless beauty. Fall under the spell of the unspoiled landscapes of Greenland, a wild setting with shimmering glaciers and silent fjords, before crossing the spectacular Prins Christian Sund, a legendary passage framed by dramatic scenery. In Newfoundland, L’Anse aux Meadows recalls the earliest Norse explorations, while Woody Point and the wind-battered shores reflect the raw power of the Atlantic coast. Havre-Saint-Pierre marks your arrival on the Côte-Nord, before the majestic St. Lawrence River carries you towards Saguenay and Tadoussac, where summer reveals the full richness of the fjord, offering verdant cliffs and whale-filled waters. Finally, Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto reveal the vibrant elegance of Canada, a land of heritage and wide open spaces.

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.?

With the presence of Cindy Miller Hopkins, American photo ambassador.

Heading for 90 degrees North! Set off from Spitsbergen to sail to the edges of the Earth and reach the North Pole, the Holy Grail of adventurers in search of “the end of the world”. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a technological cocoon designed for exploration, you will encounter a wild and silent world that evolves according to the ice and the plays of light of the Northern Lights. During your crossing, you will probably be lucky enough to observe spectacular fauna - polar bears, seals or whales - before, perhaps, walking on the ground of this territory frozen by the cold, the northernmost point of our planet. 

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

On the edge of the Arctic, Iceland is both romantic and untamed. Along its western coast, glaciers, vertiginous cliffs, verdant plains and waterfalls compose a breathtaking picture. Between volcanos, geysers and basalt rocks, the “land of fire and ice” reveals its lunar landscapes. Peaceful fjord branches provide shelter for fishermen’s villages, while puffins, Arctic foxes and Icelandic horses people this natural sanctuary. The icy waters of the sea are home to humpback whales and orcas, performing their striking ballet in the heart of raw and sovereign nature.