Expedition cruises

Succumb to the charms of this 16-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, sailing between Iceland and Canada via the stunning landscapes of Greenland. You will embark in Reykjavik, the most northerly capital in the world, lying slightly above the 64th parallel.

You will first travel through the narrow Prins Christian Sund passage, which connects the south-east of Greenland to the south-west. Jagged mountains, rocky cliffs, waterfalls and floating ice form a wonderful wild landscape in which you might observe colonies of bearded seals.

After sailing past the stunning Kujalleq Glacier, you will make a port of call in the Qaqortoq region; it was here that Erik the Red settled to establish what would become Greenland’s first European settlement.

Le Champlain will head to Canada to call at l’Anse aux Meadows, a Viking archeological site from the 11th century listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located north of the Canadian province of Newfoundland. “The Rock” honours its nickname: the mountains here plunge into the clear sea while the fjords slip inland. Although it appears inhospitable, this territory was nonetheless one of the first sites in the New World to become known in Europe. Saint-John’s, the capital of the province is one of the oldest anglophone cities in North America. It is nestled in the heart of a stunning natural environment and strolling through its historic core or along its sloping streets lined with colourful houses is an enjoyable experience.

A little piece of France located off the coast of Canada, the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago has many charms. Here you will discover the lively island of Saint Pierre, its small houses with coloured facades and its natural harbour which sheltered many fishing boats in the past. The second island in the archipelago, Miquelon, will delight lovers of the great outdoors with its vast rolling meadows and dwarf forests dotted with small lakes and lined with cliffs that disappear into the northern waters inhabited by common seals. You will also meet the people of Miquelon.

At the mouth of Saguenay River, you will reach Tadoussac, where you may be able to observe a resident population of beluga whales. This National Park is also an unmissable site for whale watching as the mammals gather to feed before winter.

After a port of call in the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Montreal, your ship will continue its journey on the Saint Lawrence River, a prodigious waterway home to exceptionally beautiful nature.

To round off your cruise, you will sail along the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario before making your way to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, where you will disembark.

 

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. 

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider's look at the impressive Rheinstein Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown.

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.

Soaring mountains blanketed in forests and snowcapped peaks rise on either side of Ilma as the superyacht navigates Norway’s majestic fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Along one you’ll find the historic waterfront of Bergen, also protected by UNESCO, and along another the massive Nidaros Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Trondheim. An entirely new landscape of glacial fjords awaits in Iceland.

THEATRE WORKSHOP: Give your children the unique opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of theatre through four workshops, led by the talented actresses from THEATRE DU JEU DE PAUME, Daphnée de Morant and Marguerite Pinatel. At the end of the cruise, the children will proudly present their theatrical creations, offering a moment of sharing rich in emotions. The workshop is accessible upon prior registration and is limited to a maximum of 10 children per age group (9-13 years and 4-8 years), to ensure optimal supervision. Pre-registration required (subject to availability).

For French-speaking passengers, the actresses will take you on a captivating and playful theatrical journey with two performances in French.

This cruise, in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, will cultivate the art of peaceful travel as well as a family spirit, thanks to its customised activities on board and on shore for youngsters*, with the Kid Explorers Club.  

Set off to discover the Mediterranean on a 8-day cruise : valleys planted with olive trees, national parks featuring striking beauty, and paved old towns evoking a turbulent history.

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, enjoy a truffle hunt followed by a tasting, from Rovinj, discover Hvar in a Volkswagen Beetle or attend a Moreška performance at the Korcula open-air theatre. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Venice the Serenissima has spread remnants of its centuries-long reign along the shores of the Adriatic. On the Balbi's Arch in Rovinj and on the doors of the towns of Zadar or Korcula, the winged lion, symbol of the City of the Doges, still watches over passers-by. From ancient times, Split has kept the Roman Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO) and its Cathedral of Saint Domnius while the island of Hvar conserves Stari Grad, founded by the Greeks and considered to be the country’s oldest town.

The Bay of Kotor combines the beauty of spectacular nature with the jewels of the region’s history. Its medieval city, designated a UNESCO, will unveil itself in the crook of the cliffs that overhang the jutting sound, creating a labyrinthine sailing route.

The Pearl of the Adriatic, the former maritime republic known as Ragusa, concludes this journey through time, unveiling a new face among the many facets of Dalmatia. Dubrovnik’s slogan is “Freedom is not for sale, not even for all the gold of this world.”

*for children aged 4 to 13 years old