Expedition cruises

Sail from Rome to Barcelona with stops in lovely ports along the way. Start with a trip to Livorno which is in Italy’s Tuscany region. Don designer shades to stroll the streets of Monte Carlo. Visit Porto Santo Stefano before an overnight in Naples for pizza and gelato. A day at sea takes you to the pastel coloured port of Saint Tropez. Eat fresh sea bass in Marseille, and drink red wine in Porto Mahon before arrival in Barcelona.

Join us in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, with fairytale castles and walled cities steeped in magic and history. Depart from Venice and visit the Adriatic’s coolest city, Zadar, where you can walk through crowd-free cobblestone streets. Explore Split, Dubrovnik, Bari, and Kotor and admire pristine beaches and electric blue waters. A day at sea takes you to two stops in Sicily, then it’s onto Naples before arrival in Rome.

In springtime, as the flowers pepper the landscapes with their bright colours and the sun illuminates the Mediterranean shores with its soft light, PONANT, in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, welcomes its 10th Piano Festival at Sea. Experience an exquisite musical interlude in the Mediterranean during a unique 11-day journey punctuated by performances from virtuoso artists. From classical music to the blues, during nine exceptional evenings, the elite of the piano will follow each other aboard L’Austral, to delight you with the sound of recitals, all of which are invitations to be moved by the riches of the Mediterranean, a link between peoples and a crossroads of civilisations.

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 Sicilian baroque architecture with a visit to the village of Noto from Syracuse; visit the Meteora monasteries from Volos; or from Kusadasi, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient Greco-Roman cities, admire the Ephesus archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Southern Italy promises suspended moments where the beauty of the shores combines with the beauty of its historical remnants, which remain fascinating. In Syracuse, the Sicilian soul unfolds across the island of Ortygia - the oldest part of the city -, a maze of small streets dotted with churches, palaces, ancient remnants, sheltering a majestic cathedral in its very heart. In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good.

In the tranquillity of May, you will discover Greece as you have never seen it. From the mountainous island of Corfu, you will arrive in the small port of Itea from where it is possible to visit the mythical site of Delphi or even the Hosios Loukas monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After crossing the Corinth Canal, you will be welcomed by Athens and its famous acropolis, and the remains of the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, for an unforgettable port of call. From Volos, Greece will never cease to surprise you: in Thessaly, the formation known as the Meteora hosts Eastern Orthodox monasteries that rub shoulders with the sky and are at one with the rock. 

Kusadasi opens the gateway to Turkey and its treasures. The Ephesus archaeological site will tell you the great history of the Mediterranean, through this ancient city, among the oldest in the Magna Graecia of Asia Minor. From Alanya, you will explore two other majestic ancient sites, Perga and Aspendos, before arriving in Antalya, the end of your cruise.

PONANT invites you to discover the Atlantic coastline with a brand-new 9-day cruise. During this exceptional journey aboard Le Lyrial, let the wild and melancholic beauty of the French, British and Irish coasts surprise you.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, explore the Ria d’Etel, near Quiberon, discover the Mont-Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo, or visit Cork and the famous Old Jameson distillery from Kinsale. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Departing from Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, you will head for the coast of Brittany and call at Quiberon, the port of embarkation for the aptly-named Belle-Île-en-Mer. You will then reach the tip of the Finistère and the ship will enter the magnificent Brest harbour, where you may catch a glimpse of La Recouvrance, the stunning schooner that is both the ambassador of the city and its symbol.

After calling at Guernesey, whose green meadows and romantic cliffs once welcomed the exiled Victor Hugo, you will sail to Saint-Malo. In this town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart walks, and fall under the charm of the city of privateers.

Le Lyrial will cross the English Channel to reach Dartmouth, a charming town tucked away in the heart of the stunning setting formed by the mouth of the Dart. You will discover its old pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and some half-timbered buildings.

Your ship will then sail towards the Isles of Scilly, a strange little archipelago whose landscapes seem to have come straight out of Enid Blyton's famous story, The Rockingdown Mystery. Here, long sandy beaches lie alongside green fields, while ruins of old castles stand proud on hilltops.

You will leave England for Ireland where you will discover Kinsale, a charming little port sheltered within the Bandon Estuary.

Your cruise will end in Dublin, the Irish capital brimming with convivial atmosphere and authentic charm.

This voyage takes you to the heart of Alaska going from the mountains of Vancouver to Seward’s monumental scenery. Embark from Vancouver and sail to Ketchikan for an introduction to wild Alaska. Sail to see the majestic Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, then spend time immersed in Skagway’s wild remote beauty. You’ll enjoy a stop in Sitka known for its bears and icy adventures, then a cruise around the majestic Hubbard Glacier awaits before arrival in Seward.

Sail to the heart of Alaska going from Vancouver to Seward with stops that showcase beautiful Alaskan scenery which includes glaciers, forests and fjords, local wildlife including bears, otters and whales, delicious cuisine and Gold Rush towns. Blended with the onboard experience of Silver Nova which will be your home away from home during your Alaskan adventure, providing exquisite comfort and style, it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Witness the wonders of Alaska on this round trip from Vancouver. Start with Ketchikan where you’ll find stunning scenery, brown bears, bald eagles, salmon and charming locals. Icy Straight Point promises unspoiled nature and immersive wilderness experiences such as kayaking, ATV adventures and zip lining. Learn about the Gold Rush history in Skagway, see Icy Bay and Seward. Explore Valdez, admire the Hubbard Glacier and discover Juneau, Sitka, and Wrangell.