Luxury Cruise Holidays Your Way

Sometimes the best way to see a country’s true colours is along its rivers or coastline by boat. Watch the destination reveal itself through the windows, stopping off to get up close to the culture, history and wildlife.

We can seamlessly pair the world’s finest cruises with our luxury tailormade trips on land, creating our bespoke Journeys by Land & Sea. Let our cruise experts reveal a world of travel, where terra and tide meet.

Cruise Holidays

Scott Dunn Choice Cruises

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Ponant Le Dumont-d’Urville

Ancient shores of the Mediterranean with Ponant Le Dumont-d’Urville

10 nights
Departing 7th November 2025 from Athens

With a departure from Athens, PONANT invites you to discover archaeological and historical sites – most of them UNESCO World Heritage sites – on a 11-day cruise to Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain. You will be captivated by an unforgettable voyage aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville in the Mediterranean.

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, visit the National Museum of Magna Graecia in Reggio Calabria, discover the ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, or explore the history-laden streets of the Casbah, the jewel of Algiers ’s heritage. 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 the Greek capital, Athens, 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. You will then set a course for Italian shores. During a stop in Reggio Calabria, stroll along the lungomare against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna. Soon, the contours of bewitching and captivating Sicily will appear. Fall under the spell of its capital, Palermo, where you will be able to visit emblematic sites such as the 12th-century cathedral and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest in Europe.

Le Dumont-d’Urville resumes its journey to head for the Tunisian shores and capital, Tunis. Rome’s great rival, Ancient Carthage, is yours to discover as you visit its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then continues along the coast of nearby Algeria to Annaba, where you visit the archaeological site of Hippo, one of Roman Africa’s main cities.

You will set sail again, heading for “Algiers the White”. The capital of Africa’s largest country, radiant and vibrant, will reveal its centuries of history. In Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wisteria-scented ruins mingle with the sun and the sea, summoning up the Nuptials essays by Albert Camus.

Then the Roman ruins and sumptuous scenery of Cartagena will welcome you before you head for Melilla. This town, an autonomous Spanish enclave, will reveal its rich architectural heritage, between military citadel and Catalan modernism.

The last port of call, Málaga, the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, concludes this journey in the heart of the Big Blue.

£7,100 pp

Luxury Cruise FAQs

  • Which cruise line offers the finest luxury experience?

    Silversea stands as the epitome of traditional luxury cruising, renowned for its impeccable service and refined onboard atmosphere. While some guests appreciate the formal elegance, others may find it quite traditional in approach.

    Explora Journeys delivers the same exceptional luxury standards as Silversea but with a refreshingly contemporary and relaxed ambiance, perfect for those seeking sophistication without formality.

    The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an ultra-intimate experience aboard smaller vessels that feel more like private superyachts. While the experience is undeniably exclusive, the premium pricing reflects this heightened level of intimacy and personalised service.

  • What are the best luxury cruises for adult travellers?

    While none of our luxury cruise partners operate adult-only vessels, Silversea and Seabourn naturally attract a more mature, sophisticated clientele. These cruise lines focus on creating refined atmospheres with world-class spa facilities, cultural enrichment programmes, and elegant social spaces designed for discerning adult travellers seeking tranquil, sophisticated voyages.

  • Which luxury cruises work best for families?

    Explora Journeys excels as the premier choice for luxury family travel. Their ships feature thoughtfully designed spaces for all ages, including a comprehensive kids' club with age-appropriate programming, multiple swimming areas, and active recreation facilities, including pickleball, paddle tennis and basketball courts. The line successfully balances family-friendly amenities with the sophisticated luxury experience parents expect.

  • What makes a cruise ideal for couples seeking romance?

    Every luxury cruise line creates a naturally intimate atmosphere - perfect for couples. While Explora serves families beautifully, Silversea, Seabourn and Four Seasons cater to a more mature clientele, creating inherently romantic environments.

    Four Seasons particularly shines for couples, offering an intimate ship atmosphere with exceptional attention to romantic details, making it ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries or simply reconnecting in an elegant setting.

  • What defines a true luxury cruise experience?

    Luxury cruising is characterised by several key elements that distinguish it from mainstream travel:

    • Intimate Ship Size: Fewer than 1,000 guests ensure personalised attention and uncrowded spaces.
    • Spacious Accommodations: Every suite features significantly more space than traditional cruise cabins, with no interior staterooms - every accommodation includes a private terrace or balcony.
    • Exceptional Dining: World-class restaurants helmed by renowned chefs offer diverse culinary experiences throughout your voyage.
    • Personalised Service: High staff-to-guest ratios ensure attentive, individualised care throughout your journey.
    • All-Inclusive Luxury: Most onboard amenities, dining, and beverages are included, eliminating unexpected expenses.
    • Award-Winning Spas: Full-service wellness facilities offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation spaces.
    • Curated Shore Excursions: Small-group, culturally immersive experiences designed to provide deeper destination connections, with options for completely private tours.

  • Which luxury cruise lines offer the most enriching cultural experiences?

    Explora Journeys stands out for its extensive portfolio of culturally immersive shore excursions. Their destination experts design experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering authentic encounters with local traditions, cuisine, art and history that provide meaningful connections to each port of call.

  • What are the best options for educational and expedition cruising?

    For travellers seeking intellectual enrichment and natural discovery, AE Expeditions leads in expedition-style luxury cruising. Their vessels feature dedicated naturalists, historians and regional experts who provide fascinating insights into wildlife, geology and cultural history -particularly in polar regions.

    Silversea and Seabourn also offer expedition programs with onboard experts and specialised expedition teams, combining luxury amenities with educational exploration for those who want to learn while they travel in comfort.

Meet Our Cruise Travel Specialists

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

What Our Guests Have Said

Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
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  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

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Seamless Service
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  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

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Carefully Curated Collection
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  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
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  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.

Call us on 020 8682 5020 to start planning your holiday

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