Ocean cruises

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Bellot for an 9-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes.

Depart from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the United States’ “brew city,” and begin your voyage by sailing the length of Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea, following in the footsteps of the region’s indigenous Americans, first settlers, and trappers.

On Mackinac Island, explore the island’s Victorian past by horse and buggy before continuing to Sault Ste. Marie, where you will have the opportunity to transit the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks for a foray into Lake Superior. 

Your next lake, Lake Huron, boasts myriad islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Here you will discover the quaint town of Little Current, gateway to Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. Then explore the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the fantastic UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay.

From your call in Port Colborne, you will be able to see the impressive Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle. Le Bellot will then sail the Welland Canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

You will end in cosmopolitan and dynamic Toronto, Ontario, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Canada’s largest city will charm you with its museums, parks, and gardens.

From the pearl of the French Riviera to the splendid Maltese capital, set sail on an 11-day cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. Aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, discover the Isle of Beauty and the Italian shores 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 Napoleon’s residences in Portoferraio; or discover the Greco-Roman ancient theatre from Taormina. 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, you will set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, you will experience a wild and authentic Corsica. A little further south, at the foot of the mountains of Cap Corse and the Agriates desert, the beauty of the landscapes gives Saint-Florent a picture-postcard appearance. 

After a port of call at Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spent many days in exile, you will 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.

Your exploration will continue to the Tuscan Island of Giglio. Then, your ship will stop at Porto Ercole, a charming Tuscan village with colourful houses, on the Monte Argentario peninsula. Here, you will have the possibility of meeting fishermen from the Orbetello Lagoon as well as local producers. The peninsula’s rolling and lush landscapes will also provide you with opportunities for magnificent outings.

A little further south, you will discover the Aeolian islands. Lipari is the capital of the Aeolian volcanic archipelago and is renowned for its many natural and architectural gems.

Taormina, overlooking Etna’s blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta.

Fall under the spell of Melanesia, a vast South Pacific island world where nature and ancestral cultures find powerful expression. In Papua New Guinea, the deep forest and jagged landscapes are home to various communities, the heirs to age-old traditions. Further east, the Solomon Islands unveil their luxuriant scenery around Honiara, with verdant hills and shores brimming with history. Vanuatu extends this immersion with its volcanic islands and deep bays. On the island of Espiritu Santo, Luganville offers an authentic island atmosphere, a gateway to preserved landscapes, before Champagne Beach reveals itself between expanses of white sand and turquoise water. Not far away, the enchanting Mystery Island, with its captivating lagoons and immaculate beaches, promises a tropical haven where nature and serenity come together.

Sailing from Saint-Tropez to Corsica may feel like you never left the French Riviera, thanks to the island’s glamorous beaches and fresh markets brimming with local produce, cheeses and charcuterie. With three days here, you’ll also find striking landscapes to explore, from the dramatic red cliffs on the Gulf of Porto to the inland Spelunca Gorges. Sardinia and Portofino add a taste of Italy to this journey. 

 

View Sample Shore Experiences in the Mediterranean.