Ocean cruises

Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following an exceptional PONANT itinerary.  

From Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet.

The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.

During your cruise, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs.

In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.

You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.

On the Lacepede Islands, take the time to admire the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles residing in the lagoon.

Your ship will take you along the most spectacular coasts in the entire region.

With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and tide 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, whilst complying with the necessary safety rules and precautions.

PONANT unveils an idyllic 9-day itinerary in the heart of the Adriatic, along the Italian, Croatian and Slovenian coastlines, featuring age-old vestiges slumbering beneath a golden sun, bustling towns fixed on the crystal-clear horizon and preserved nature, the cradle of a delicious way of life.

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, discover Urbino, birthplace of Raphael and a Renaissance pearl that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Ancona; admire Split, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Diocletian's Palace. 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 Venice the Serenissima, you will sail along Italian shores to Ancona, a charming city acting as the gateway to the region of Le Marche.

You will sail towards the east, along the water. From the idyllic island of Hvar and its sparkling coves to the millennial cities of Dubrovnik and Split, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to, discover the indescribable gentle way of life of the Croatian coastlines.

To the north, in contrast to the wild, confetti-like Kornati Islands, discover Zadar. On the monumental Land Gate, the winged lion that symbolises the City of the Doges still watches over passers-by as they make their way through the narrow streets of this ancient Roman walled city, now a vibrant mix of history and creativity.

Le Boréal will then call at Rovinj, in Istria. A stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town reveals an architecture with Venetian influences, enhanced by the radiant beauty of the Adriatic Sea.

Discover Piran, the last port of call on your journey, a flamboyant little Slovenian seaside resort that was under Venetian influence for more than five centuries, before you return to the City of the Doges.

Dive deep into the region's culture, natural wonders, traditions, and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region's world-renowned museums. Along the way, indulge in Central Europe's delicious cuisine.

Oh, and did we mention the scenery? Standing on the top deck of your ship, watching the ever-changing landscape turn increasingly dramatic, you'll understand why people have been raving about the Rhine River Valley for centuries—and there's definitely no cause to stop.

Jewish Heritage Program: Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues, and more. Due to capacity restrictions, we recommend Jewish Heritage excursions be reserved in advance. Please note: Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed during other significant events, such as Passover.

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.

Join PONANT aboard Le Lapérouse for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. 

Begin your voyage in Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

Sail first towards Alesund, famous for the art nouveau architectural style in which its downtown was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1904. Here you will also find the Atlantic Ocean Park, a unique aquarium featuring marine life found along Norway’s Atlantic coast.

Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord to Geiranger and explore the fjord region overland – including a stop at the Jostedal Glacier National Park Centre – before rejoining your ship in Hellesylt. Alternatively, venture into the mountains to sample goatmilk cheeses and caramels at a local farm.

Continue to Olden. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier.

The following morning, sail the beautiful Lysefjorden. Then, in the afternoon, Le Lapérouse calls in Stavanger. Here, the reconstructed Iron Age village in Ullandhaug introduces you to the life of Norway's earliest inhabitants. The region’s pristine coastal wilderness also offers an opportunity to take an invigorating hike. This afternoon, sail the beautiful Lysefjorden.

From Arendal, visit the Næs Ironworks Museum, which chronicles how iron production changed between 1665 and 1959, and stop in Tvedestrand, a charming village of white wooden houses. Or visit Raet National Park, which was established in 2016 to protect the region’s unique topography.

Your final call is in the lively harbor town of Gothenburg, Sweden. As the home of Volvo, the city boasts the World of Volvo, which features interactive exhibits from the brand’s first vehicles through future technological solutions. The stunning Museum of Fine Arts includes works by Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet.

Your cruise ends in?Oslo, the vibrant Norwegian capital.