Ocean cruises

Over 13 days, fall under the spell of the beauty and richness of the Indonesian archipelago and the nordern shores of Australia. Aboard Le Soléal, take an exceptional expedition cruise with PONANT, sailing from island to island, from idyllic landscapes to unforgettable encounters.

From the aptly-named ‘Island of Gods’, you will make a first port of call at on the island of Sumbawa before arriving on mysterious Komodo, a small wild island whose national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home among other things to the famous Komodo dragons, gigantic monitor lizards that can grow more than 3 metres long, that you will be able to see in their natural environment. 

You will then sail to Flores, the flower island, followed by the Alor Archipelago, two destinations where the locals have successfully preserved their ancient, traditional way of life. After calling at the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, you will explore the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), known as “the Spice Islands”, and make a stop on the island of Banda Neira, marked by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

Le Soléal will continue on to the Indonesian province of West Papua to give you the opportunity to admire the Kiti-Kiti Waterfall. Surrounded by lush vegetation, you will undoubtedly be tempted to swim or snorkel at the foot of this stunning natural site.

Then, you will sail to the heart of Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands.

Before finishing your cruise in Darwin, you will sail to the Kai Islands, located in the heart of the Moluccas. These hidden jewels, surrounded by incredibly blue water, are home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

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.                                                              

The eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea – the Dalmatian Coast – is rich in the culture and art of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque worlds and home to some of the most charming and welcoming towns and villages to be found anywhere.

Your voyage begins in Venice, the city of canals, from where you will sail the Adriatic Sea south towards the Dalmatian Coast.

Call first on the island of Hvar and tour the island’s charming principal town. Or you may choose to visit a lavender farm in the countryside and enjoy some of the most beautiful views available along the Croatian coast.

The port of Ploce serves as your gateway to the Bosnian city of Mostar, which under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving administrative and cultural center. Severely damaged in the military conflict of the 1990s, the town was declared a World Heritage site and now showcases what the restoration work of UNESCO can accomplish.

Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik, despite a devastating earthquake in 1667 and the ravages of many wars, is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover Dubrovnik's old city on a guided tour or visit the surrounding countryside before enjoying time at leisure to explore this marvelous city on your own in the evening.

Be on deck as Le Boréal sails into the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. This delightful town is the pride of Montenegro, and you will have a full day to explore its richly varied history.

Continue down the coast to the Albanian port of Sarandë, from which you may travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, whose ruins span 2,500 years and include the remains of a Greek acropolis, Roman theater, and 19th-century fortress.

From the charming fishing village of Katakolon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Olympia or visit a family-owned agriturismo for a sampling of local delicacies and traditional Greek music and dancing.

Your journey comes to an end as your ship sails into Athens.