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.

We invite you to join us on a circumnavigation of Sicily, a crossroads of the many historical civilizations—Greek, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Norman—that have flourished along the shores of the Mediterranean.

Setting sail from Malta, your first stop in Sicily is Porto Empedocle, gateway to the fabled Greek temples of Agrigento, among the most captivating ruins in the entire Mediterranean.

Next cross the sea to Tunisia. From Tunis, travel to storied Carthage, a Phoenician stronghold from the 9_th_ century BC until it was conquered by the Romans in 146 BC. The site includes several important Phoenician remains, including Tophet, the sanctuary of the gods Tanit and Baal, as well as many monuments from the Roman period. Also explore the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Back in Sicily, after rounding the western tip of the island, you arrive in Trapani for an excursion into the countryside and the ancient Doric temple of Segesta or to medieval Erice, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea.

Your fifth day aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville brings you to Palermo, founded by the Phoenicians in 827 BC and becoming one of Europe’s greatest cities in the 12th century, when the Normans took control. Here you will visit Cappella Palatina, a Byzantine-Arab-Norman structure featuring dazzling mosaics and magnificent inlaid marble floors and walls. Or drive to nearby Monreale to explore its famed Norman cathedral.

In Lipari, discover the 16th-century Norman castle-turned-archaeological museum on the site of an ancient acropolis before sailing in the evening to Stromboli, whose active volcano provides the backdrop as you cruise around the island.

From Stromboli, your ship sails through the Strait of Messina to arrive at Taormina on Sicily's east coast. Visit a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, or tour Taormina town with its emblematic Greek theater offering dramatic views of the coastline.

The final port of call before your voyage comes to an end in Valletta is Syracuse, colonized by Greeks in the 8th century BC only to grow to rival Athens as one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. You will visit the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus and the 15,000 seat Greek theater or Ortygia, the old town and its Baroque cathedral.

Your voyage ends back in Valletta.

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country's breathtaking backdrops, wines, and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks, and magnificent vineyards where you'll be treated to a sampling of quintessentially French experiences.

Embark on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers' market visit, and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. Join us on a showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.

Premium Golf Package (select dates): Available on select summer 2026 departures, our Premium Golf Package includes 18-hole rounds at two different courses in the Bordeaux region and special inclusions designed with golfers in mind. Due to capacity restrictions, the golf package must be reserved in advance.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region's incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon's majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience "Village Day" in enchanting Viviers. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind. Explore unforgettable "Burgundy & Provence" where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.

Cruise from Paris through Normandy's countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet's beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.

Experience a different side of Northern France's history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

See the best of Paris in one of three ways: via panoramic tour, a bicycle ride along the Seine, or a walk through the Latin Quarter with a local guide. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing atop the cliffs of Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.

With PONANT, set off to discover Baffin Bay all the way to the mythical Northwest Passage during a 20-day expedition cruise aboard L’Austral. Leaving from Kangerlussuaq, explore the heart of this historic maritime route and set off for an unforgettable stay among the Arctic’s most beautiful landscapes.

First of all, you will explore the western coast of Greenland which will welcome you with its majestic icebergs in Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its colourful villages encircled by mountains and basalt formations. This is the ideal opportunity for meeting the local population and learning about Greenland Inuit culture.

Then set sail for the Nunavut province in Northern Canada, to approach the entrance of the Northwest Passage. Amundsen was the first to pave the way on this northern route between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which long remained just a theory for navigators and scientists. On Beechey Island, retrace the steps of the Franklin expedition, before marvelling at the sublime canyon at Fury Beach.

Throughout your trip, you will enter grandiose fjords and sail at the edge of the ice floes, in the hope of glimpsing the polar bear, the lord of the Far North. After Bellot Strait, the narrow passage of Coningham Bay will provide the perfect spot for an encounter with majestic belugas. In Artic Bay, you will meet the inhabitants of an Inuit village and will be able to build unique relationships.

The exploration of nature and wildlife and, above all, the polar history linked to this mythical route are the common theme of this journey, which will let you experience magic and unforgettable moments. The raw beauty of the Arctic offers an unforgettable backdrop, while the team of on-board naturalists sharpens your adventurer's soul. With a keen eye, you will scan the coastlines, fjords and glaciers in search of traces of life – a colony of walruses, a polar bear, beluga, northern fulmar, guillemot, Arctic tern, black-legged kittiwake… – and comprehend the historic places that bear witness to this iconic passage.

We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current 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, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.?