Ocean cruises

Relax at the beach clubs looking out to the sapphire sea on Mykonos, and walk through the strikingly white-painted, terraced towns of Santorini’s caldera. The expansive ancient ruins of Ephesus are within easy reach from Kusadasi and are a perfect primer for even more historic exploration on Crete, with its Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian influences.

 

View Sample Shore Experiences in the Mediterranean.

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 (select sailings): 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.

Majestic volcanoes, fertile valleys, iconic ancient sites, and enchanting islands… Set off to discover the gems of Sicily, the shores of Malta, and the Amalfi Coast. Over the course of this 10-day journey, Le Boréal will take you to the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations, unveiling legendary sites. Along these sun-drenched shores, historic cities will open the doors to their ancient treasures and reveal their age-old secrets, while the untamed beauty of the Mediterranean coastline will showcase its full splendor.

You will begin your cruise in Valletta. This capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many historical sites: St John's Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and the churches of Our Lady of Victory, Saint Catherine and il Gesù.

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

Then you will head towards Trapani. 750 metres (2,460 feet) up, perched on a high triangular plateau sloping down to the sea, this medieval city is a labyrinth of polished, paved narrow streets and alleyways with superb views over the Aegadian Islands and the valley.

A cultural jewel of Sicily, Palermo is a splendid witness to three thousand years of history where you will be able to visit emblematic landmarks such as the 12th-century cathedral and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest theatres in Europe.

A little further north, 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.

Then, sail in front of Stromboli, an active volcano whose crater regularly erupts with lava flows.

Your ship will then head for the Amalfi Coast, the jewel of Southern Italy, where you will visit Salerno, a superb little town particularly renowned for its Duomo.

Le Boréal will set sail north-east, to the tip of the Italian boot, for Reggio de Calabre. Fall under the spell of the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region, in this charming city with its Art Nouveau and Belle Époque influences, as well as the outstanding panoramas provided by the lungomare, the sea front promenade, of the Sicilian coastline and Etna.

You will take the sea to discover 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.

Then, you will set sail for Syracuse, one of the most prestigious Sicilian cities, whose monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

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

As the cradle of ancient Greek, Roman and Phoenician civilisations, a link between peoples and a cultural crossroads, the Mediterranean embodies the fascinating encounter between East and West, where cultures have blended and intermingled for millennia. Le Champlain invites you on a 11-day journey between the Eternal City and the City of the Gods to discover the riches of the Mediterranean, its ancient remains, legendary tales and magnificent coastline, in late autumn, far from the crowds, when the exceptional archaeological sites regain some of their millennial calm.

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; explore the archaeological site of Delphi from Itea; or discover the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio. 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 Civitavecchia, you will head for the Amalfi Coast, the jewel of Southern Italy, where you will visit Salerno, a superb little town renowned for its Duomo.

In the southernmost part of “the Boot”, you sail off the coast of Calabria with a stopover in Reggio Calabria. You can stroll along the lungomare against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna. In Catania, discover the many baroque monuments that helped the city earn its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Puglia, Gallipoli, meaning “beautiful town” in Greek, reveals its Hellenic origins and offers up its singular atmosphere, where life is good.

Le Champlain will then cross the Ionian Sea to Parga, its first port of call in Greece. Fall under the spell of this charming fishing port, dominated by a fortress built by the Normans in the 14th century.

You will then sail to the Peloponnese, to discover Katakolon. From the port, you can get to Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose ruins bear witness to past grandeur.

You 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.

After your mythical and remarkable crossing of the Corinth Canal, you will arrive in Nafplio. It is an opportunity to discover the mythical sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae, respectively a ancient theatre and a pre-Hellenic city, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then you stop off at Hydra, a small island of old-worldly charm where motorised traffic is banned.

Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, marks the end of this exceptional odyssey.