Ocean cruises

With featured guest Christine Ockrent, journalist specialising in French and international news and geopolitical questions, author of some fifteen books.

Over 16 days, fall under the spell of the beauty and richness of the Indonesian archipelago and the northern 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 ‘island of gods’, head to mysterious Komodo, a small wild island whose national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among other things, it is home to the famous Komodo dragons, gigantic monitor lizards that can grow more than three metres long. Here you will be able to see them in their natural environment. 

You will then set sail for Flores, the island of flowers, followed by the Alor Archipelago, two destinations where the inhabitants have successfully maintained their age-old traditional lifestyle.

The next port of call on your cruise will be Kalabahi. This authentic destination in the Alor Archipelago provides the opportunity to interact with local people who have preserved their traditional practices and customs.

After calling at the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, you will explore the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), also 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.

Further south, you will discover the Asmat region, one of the most isolated and mysterious areas in the world.

Le Soléal will finally reach Australia to finish on a high note exploring Lizard Island, an island with exceptional marine life, from multicoloured coral to giant clams.

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

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Join us aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville for an exceptional PONANT cruise sailing from Colón to Fort-de-France. This 13-day itinerary will give you the opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of Afro-Caribbean cultures, an azure blue sky and white-sand beaches.

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, explore the mangrove in a traditional canoe from Cartagena de Indias, enjoy hiking in La Quebrada and seeing its waterfall, leaving from Santa Marta, or discover the town of Soufrière, between land and sea, on Saint Lucia. 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 Fort-de-France you will sail towards the ravishing Baie des Saintes, a very popular spot for mooring, with crystal clear waters and fabulous seabeds, before reaching Saint Lucia and its two majestic rocky peaks soaring straight from the sea, a unique location listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Then, you will head south to the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies connects this chain of islands and reveals incredible underwater fauna and secret coves. Next, you will discover the magnificent Bonaire, renowned for its coral reefs protected by a huge marine park and for its pink flamingos, emblematic of the island.

On the north of Columbia’s Caribbean coast, you will reach Santa Marta. This seaside resort is an infinite source of wonder, with its lush tropical forest, beautiful fine sandy beaches and Pre-Columbian treasures. Then, you will visit the city of Cartagena de Indias. Its port, fortress and historic monuments, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer many noteworthy sights.

You will next succumb to the charms of the clear waters of Panama and the San Blas archipelago, composed of more than 300 islands and cays. The Kuna people live among the palm trees and pirogues (small boats); this culture continues, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.

Your last port of call before reaching Colon will be in the magnificent Portobelo Bay, in a region imbued with the traditions of Congo culture. The fortifications of this former gateway to the New World are a UNESCO World Heritage Site !