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.

The waterways of eastern Canada and northern New England are among the loveliest in the world. The rock-bound coast, soaring cliffs, and idyllic waterfront villages have drawn visitors for more than one hundred years.

From Toronto, your first full day aboard ship is spent navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway, a network of lakes, canals, and locks that provides deep-water passage from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River.

Montréal, the first of four calls in Québec, is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where you may tour the charming Old Town or explore the arts scene along St. Laurent Boulevard. Québec City, with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and historic battlements, is one of North America’s most romantic spots. Tadoussac, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Canada, sits at the mouth of the Saguenay River, an area famous for the whales that congregate there to feed.

The colonial seaport of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island was the site of the conference in 1864 that set the stage for Canada's unification, and it is also home to the Anne of Green Gables House—inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel.

Cap-aux-Meules, in the Magdalen Islands of Québec, is a fascinating Acadian stronghold, where the legacy of the 17th-century colonists who settled here and defended their autonomy against both British and French lives on.

Nova Scotia is next, offering two historical towns for discovery. From charming Sydney on Cape Breton Island, you may visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through the reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement. And Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

A day at sea brings you to Portland, Maine, once a bustling seaport, and now a center of arts and entertainment, where galleries, boutiques and cafés share the limelight with the seafaring traditions of an earlier time. Disembark the following day in Boston.

The Greek Isles offer a captivating blend of history and beauty. Cliffside monasteries on Amorgos and Santorini and the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes combine ancient architecture with panoramic views of the sea. On the shore you’ll find striking alabaster rock formations on Milos, and you’ll also have the chance to enjoy the boutique seaside resort of Bodrum on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. 

 

View Sample Shore Experiences in the Mediterranean.

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.