Bergen (Norway) - Reykjavik (Iceland)

During these voyages, we are offering you an entirely sea-based crossing, there are no ports of call (except possibly for technical reasons), nor any onboard entertainment or speakers, and no transfers provided. Likewise the catering is less elaborate than for other cruises. Although no entertainment is organised, you are free to discover what life is like aboard our ships by spending time with the crew who will be happy to share their experiences with you. To facilitate embarkation, we suggest that you spend the night before departure in the city that your ship leaves from. Similarly, on the day of disembarkation we advise you to reserve a flight that leaves at the end of that day or the day after your arrival.

Venice

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

Hvar

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that haven’t changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, you will discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. The picturesque village of Vrisnik is a good place to try some of local produce.

Dubrovnik & sailing Bay of Kotor

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic. The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.

Bari

Extending out along a fertile plain facing the Adriatic Sea amid infinite landscapes sculpted by the water and wind, Bari bears the traces of the peoples which, over the centuries, have conquered it, settled it, or simply visited it fleetingly before making their way to faraway lands. Though its exact origins are lost among the mysteries of archaeology, the many sites here provide evidence of the town’s rich past. The Saracens, Byzantines, Normans and Swabians have left a trace here, each bringing their own cultural baggage. During your stop here, stroll along the minuscule streets in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre, where you will find small churches and monuments from bygone eras.

Crossing the Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Nafplion

The engaging town of Nafplion is staggered up green hillsides of the Argolic Gulf, to the east of the Peloponnese. Don’t be surprised by its extremely varied cultural heritage. For instance, you’ll see the ancient agora on the plateau of Akronafplia, Italianate arcades in Syntagma square as well as the baroque fortress of Palamidi on a hillside of the same name. At the top of the hill, views of the gulf and the surrounding mountains are simply awesome. If you want to chill out by the water’s edge, walk along the Arvanitia promenade to a beautiful creek in the shade of cedars and cypresses.

Paros

Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove and offers more than one café to sit and unwind.

Athens

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. Don’t miss anything of the city’s cultural past. Pay a visit to the National Archaeological museum, or the Cycladic Art Museum.

Petropavlovsk - Kamtchatski

Petropavlovsk, the oldest town in the Russian Far East, was established in October 1740, when the ships Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul, captained by Vitus Jonassen Bering, the Danish explorer working for the Russian Navy, first entered the bay. The Military Glory Museum, found in the town centre, is the most important in all of northern Russia. Keep your camera at the ready, though, as nearby is the picturesque Petrovskaya Hill, which also has some surprises in store for you - don’t forget to admire the sumptuous views across the Bay of Avacha from its summit. The bay’s circular shape creates a natural protection against the impetuous wind, all the while providing ships with easy access into port.

At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Attu Island, Aleutian Islands

Located at the western edge of the Aleutian Islands, Attu Island, belonging to the Near Islands group, also represents the westernmost part of the United States. Caught in a vice between the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, it has to contend with a difficult climate, characterised by storms and often violent winds. During the Second World War, it was the scene of a forgotten battle. In June 1942, the Japanese landed on the island in order to occupy it. On 11 May 1943, it was the Americans’ turn to disembark on Attu and drive out their enemy after a fierce battle lasting several days that left very few survivors on the Japanese side.

Kiska Island & Davidof Island

Kiska belongs to the Rat Islands group, located to the west of the Aleutian Islands. It is home to a cone-shaped active volcano, culminating at over 1,200 metres. Along with Attu Island, some kilometres further west, it makes up the only two American territories to have been occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War. During the summer of 1943, American troops disembarked in order to bring this enemy occupation to an end. They discovered, to their surprise, that the Japanese had already fled the island, under the cover of bad weather.
We invite you to discover Davidof Island, a tiny lost island to the west of the Aleutians. Davidof is part of the Rat Islands, a volcanic archipelago. Between the end of the 18th century and the very beginning of the 21st century, rats were the main occupants of these islands, which are now believed to be completely rodent-free. The archipelago, located on the boundary of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, is in an area of very high seismic activity.

Adak Island

Set off to discover Adak Island, in the Aleutian Islands. Located to the west of the Andreanof archipelago, this mountainous and volcanic treeless island, where strong winds and fog are often the order of the day, shows many traces of its past. During the Second World War, the American military set up an airbase there in order to repel the Japanese. Many remnants of this era (shells, abandoned infrastructures, fire hydrants, bunkers) are still visible today. The town of Adak, located to the north of the island, is considered the southernmost city in Alaska. It has seen its population diminish significantly since the military left at the end of the 1990s and lives essentially from fishing.

At sea

Dutch Harbor, Unalaska

During your cruise, discover an exceptional site: Unalaska Island and its port, Dutch Harbor. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, on the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor is the only deep water port in the archipelago. As for the island itself, it offers you unique landscapes: volcanic summits swept by the wind and surrounded by the sea, lush green valleys, sometimes covered with bright summer flowers, sometimes with deep winter snow… Unalaska is not only an island with astonishing nature and very varied wildlife, it is also rich in history, where ancient indigenous cultures and remains from World War II can be seen and their tales be told.

Unga Island, Alaska

After a short Zodiac® journey between the rocks in the company of your naturalist-guides, you will land in a former village of which many vestiges remain: run-down wooden houses scattered around a flowery meadow, a church with crumbling walls but a roof that still stands, a cemetery… Originally called Ougnagok by the Aleuts, this small hamlet, which was home to some 100 inhabitants in the 19th century, was renamed Delarof, after Evstratii Ivanovich Delarov. While working for the Shelikhov-Golikov Company, he was the first Greek mariner to discover the Aleutian Islands. These days, this small ghost-village now overrun by willowherb is called Unga.

Geographic Harbor & Hidden Harbor, Kinak Bay

Here you are in the heart of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Here, the rocky cliffs are punctuated with white marks. These are the remains of ash deposits that accumulated following a volcanic eruption in the past. Board your Zodiac® and, a little further south, explore every part of Geographic Harbor and its tall cliffs covered in vegetation and plunging into the sea. Along the sandy beach, grizzly bears improvise hunting sessions, in search of fish and clams. In the thickets, these omnivores eat berries, roots and grasses. Brown bears are at home here and the presence of humans doesn’t seem to disturb them. This makes for a fascinating and unforgettable show. In the heart of the stunning Katmai nature reserve, renowned for its bewitching landscapes of rivers and lakes, discover Kinak Bay. This bay is more sheltered than Geographic Harbor. At the end of a narrow passage where strong currents flow, it leads to a few small beaches that are each more charming than the next. You have arrived at Hidden Harbor. Stay alert: a large colony of brown bears reigns here. They love to wander along the coast and dip their paws in the clear currents in the hope of catching a salmon. As for the bear cubs, they prefer to catch seabirds on the beach. Look up and you might spot two or three bald eagles, proudly perched on the cliffs.

Holgate Glacier

Exceptional scenery surrounds you. You are in Aialik Bay, in the heart of a gigantic fjord located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Your ship is heading towards the vertiginous slopes of Holgate Glacier, which is still very active. Regularly, blocks of ice break free from its snout and crash into the water. This phenomenon, called calving, is magnificent to witness. During your Zodiac® outing, you will get closer to this ever-fascinating world of ice. In this mineral setting, sea otters and spotted seals will observe you as they bask in the golden rays of sunshine, while gulls and seagulls feast on fish trapped by the ebbing tide.

Tsaa fjord, Icy Bay, Alaska

Formed by the retreat of the Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall glaciers over the past 100 years, Icy Bay is one of those timeless places where silence reigns supreme. Let yourself be enthralled by landscapes of breathtaking beauty, enhanced by magnificent views over the Saint Elias Mountains, visible in the background. The bay, several kilometres wide, is often scattered with icebergs sliding on clear and deep waters. It will let you access several sounds, among which are the Tsaa fjord, very close to the Guyot glacier. Many marine mammals and sea birds have chosen to live on this territory with very few visitors in the south of Alaska, where one can sometimes see bear paw prints on the sand.

Inian Islands & Elfin Cove, Alaska

Located in the heart of the fresh waters of the Icy Strait, between Chicagof Island and the Glacier Bay National Park, the Inian Islands offer a concentration of nature in its raw state. This small group of picturesque islands boasts a particularly rich ecosystem, on land as in the sea. Covered in dense and humid forests, the islands bravely endure the action of the wind and the tides in order to offer their visitors a unique spectacle. During your Zodiac® outing, you will probably be welcomed by a cacophonous orchestra of Steller sea lions. From the rocky islets, they dive into the sea to treat themselves to fresh salmon. Seagulls, Tridactyl gulls, cormorants and sea otters complete this happy scene.
At the tip of an island in the Alexander Archipelago, not far from the Canadian border, peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port surrounded by crystalline waters… It doesn’t get any quainter than this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns. The wonders of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, accessible by a short boat trip, are many.

Juneau

Disembarkation.
In 1880, gold diggers flocked here, and it didn't take long before Juneau was singled out, getting itself a solid reputation and henceforth becoming the capital of Alaska. Along the Gastineau Strait, in the heart of the spectacular Inside Passage, the 31,000 or so inhabitants of Juneau enjoy some of the world’s most incredible fauna and scenery every day of their lives. Perhaps you’ll even be able to watch the antics of humpback whales against a backdrop of majestic glaciers. Culture and shopping are certainly not lacking; the city is full of places to experience, enjoy and relax in.

Nice

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Portoferraio, Elba

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. You can walk in his footsteps in his first imperial residence, the Palazzina dei Mulini, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gorgoglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Porto Santo Stefano

In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.

Gulf of Santa Manza, Corsica

In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the beaches of the Santa Manza Gulf feature among the most beautiful of the island’s beaches. You will enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters, as well as the limestone cliffs and granite rocks that drop down into the water. Here, exploring is of the essence. There’s nothing nicer than to walk from creek to creek along the pinewoods. The big Maora beach, at the end of the bay is the easiest to access. Further north, after a walk along a high track leading to Prisarella, you’ll come across a fabulous view of the gulf.

Bonifacio, Corsica

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Cargèse, Corsica

A picturesque South Corsican fishing port and marina port located very close to Ajaccio, Cargèse is known as “the most Greek of Corsican villages.” In fact, during the 17th century, it sheltered a large Greek colony, seeking refuge from the Turkish invasion in Corsica, which, at the time, was under Genoese control. The town preserves the heritage of this historic event. Besides the Saint-Spyridon Greek church, which faces the Baroque-style Latin church, the town’s traditional houses are white and their shutters blue. The town’s Genoese towers, the Tower of Orchinu and the Tower of Ormigna, also reflect its cultural Genoese heritage.

Calvi, Corsica

Against a rocky outcrop in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi stands out in its whiteness between two sapphire bays. You will most certainly want to stroll around its picturesque old centre, where the gentle clunk of petanque balls can be heard throughout the streets. Amateurs of history can explore the medieval citadel, a small white-stone maze of buildings on the water’s edge, here you can see the house where Christopher Columbus was born. Food lovers will no doubt prefer the covered market, located just behind the charming pink Sainte-Marie-Majeure church; the market regularly proposes a fine selection of local specialities.

Nice

Disembarkation.
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Nice

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Portoferraio, Elba

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. You can walk in his footsteps in his first imperial residence, the Palazzina dei Mulini, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gorgoglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Porto Santo Stefano

In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.

Gulf of Santa Manza, Corsica

In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the beaches of the Santa Manza Gulf feature among the most beautiful of the island’s beaches. You will enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters, as well as the limestone cliffs and granite rocks that drop down into the water. Here, exploring is of the essence. There’s nothing nicer than to walk from creek to creek along the pinewoods. The big Maora beach, at the end of the bay is the easiest to access. Further north, after a walk along a high track leading to Prisarella, you’ll come across a fabulous view of the gulf.

Bonifacio, Corsica

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Cargèse, Corsica

A picturesque South Corsican fishing port and marina port located very close to Ajaccio, Cargèse is known as “the most Greek of Corsican villages.” In fact, during the 17th century, it sheltered a large Greek colony, seeking refuge from the Turkish invasion in Corsica, which, at the time, was under Genoese control. The town preserves the heritage of this historic event. Besides the Saint-Spyridon Greek church, which faces the Baroque-style Latin church, the town’s traditional houses are white and their shutters blue. The town’s Genoese towers, the Tower of Orchinu and the Tower of Ormigna, also reflect its cultural Genoese heritage.

Calvi, Corsica

Against a rocky outcrop in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi stands out in its whiteness between two sapphire bays. You will most certainly want to stroll around its picturesque old centre, where the gentle clunk of petanque balls can be heard throughout the streets. Amateurs of history can explore the medieval citadel, a small white-stone maze of buildings on the water’s edge, here you can see the house where Christopher Columbus was born. Food lovers will no doubt prefer the covered market, located just behind the charming pink Sainte-Marie-Majeure church; the market regularly proposes a fine selection of local specialities.

Nice

Disembarkation.
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Nice

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Portoferraio, Elba

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. You can walk in his footsteps in his first imperial residence, the Palazzina dei Mulini, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gorgoglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Porto Santo Stefano

In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.

Gulf of Santa Manza, Corsica

In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the beaches of the Santa Manza Gulf feature among the most beautiful of the island’s beaches. You will enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters, as well as the limestone cliffs and granite rocks that drop down into the water. Here, exploring is of the essence. There’s nothing nicer than to walk from creek to creek along the pinewoods. The big Maora beach, at the end of the bay is the easiest to access. Further north, after a walk along a high track leading to Prisarella, you’ll come across a fabulous view of the gulf.

Bonifacio, Corsica

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Cargèse, Corsica

A picturesque South Corsican fishing port and marina port located very close to Ajaccio, Cargèse is known as “the most Greek of Corsican villages.” In fact, during the 17th century, it sheltered a large Greek colony, seeking refuge from the Turkish invasion in Corsica, which, at the time, was under Genoese control. The town preserves the heritage of this historic event. Besides the Saint-Spyridon Greek church, which faces the Baroque-style Latin church, the town’s traditional houses are white and their shutters blue. The town’s Genoese towers, the Tower of Orchinu and the Tower of Ormigna, also reflect its cultural Genoese heritage.

Calvi, Corsica

Against a rocky outcrop in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi stands out in its whiteness between two sapphire bays. You will most certainly want to stroll around its picturesque old centre, where the gentle clunk of petanque balls can be heard throughout the streets. Amateurs of history can explore the medieval citadel, a small white-stone maze of buildings on the water’s edge, here you can see the house where Christopher Columbus was born. Food lovers will no doubt prefer the covered market, located just behind the charming pink Sainte-Marie-Majeure church; the market regularly proposes a fine selection of local specialities.

Nice

Disembarkation.
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Nice

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Portoferraio, Elba

In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. You can walk in his footsteps in his first imperial residence, the Palazzina dei Mulini, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gorgoglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.

Porto Santo Stefano

In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.

Gulf of Santa Manza, Corsica

In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the beaches of the Santa Manza Gulf feature among the most beautiful of the island’s beaches. You will enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters, as well as the limestone cliffs and granite rocks that drop down into the water. Here, exploring is of the essence. There’s nothing nicer than to walk from creek to creek along the pinewoods. The big Maora beach, at the end of the bay is the easiest to access. Further north, after a walk along a high track leading to Prisarella, you’ll come across a fabulous view of the gulf.

Bonifacio, Corsica

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Cargèse, Corsica

A picturesque South Corsican fishing port and marina port located very close to Ajaccio, Cargèse is known as “the most Greek of Corsican villages.” In fact, during the 17th century, it sheltered a large Greek colony, seeking refuge from the Turkish invasion in Corsica, which, at the time, was under Genoese control. The town preserves the heritage of this historic event. Besides the Saint-Spyridon Greek church, which faces the Baroque-style Latin church, the town’s traditional houses are white and their shutters blue. The town’s Genoese towers, the Tower of Orchinu and the Tower of Ormigna, also reflect its cultural Genoese heritage.

Calvi, Corsica

Against a rocky outcrop in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi stands out in its whiteness between two sapphire bays. You will most certainly want to stroll around its picturesque old centre, where the gentle clunk of petanque balls can be heard throughout the streets. Amateurs of history can explore the medieval citadel, a small white-stone maze of buildings on the water’s edge, here you can see the house where Christopher Columbus was born. Food lovers will no doubt prefer the covered market, located just behind the charming pink Sainte-Marie-Majeure church; the market regularly proposes a fine selection of local specialities.

Nice

Disembarkation.
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is neighboured by the Baie des Anges. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the shoreline. Don’t forget to explore the Château hill. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. If you want to plunge into Nice’s diverse cultural heritage, visit the Lascaris palace with its baroque decorations. The museums dedicated to painters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall are an absolute must.

Stockholm

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Helsinki

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.

Saint Petersburg

Founded in 1703 by Tzar Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg has kept its original aura and is still one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Bathed by the waters of the Neva, the “Venice of the North” boasts an impressive wealth of historic and artistic features. From the emblematic Nevsky Propect, the city’s main thoroughfare, exploring the city by foot is a pleasure. With its baroque cathedrals, imperial palaces, suspended bridges, theatres and museums, Saint Petersburg is a jewel of a city. To make the experience even quainter, take a boat ride along the canals though the ancient capital of the Czars.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg

Tallin

Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. To get a taste of this town’s rich past, you can also visit the Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle. Try some of the local dishes, such as the smoked herring, roast elk and salmon with wild berries.

Visby

This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications at Dalmans gate and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.

Gdansk

This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.

Copenhagen

Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorebrod, a traditional dish composed of several kinds of smoked fish.

Copenhagen

Disembarkation.

From Broome to Hong Kong

Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong. Board Le Lapérouse for an all-new 38-day cruise to the heart of Oceania and Asia, with an emphasis on expedition. departing from Broome, you will begin your trip by exploring the Kimberley region, one of the last frontiers of the modern world: wildlife, natural phenomena, and encounters with the Aboriginal people are on the agenda. Your journey will then continue with a series of encounters with West Papua tribes: accompanied by naturalist-guides, you will learn about the daily life of these ethnic groups with ancestral rituals and visit their traditional villages. Finally, the crossing from Bali to Hong Kong will be your chance to discover the Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos, their cultures, landscapes, fauna and flora, before disembarking in Hong Kong after a trip filled with striking contrasts and unforgettable experiences.

Australia

Ports of call;
Broome, Lacepede Islands, Talbot Bay, Freshwater Cove, Montgomery Reef, Raft Point, Hunter River & Mitchell Falls, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River, Darwin

Australia - Asia

Ports of call;
Darwin, Kei Islands, Triton Bay, Banda Neira, Ambon, Tomia, Kalabahi, Pink Beach Loh liang, Bali

Asia

Ports of call;
Bali, Semarang, Parai beach, Singapore, Kuching, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Hong Kong

Are you a World Explorer?

Seward (Anchorage)

Seward is located on the Kenai peninsula, south of Anchorage. This bustling port, built for the fishing and shipbuilding industries, will show you just how vibrant it is, with its shops and galleries.

Barry Arm Fjord & College Fjord

A secret inlet in a hewn-out bay on the southern coast of Alaska, College Fjord features outstandingly rich glacier scenery. Come and admire the five tidewater glaciers and high-altitude glaciers. These glaciers were named after the prestigious US East Coast schools attended by the professors who first laid eyes on them at the end of the 19th century. The setting is awe-inspiring, but don’t forget to listen out for the thunderous crack as great pillars of ice break off from the glaciers… Or would you rather be charmed by the song of the seals?

Cordova

Hubbard Glacier

Located in Yakutat bay, Disenchantment Bay is a feast for the eyes. Happy explorers of this sublime wilderness, you will perhaps surprise a seal, an otter. Into this fjord flows Hubbard glacier, the largest North American tidewater glacier. Its front dates from about 400 years ago. This was the time it took for the first ice to cross the 122 kilometres separating it from the sea. Sometimes, chunks of this ice wall break off and fall into the water: a vision that leaves you utterly speechless!

Elfin Cove & Inian Island

At the tip of an island in the Alexander Archipelago, not far from the Canadian border, peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port surrounded by crystalline waters… It doesn’t get any quainter than this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns. The wonders of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, accessible by a short boat trip, are many.

Red Bluff Bay & Rowan Bay

When you arrive in Red Bluff bay, you will be overwhelmed by its beauty and natural surroundings. Here, summits etch the sky, and the waterfalls cascade through luxuriant forest. Yet this haven of peace owes its name to its red cliffs, on which practically nothing grows. The contrast of greens and reds in this pristine land of south-east of Alaska where nature reigns is striking. You may spot a shoal of salmon, a few brown bears lumbering nonchalantly along the water’s edge or hear the cries of mergansers.

The Brothers & Kake

Endicott

Petersburg & Wrangell Narrows

Picture this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance - snow-capped mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns. The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales. Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems and sculptures.

Rudyerd Bay & Twin Island

Pine Island & at sea

Seymour Narrows

Your ship will sail along Discovery Passage, between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island. As the channel tapers, you will arrive at Seymour Narrows, a narrow, 5-km long passage which, in the past, posed a significant challenge for sailors. Between 1850 and 1950, some one hundred ships hit the rocks hidden under the water, and the outcome was often fatal. At the time, due to the strong currents that run through Seymour Narrows, it was considered to be one of the most dangerous waterways in British Columbia. But in 1955, the decision was made to blow up Ripple Rock, two submerged rocks responsible for most of the shipwrecks. This historic explosion made access to this passage much safer.

Vancouver

Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of Gastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants and a huge produce market.

Please Note: subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

From Seward to Valparaiso

On this exceptional itinerary, Le Soléal will take you to discover the contrasts of the American continents. Alaska, the first stage of your expedition, will offer you its wild and unspoiled natural environment, with primary forests that are home to a rich and varied fauna, Your ship will then continue to make its way along the west coast of North America, where an entirely different world awaits you: the gigantic proportions of the major Canadian and Californian cities. Further on, your expedition turns tropical in the UNESCO-listed Sea of Cortez, where you'll find incredibly rich marine life. Next, you'll sail to Latin America for its nature reserves, idyllic islands, and to meet the local populations. Your stay will be punctuated by visits to major pre-Columbian sites and towns with a rich colonial baroque heritage.

Alaska - North America

Ports of call;
Seward, Fjord Barry Arm, Fjord College, Cordova, Glacier Hubbard, Elfin Cove, Inian Islands, Red Bluff Bay, Rowan Bay, The Brothers, Kake, Endicott Arm, Petersburg, Wrangell Narrows, Rudyerd Bay, Seymour Narrows, Vancouver

North America

Ports of call;
Vancouver, Victoria, San Francisco, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego

North America - Latin America

Ports of call;
San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Coronado Island, Danzante Island, Monserrat Island, Puerto Agua Verde, Punta Colorada, Bahia Amortajada, Los Islotes, Partida Island, Espiritu Santo Island, Cerralvo Island, Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal

North America - Latin America

Ports of call;
Puerto Quetzal, San Juan del Sur, Puerto Caldera, Cocos Island, Cebaco, Pacheca Island, Fuerte Amador, Punta Alegre, Bahia Solano, Guayaquil

Latin America

Ports of call;
Guayaquil, Salaverry, Callao, Pisco, Matarani, Arica, Iquique, Coquimbo, Valparaiso

Are you a World Explorer?

Reykjavik

This attractive harbour city is located just a few kilometres from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. Arriving by sea, you'll see fishing boats moored in Hafnarfjörður's bays and volcanic rocks; Hafnarfjörður is built on an ancient field of lava flow. In the town centre, basalt rocks point you in the direction of the historic houses of Sivertsen and Siggubær : their interiors and period furniture bring old Iceland back to life before your very eyes. Not far from here is a spectacular coastal walk and warm geothermal pools.

At sea

Ammassalik Island

Nansen Harbor

Welcome to this small, sheltered bay on the east coast of Greenland some 200 km south of Tasiilaq, for a date with history and the ice. When your ship calls here, you will have the opportunity to visit the vestiges of ancient peat houses from the Thule civilisation. Then, after navigating through the ice, you will reach the departure point of the first ever crossing of the Greenland ice sheet, led in 1888 by Fridtjof Nansen, a great Norwegian polar explorer. This is a magical place where you can climb a gentle slope to reach the ice sheet’s first foothills and get a better idea of just how gigantic it is.

Skjoldungen

Discover Skjoldungen Island on the south-east coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle you. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance: it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which you will be able to admire more closely when you land here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear, or the common raven.

Prins Christian Sund

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night…

Narsaq

After sailing in the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs − large masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colours. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland. It is known for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich, grassy plains to the town’s north. This rather rare activity reflects a past and a technique inherited from the Vikings. Admire the stunning interplay of colours between the multi-coloured house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue, and dive into the Scandinavian history of Narsaq by visiting the local museum. A unique experience.

At sea

Rigolet

L'anse-aux-Meadows, Newfoundland

At sea

Perce

If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Perce, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Perce owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighbouring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.

Saguenay

The city of Saguenay nestles in a valley through which flows the eponymous river, one of the region’s treasures. As it joins the Saint-Lawrence, the Saguenay River forms a spectacular fjord boasting extraordinarily differing landscapes. From Saguenay, you can explore the attractive Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. You can combine country walks with boat trips within the various national parks studded throughout this extraordinary natural kingdom.

Tadoussac

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multi-coloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

Quebec City

The capital of La Belle Province sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall ﾖ a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.

Please Note: subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.