Cruises

Explore the World in Luxury

Discover the world’s most extraordinary destinations with Ponant, the global leader in small-ship luxury expeditions. Each voyage combines French sophistication, immersive discovery, and five-star service aboard state-of-the-art expedition yachts.

From the icy fjords of Norway to the sun-drenched lagoons of Tahiti, Ponant takes travellers to remote and remarkable places, all while sailing sustainably with a focus on culture, nature, and comfort.

Featured Voyages
Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Embark on a cultural and natural odyssey through northern Europe. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland and Norway, where historic castles meet towering fjords. This 8-day voyage offers exclusive lectures by Smithsonian Journeys experts, curated excursions, and onboard elegance that redefines expedition cruising.
26 June 26 departure | 8 Days | Priced From AUD $11,630 per person

A Celebration of Art – Featuring the 61st Venice Art Biennale

Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture on this special Ponant voyage celebrating the Venice Biennale — one of the world’s most prestigious art events. Sail from Trieste to Venice, exploring the Adriatic’s coastal treasures while indulging in onboard French fine dining and curated shore excursions.
1 July 26 departure | 9 Days | Priced From AUD $11,720 per person

Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean

Sail into myth and beauty through Greece’s most enchanting islands, Santorini, Rhodes, Patmos, and beyond. From ancient ruins to crystal-blue bays, experience Mediterranean culture with authentic cuisine, guided heritage tours, and Ponant’s signature all-inclusive service.
Departure 08 Oct 26 | 8 Days | Priced From AUD $10,550 per person

Tahiti & The Society Islands

Paradise perfected, discover Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine on this intimate luxury cruise through French Polynesia. Swim among coral gardens, relax on white-sand beaches, and embrace the spirit of the islands aboard Le Paul Gauguin or Le Boréal.
14 Nov 2026 & 12 Dec 2026 | 7 Nights | Priced From AU$7,770 per person

Each Ponant voyage includes fine dining, open bar, shore excursions, onboard lectures, and luxurious accommodation.

Contact Shore Travel to secure your 2026 Ponant voyage today,  limited availability across these luxury expeditions.

Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean

8 Days | Athens Roundtrip - 8 days from $10,550.00 per person, until 08 Oct 26.

Description

Discover the Timeless Wonders of the Aegean with Ponant’s Le Dumont d'Urville

Sail through Homer’s legendary "wine-dark sea" on a luxurious journey aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, where ancient history and modern elegance blend seamlessly. Departing from Athens, this curated voyage takes you to iconic islands and storied cities—each stop rich with myth, culture, and natural beauty.

Walk in the footsteps of saints on Patmos, explore Crusader castles in Rhodes, and uncover Minoan secrets in Crete. From the spiritual serenity of Amorgos to the sacred ruins of Delos and the cosmopolitan charm of Mykonos, every destination offers a unique slice of Aegean life. Cap off your adventure with visits to the legendary sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus before returning to Athens.

This is the Aegean as you’ve never seen it—intimate, inspiring, unforgettable.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution USA , have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment and wildlife. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts.

Highlights

• A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
  Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.\
• Delve into the Homeric age of heroes at Mycenae, and the even earlier Bronze Age civilization preserved on Crete.
• See the cave on Patmos where John the Evangelist had visions of the Apocalypse.
• Stroll the medieval streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhodes Town.
• Marvel at the sheer number and variety of temples and shrines on tiny Delos, another UNESCO World Heritage site
• Discover an earlier, simpler way of life as it is still lived on Amorgos.
• Relax and refresh in the cafés and shops for which Mykonos is famous.

Pricing

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

from

AUD$10,550

per person twin share

What's Included

INCLUDED SERVICES ON ALL OUR CRUISES

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites³
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges

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.

Your Ship

Le Dumont d’Urville invites you to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the world in unparalleled style and comfort. This luxurious small expedition ship, part of PONANT’s Explorer series, offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere designed for discovery. With sleek French design, eco-friendly technology, and personalized service, Le Dumont d’Urville blends sophistication with adventure. Whether you're sailing through remote polar landscapes or vibrant coastal cities, each journey is enriched by expert-led excursions, immersive cultural experiences, and refined onboard amenities. From the serene spa to the innovative Blue Eye underwater lounge, every detail is crafted to elevate your voyage into an unforgettable experience.

A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Art Biennale

9 Days | Valetta to Venice - 9 days from $11,720.00 per person, until 1 July 26.

This carefully curated journey from Valletta to Venice explores the artistic and architectural wonders of Sicily and Italy’s Adriatic coast. Highlights include ancient Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse, Baroque splendor in Lecce, Renaissance gems in Urbino, and Ravenna’s dazzling Byzantine mosaics.

Begin in Syracuse, once a rival to Athens, where you can tour its vast archaeological park or the historic island of Ortygia. In Otranto, visit the restored Castello Aragonese and mosaic-filled cathedral, or venture to Lecce to admire its ornate Barocco Leccese style. From Bari, travel to UNESCO-listed Alberobello, famed for its unique trulli houses.

In Ancona, choose between exploring the Renaissance heart of Jesi or discovering Urbino’s artistic legacy, including the Palazzo Ducale and Raphael’s birthplace. Then, in Ravenna, marvel at early Christian churches and their world-renowned mosaics, including those at San Vitale and Galla Placidia.

Conclude your voyage with two days in Venice during the 61st Biennale. Enjoy exclusive access to major exhibitions, including private tours of the Pinault Collection at Punta della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi—culminating in a festive farewell dinner in a Venetian palace.

Highlights

• A specially tailored voyage including transfers before and after your cruise and an included excursion in each port of call.
• Engaging lectures and discussions aboard with accompanying art experts, including Adrien Meyer, Global Head of Private Sales, Co-Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art, and Chief Auctioneer, and Kathryn Widing, Senior Vice President, Senior Specialist in Post-War & Contemporary Art and Head of the 21st Century Evening Sale, both of Christie’s Auction House.
• Two full days of exclusive access to exhibits and events of the Venice Biennale, including exclusive visits and dinner at the museums of the Pinault Collection.
• The Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse.
• The unique Baroque/Rococo architecture of Lecce.
• The Renaissance art of the National Gallery of the Marche.
• The trulli houses of Alberobello.

Lower deck balcony stateroom

from AUD$11,720 per person, twin share

INCLUDED SERVICES ON ALL OUR CRUISES

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites³
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT themed voyages that are specially tailored for 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.

Your Ship

Le Bougainville, the third ship in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, combines elegant design, cutting-edge technology, and an open layout that keeps you connected to the sea. With an intimate size and state-of-the-art equipment, it offers a refined cruising experience to some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.

A day on board begins with a delicious breakfast in your cabin or the restaurant, followed by expertly guided excursions ashore. Enjoy gourmet lunches and French-inspired dinners accompanied by live piano music. Between adventures, relax with spa treatments, fitness sessions, or engaging lectures. Evenings come alive with concerts, dance, and film screenings, making every day a perfect blend of discovery, comfort, and entertainment.

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

8 Days | Glasgow to Bergen - 8 days from $11,630.00 per person, until 26 June 26.

Join PONANT for an unforgettable 8-day expedition from Glasgow to Bergen, blending the wild beauty of Scotland with the majestic landscapes of Norway.

Sail from Scotland’s cultural capital to the mystical Loch Ness and whisky-rich Fort William. Discover the dramatic Isle of Skye and iconic Eilean Donan Castle, then explore Orkney’s ancient Standing Stones and the prehistoric wonders of Shetland.

Cross the North Sea to the Norwegian village of Olden, gateway to the stunning Briksdal Glacier. Ride the famous Flåm Railway through breathtaking mountain scenery before concluding in Bergen, home to the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen.

An extraordinary voyage through history, nature, and northern charm.

Smithsonian

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution USA , have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment and wildlife. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts.

Highlights

• A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
• Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  An exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Bryggen
  An opportunity to visit Eilean Donan castle on the Scottish mainland and to sail the waters of storied Loch Ness.
• A chance to tour a distillery and sample the region’s famous scotch whisky.
• A visit to the magnificent Isle of Skye.
• A discovery of two archipelagos in the north of Scotland – Shetland and Orkney – to delve into the Neolithic and Viking history that abounds there.
• A sailing through the spectacular fjords of Norway, with two stops to visit a glacier and embark on a train journey on the famed Flåm Railway.

Pricing

Upper decks balcony stateroom

from AUD$13,490per person twin share

INCLUDED SERVICES ON ALL OUR CRUISES

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included² (a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot beverages)
24-hour room service
Butler service for certain suites³
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges

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.

Your Ship

Part of PONANT’s luxurious Explorer series, Le Champlain offers an intimate, refined, and modern small-ship experience that blends French sophistication with cutting-edge design.

With just 92 staterooms and suites—all with private balconies—Le Champlain provides a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service, echoing the feel of a private yacht. The ship is equipped with world-class amenities, including a panoramic lounge, infinity pool, and gourmet dining inspired by French culinary excellence.

A highlight is the innovative Blue Eye lounge—an underwater, multisensory space offering a unique view into the ocean world below the surface.

Built for expedition cruising without sacrificing comfort, Le Champlain is designed to navigate remote and pristine destinations while delivering a five-star travel experience.

Tahiti & Society Islands

7 Nights | Papeete, Tahiti Roundtrip - 7 nights from $7,770.00 per person, 14 Nov 2026 & 12 Dec 2026.

Description

From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on an 8-day voyage through enchanting Tahiti and the Society Islands. Set sail aboard Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable exploration of idyllic islands and atolls.

This cruise offers a perfect introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the South Pacific, taking you to destinations that inspired renowned authors like James A. Michener and Herman Melville, and artists such as Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse.

Prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning landscapes of Huahine, the turquoise waters of Motu Mahana—our private vanilla-scented haven—the luxurious lagoon of Bora Bora with its iconic volcanic silhouette, and Moorea with its lush pineapple plantations and verdant peaks.

Explore the wonders of French Polynesia, from pearl farms to pristine white sandy beaches. Surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, these islands are among the most beautiful in the world, teeming with incredible wildlife and natural splendour.

Pricing

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom 

From

$7,770*

*AUD Pricing per person, twin share

• Luxury Stateroom with Premium amenities 
• All onboard meals in a choice of restaurants 
• 24 hour room service 
• Open Bar and in room mini bar 
• Destination Lectures & Nightly Entertainment 
• Unlimited Wifi 

Your Ship

In September 2019, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises became a part of the PONANT family, while preserving its unique character. It maintains a relaxed, international ambiance and specialised knowledge of its destinations, distinguishing it from PONANT’s other vessels. Le Paul Gauguin has been meticulously crafted to navigate the waters of Polynesia, with a shallow draft that enables it to access shallow lagoons and secluded islands for the best docking opportunities. The ship features a new interior designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, which reflects the elegance of the South Seas. Every one of the 165 cabins and suites offers an exterior view.

Free Solo Supplement

Are you an individual adventurer, frustrated by the cost of solo travel? With Ponant Free Solo Supplement offer*, specifically designed for intrepid independent travellers, you'll receive all the benefits of a double stateroom at no extra cost*.

Ponant always welcome solo guests on our voyages, and whether you take up the plentiful opportunities to socialise, or simply enjoy some peace and serenity, you can be sure of an unforgettable voyage.

With their Free Solo Supplement currently offered on more than 150 selected departures, see where flying solo can take you today.

Kimberley Cruises with Ponant

See • Hear • Smell • Taste • Feel – The Kimberley 2026
Experience the ancient landscapes and raw beauty of Australia’s Kimberley region in 2026 with Ponant Explorations.

On select 2026 Kimberley sailings, enjoy an exclusive Fly, Stay & Cruise package from just $15,440pp in a Deluxe Stateroom with balcony*.

Package includes:
✈ FREE return economy flights from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
1 night pre-cruise accommodation with transfer
10-night luxury expedition cruise through the Kimberley
Transfers included throughout

Many departures also offer NO Solo Single Supplement, making it easier than ever for solo travellers to join this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

 
Sample Itinerary Highlights
King George River – Cruise between towering red cliffs to witness the region’s highest twin waterfalls
Montgomery Reef – Watch a unique tidal phenomenon reveal vast marine life-rich reef flats
Horizontal Falls – Experience the rush of this famous Kimberley natural wonder
Swift Bay & Vansittart Bay – See ancient rock art sites and explore remote beaches
Careening Bay – Visit the site of the Mermaid Tree and historic maritime relics

Life on Board

Whether you choose a Mediterranean cruise or an expedition journey to the heart of icy Antarctica, you can be sure of exceptional comfort on board Ponant ships. Their bespoke, attentive, excellent service will make you feel like you're travelling on a private yacht.

Leisure and well-being:  Enjoy a moment of tranquillity at the spa or around the pool, work-out in the fitness room, enjoy a theatre show with your travel companions. Ponant ships have a variety of well-designed spaces to offer you space for relaxation or shared enjoyment to enhance your journey.

Fine cuisine:  Ponant takes care to instil the French 'art of living' even on the other side of the world. They respect the highest standards of cuisine and offer a varied menu, created by their chefs using superior quality ingredients, beautifully presented and flavoursome.

Good times together:  During your stay you can enjoy a sophisticated ambiance. Each area has been considered down to the last detail and tastefully decorated. You're invited to enjoy good times with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.

Luxury takes many forms:  Ponant's aim is to offer you a bespoke cruise, so they work hard every day to offer you first class, intuitive service. Their staff is attentive and experienced, they will ensure you are comfortable and respond to all your requests, whether while in your stateroom, lounges or in the various dining areas.