Destinations | PONANT Cruises

Africa and the Indian Ocean

The mere mention of Africa and the Indian Ocean is enough to inspire dreams of sunshine and adventure. South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar, Réunion, the Seychelles, the Maldives… the feeling of exotic escape is everywhere. And along with that feeling comes idyllic, heavenly landscapes, from the savannah, where the elephant reigns supreme, to fine, sandy, palm-lined beaches, coral reefs and multicoloured underwater worlds. Visiting the Scattered Islands of the Indian Ocean is a complete change of scenery. Like confetti strewn about the ocean, these French territories remain some of the most unspoiled destinations on the planet.

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Alaska

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Alaska

If you like wild open spaces, embark on a cruise to Alaska. Travel to the heart of its spectacular natural environment of rivers, lakes, glaciers, vast coniferous forests and dizzyingly high fjords. The region is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, which has thrived and prospered alongside the Native American peoples, who have a deep respect for this unique environment.

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Central America

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Central America

Much more than simply a bridge between the Northern and Southern parts of a diverse, multifaceted continent, Central America has its own riches to unveil to the visitor. From the remains of the Maya civilisation on the Yucatán Peninsula, to Belize and Guatemala, it plays host to a dense blanket of vegetation unlike anything else in the world. Central America's colonial past, evident in the architecture of many of the towns and cities, is echoed in multiple international-scale constructions in the region. Thus crossing the Panama Canal continues to be one of the major attractions of a cruise to Central America.

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North America and Canada

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North America and Canada

From the vast open spaces of Canada to the bustling cities of the United States, cruising North America can take you on a journey to completely different worlds. From the mouth of the Saint Lawrence river to Niagara Falls, enjoy an escape to the heart of an exceptional natural environment in the Great Lakes region or admire the impressive architecture of Boston, Vancouver, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Los Angeles, plus visit must-see museums.

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South America

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South America

A cruise to South America takes you on a journey of discovery around this varied and multifaceted continent, from the sun-drenched beaches of Brazil to the fjords of Chile. From the North to the South, you'll sail along the coasts of Ecuador, Peru and Chile. From the most renowned sites of pre-Columbian civilisations to icy, winding canals, you'll drop anchor in natural, unspoiled locations. On the east of the continent, an expedition cruise along the Amazon will take you to the very heart of dense jungle, where you'll experience unforgettable encounters with local peoples.

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The Arctic

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The Arctic

Kangerlussuaq, Grundarfjörður, Longyearbyen, Kivitoo… If there are any town and village names that truly evoke the Far North, it's those of Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Canada. The scenery in this part of the world is simply spectacular. Icebergs, sea ice and volcanic mountain landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. And amidst it all roam the polar bears, king of the Arctic, in complete peace and tranquillity. Taking an Arctic cruise will transport you to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.

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Antarctica

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Antarctica

A legendary land with a history of attracting the great explorers, the White Continent continues to draw a strong fascination even today. Embark on an Antarctic expedition cruise and sail along the continent's incredible coasts, admire its unique wildlife — from king penguins to whales — and navigate through immaculate white scenery, where icebergs glimmer and shine in an explosion of blues, from turquoise to the darkest of tones.

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Asia

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Asia

Asia goes beyond your wildest dreams. It's the continent of contradictions, unspoilt landscapes and bustling urban centres, snow-capped summits and idyllic islands, hundred-year-old temples and futuristic sky-scrapers, thousand-year-old customs and ultra-modern lifestyles. The diverse influences that span the continent also mean that each country is different from the next. What better way to discover the shorelines of India, China, Sri Lanka, the islands of Indonesia, Malaysia or Japan, than by sea?

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The Caribbean

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The Caribbean

With its picture-postcard landscapes and scenery, the Caribbean is a dream destination for travellers in search of sunshine, relaxation and discovery. From Havana to the French Antilles and from the Grenadines to the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean cruise will take you on one adventure after another, with everything from snorkelling and hiking to moments of relaxation in crystalline waters and visits to unique natural sites.

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Northern Europe and Scandinavia

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Northern Europe and Scandinavia

Retracing the footsteps of the Vikings, sailing up and down Norwegian fjords, admiring the panoramic landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, visiting opulent Saint Petersburg, experiencing the charm of the Hebrides or the Shetland Islands whilst whale watching… On a cruise to Northern Europe or Scandinavia, learn about the history of this old continent and experience a complete and total change of scenery against the splendour of fascinating natural sites and exceptional wildlife.

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Mediterranean

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Mediterranean

The Mediterranean, a region synonymous with trade, exchange and encounter, has always attracted travellers. From Corsica and Sicily to the Cyclades, its islands are simply enchanting. Its beach, cove and steep cliff-lined shores leave an indelible impression on travellers who visit. Its cities, from Barcelona to Istanbul, bustle with people and activity, and paint a picture of the millennia-old history of this legendary sea. Embark on a Mediterranean cruise and enjoy a taste of the "dolce vita" as you experience your exotic escape.

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The Red Sea

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The Red Sea

From Egypt and Israel to Jordan, a Red Sea cruise is an opportunity to journey to the very heart of a region with a fascinating range of cultural and natural heritage on offer. The pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Petra, Nazareth…millennia-old sites of major historical significance abound amidst a natural environment filled with contrasts. The desert finds its reflection in the gentle undulations of the Dead Sea, and the fertile banks of the Nile are mirrored by the underwater world of the seabed around Eilat. Delight and enchantment lay at every turn.

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Oceania and the Pacific Islands

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Oceania and the Pacific Islands

Snorkelling and diving aficionados, travellers in search of genuine authenticity, modern explorers… our Oceania and Pacific islands cruises have been created specifically with you in mind. With ports of call at the idyllic beaches of French Polynesia and New Caledonia, these cruises provide exceptional opportunities to go snorkelling and admire some of the most beautiful seabed environments in the world. The wild, untamed region of the Kimberley and New Zealand's volcanic regions are home to simply spectacular scenery. Meeting the local peoples of Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea is a profound experience of human brotherhood and fraternity.

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The Atlantic coast

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The Atlantic coast

From the picturesque ports of Honfleur on France's "Côte Fleurie" (Flower Coast) to Porto, Lisbon and the sheltered beaches of the Canary Islands, the Atlantic Ocean is scattered with jewels dotted around the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal. Madeira, the Azores, the Bissagos Islands and the islands of Cape Verde off the coast of Africa open the doors to a world of peace and tranquillity, unspoiled nature and ancestral traditions. The scenery in these regions is like nothing you've seen before - utter enchantment awaits.

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