Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Across the Western Mediterranean – with Smithsonian Journeys
Barcelona - Nice
Dates:
11/8/2026
to
19/8/2026
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
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.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will begin over Palma de Mallorca, Spain, at 7:38 p.m., reach totality at 8:31 p.m., and end as the sun disappears over the horizon at 8:49 p.m. This voyage aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville offers you the chance to witness the extraordinarily rare setting of the sun just moments after totality, followed by an exploration of the natural beauty and cultural history of the islands of the western Mediterranean.
Begin in Barcelona and set sail in time to arrive in Palma de Mallorca at midday on the day of the eclipse. You will have time to enjoy a tour of some of the city's landmarks, including Bellver Castle and Palma's Cathedral, the second largest in Spain, before returning to the ship to prepare for the evening's eclipse.
With the experience of the eclipse behind you, attention turns to the islands themselves, which despite differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations—Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Spaniards, Arabs, Byzantines, the French, and Italians—washing over them and leaving marks on language, art, architecture, and cuisine.
From Menorca's port of Mahon, drive across the island to Ciutadella, which was founded by the Carthaginians and served as the island's capital until 1772. A walking tour of the city's old town reveals a treasure trove of architectural styles, including a gothic cathedral and well-preserved palaces belonging to British nobility. Alternatively, you may travel inland to Binissues to visit a living museum of Menorcan rural life, where actors recreate traditional farm life on the estate of the local lord. Whichever excursion you choose, you may want to sample a Pomada, Menorca's signature frozen cocktail of gin and lemon soda.
The fishing port of Alghero on Sardinia's northern coast is a quaint old city known as “Barcelonetta” because of its strong Catalan legacy from the Middle Ages. Explore its picturesque cobblestoned streets, old walls and towers, and flamboyant churches, including the 14th-century Church of San Francesco and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, before boarding a coach for a panoramic drive along the coast to Capo Caccia. These stunning limestone headlands jutting into the sea are an impressive sight, and the area is dotted with nuraghi, the prehistoric monumental towers that are found all over the island.
The port of L'Ile-Rousse on the northern coast of Corsica serves as your gateway to Calvi, once a Genoese stronghold and now a picturesque vacation getaway. A guided walking tour includes the Citadel, with stunning views over the sea and the houses below, the Place d'Armes, and the Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste. Also visit the house of Christopher Colombus, who is believed to have been born in Calvi. Then make your way to the lower town and the Quay Landry, featuring a lovely marina and a café-lined promenade.
Continue your discovery of these islands in Portoferraio, the main harbor of the island of Elba. Most famous as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814-15, Portoferraio was founded by the Médicis in the 16th century. A tour of Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s summer residence during exile, is followed by a visit to the charming village of Porto Azzurro and a wine tasting and sampling of Tuscan mezze at a local vineyard.
Porto Ercole on the Italian mainland is a seaside resort less well-known than some. But nestled between the lush green vegetation of Monte Argentario and the surreal blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is a marvelous place to explore on foot. You may choose among options for walking tours on a variety of trails that lead to great views and to fortifications built by the Spanish to protect Tuscany from Ottoman attacks.
The small Italian fishing village of Portofino, now a favored haunt of the rich and famous, welcomes you on the final day before disembarkation in Nice, France, for a relaxing afternoon and evening of leisurely browsing through its shops and galleries, as well as a chance to sample the local cuisine and wines.
Ref : BN0645US - EU110826
Your itinerary
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...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
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.
- The August 12, 2026, Total Solar Eclipse in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
- An opportunity to explore five Mediterranean islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba.
- Alghero's Catalan legacy.
- Prehistoric nuraghi on Sardinia.
- The massive Citadel in Calvi, Corsica.
- The resort towns of Calvi, Porto Ercole, and Portofino.
- Napolean’s summer residence on Elba.
- Wine tastings and local specialties on Elba and in Portofino.
Ports of Call & Excursions
11 August 2026 - Barcelona
Embarkation 11/8/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 11/8/2026 at 6:00 pm
Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.
12 August 2026 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Arrival 12/8/2026 midday
Departure 12/8/2026 evening
Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
13 August 2026 - Mahon, Balearic Islands
Arrival 13/8/2026 midday
Departure 13/8/2026 late afternoon
You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.
14 August 2026 - Alghero, Sardinia
Arrival 14/8/2026 midday
Departure 14/8/2026 evening
Located on the north-west coast of Sardinia, Alghero offers you traces of Sardinian culture combined with vestiges from a Catalan past. Here, many inhabitants speak the Algherese dialect, a variant of Catalan, as well as Catalan itself. A walk along the well-preserved medieval ramparts will give you a panoramic view of the town. The streets in the historical centre bear witness to its rich past, from Santa Maria Cathedral to numerous palaces dating from different eras.
15 August 2026 - L'Île-Rousse, Corsica
Arrival 15/8/2026 early morning
Departure 15/8/2026 evening
16 August 2026 - Portoferraio, Elba
Arrival 16/8/2026 early morning
Departure 16/8/2026 evening
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. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
17 August 2026 - Porto Ercole
Arrival 17/8/2026 early morning
Departure 17/8/2026 late afternoon
With its landscapes of undulating hills covered in lush meadows, narrow streets with colourful houses, and picturesque paths shaded by pines... Porto Ercole is a concentration of all of Tuscany’s beauty. And what would it be without a fascinating, mystery-filled history? Overlooked by its 16th century fortress, this small village is renowned for having witnessed the final days of the famous painter Caravaggio, said to be buried there. On the Monte Argentario peninsula, you might have the chance to meet the fishermen of the Orbetello Lagoon, classed as a natural reserve, who perpetuate traditional fishing methods, or meet local wine, olive oil and cheese producers. For our sportier guests, the surrounding wild and pristine nature will provide the opportunity for a hike along the island’s heights to enjoy breathtaking views.
18 August 2026 - Portofino
Arrival 18/8/2026 early morning
Departure 18/8/2026 late afternoon
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
19 August 2026 - Nice
Arrival 19/8/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 19/8/2026 at 8:00 am
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. 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 baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Barcelona to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Nice at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.