These Exciting New Themed Cruises Are Waiting for You

There exists a unique kind of traveler, often called a cultural explorer, who seeks to engage with the world by embracing it fully and directly. For these adventurous souls, the French cruise line Ponant is introducing a series of themed cruises conducted in English. Two of its inaugural expeditions in Europe will trace the maritime paths of the ancient Greeks and Romans around Sicily and the Italian Adriatic coast, as well as the Vikings and Hanseatic merchants across the Baltic Sea.

Life Aboard Ponant Ships

In contrast to the original voyages' shipboard conditions, Ponant’s small-scale Explorer yachts provide unmatched comfort and exceptional service. The onboard experience exemplifies the French art of savoir vivre, or gracious living. Each cruise features English-speaking guest experts and lecturers knowledgeable about the history and culture of the destinations along the journey. The elegantly designed interiors are stylishly appointed throughout the vessel, with most communal areas open to the refreshing sea breeze. Every one of the 92 staterooms and suites comes with its own private balcony.

One area where Ponant truly shines is in its culinary offerings, with a dining concept managed by the Michelin-starred chef Ducasse Conseil’s catering division. Guests can indulge in a selection of French culinary classics and regional dishes at the fine dining restaurant or opt for the buffet at the more casual deck grill. Everything, including organic bread, is prepared and baked in the ship’s galley. Most days, chefs venture ashore to procure local ingredients and freshly caught seafood.

The sporting and wellness amenities feature a heated seawater infinity pool, spa, a modular marina providing sea access for swimmers, and an underwater mini-port equipped with various watersports gear.

A standout attraction of Ponant Explorer–class vessels is the Blue Eye underwater lounge, where guests can wear hydrophones and relax on a body-listening sofa that subtly vibrates to the sound waves from the vibrant underwater world, offering a truly immersive experience.

As further testament to its commitment to sustainability, all Ponant Explorers have received the Cleanship label, highlighting the cruise line’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Savor culinary delights and fine wines along the eastern shores of Sicily and Italy.

Welcome aboard Le Bougainville. If you are a gourmet who seeks the pinnacle of culinary experiences, Ponant’s Epicurean Delights of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast of Italy journey is perfect for you. Beyond the exquisite flavors, this program is also crafted for aficionados of history, art, local culture, and the natural environment—essentially, true epicures in the most refined sense.

Discover the ancient realms of deities and rulers in Sicily, Taormina, and Lecce.

Nestled beneath the towering Mount Etna on Sicily's southeastern coast, Syracuse is a haven for classicists. Here, you can marvel at significant architectural remnants of its Greek and Roman heritage, often grand in scale, located within the vast Neapolis Archaeological Park that overlooks the contemporary city. The itinerary includes the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater of Augustus where gladiators once battled, the Latomie of Paradise caverns (historically used as prisons), and a resonant grotto known as the Ear of Dionysus. Even older are the ruins of the Doric Temple of Apollo on Ortygia Island, which are also part of the excursion.

Perched atop a cliff, the city of Taormina boasts remarkable Greco-Roman ruins, especially the Teatro Antico, which was initially constructed by the Greeks as a theater and later transformed into a gladiatorial arena by the Romans. It competes for attention with stunning views of Mount Etna, Mount Tauro, and the sparkling sea below.

For centuries, the existence of a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater from the era of Emperor Hadrian lay hidden beneath the main piazza in Lecce, unsuspected. It was only in 1901 that construction workers stumbled upon it, and today, you can still see original graffiti depicting gladiators battling lions and other creatures.

Explore vineyards and farms, stretching from Sicily to Venice.

Each port stop on the itinerary offers at least one chance to savor local cuisine and wines. For those eager to delve into production techniques, a variety of enticing food and wine excursions await. You’ll also be traveling alongside three food-and-wine experts, each wearing multiple hats, such as cookbook author, journalist, sommelier, historian, and entrepreneur. They are there to share their enthusiasm and insider insights into la cucina Italiana.

Martina Franca, a baroque hilltop town near Bari, is a must-visit for cheese lovers, featuring a farm that produces mozzarella, ricotta, caciocavallo, scamorza, and burrata. You can tour the dairy to witness master cheesemakers in action, culminating in a tasting that includes a few delightful Apulian specialties.

Wine aficionados can choose from a variety of vineyard tours and tasting experiences, beginning in Sicily and extending along the Adriatic coast. Noteworthy wineries include those in San Marcello (Lacrima di Morro d’Alba), Romagna (Sangiovese di Romagna), and Valdobbiadene (Prosecco Superiore).

Uncover the secret gardens of Venice

Even if you’ve visited Venice numerous times, there’s a good chance you’ve only explored the surface. What could embody Venice more than vibrant, whimsical carnival masks and gondolas? Dive deeper into their history on a walking tour that begins at the studio of a skilled mask maker and winds through the Dorsoduro district to one of the city's few remaining gondola workshops (squeri), where you can meet artisans honing their craft.

If you’re passionate about gardens and horticulture, the city is filled with lush green spaces tucked behind palace walls, within monastery courtyards, and in greenhouses—each a hidden gem. With so many to explore, it's fortunate there's an excursion that will take you to two of the finest examples.

Indulge in the enchanting white nights over the Baltic Sea

Another remarkable journey in Ponant’s latest offerings is A World Affairs Cruise in the Baltic aboard Le Lapérouse. This itinerary explores four world capitals along with historically and culturally rich coastal and island destinations across six countries: Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Denmark, and Norway. With a wealth of sights and experiences both onboard and ashore, cruisers can rely on the extended hours of midsummer sunlight to seize all the opportunities that await.

Discover the history of the Nobel Prize in Stockholm

Prior to setting sail on your Baltic adventure, make a stop at the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, the birthplace of this prestigious award. A new permanent exhibit titled These Things Changed the World highlights Nobel laureates and their impactful contributions to humanity, featuring over 250 personal artifacts, including letters from Albert Einstein and a scarf worn by Malala Yousafzai during her UN address at the age of 16.

Alternatively, explore the historic Royal Palace, the site where Stockholm was founded. This baroque masterpiece perched on a hill in the Old Town boasts an impressive 608 rooms. Today, it serves as the king’s workplace, while the UNESCO-listed Drottningholm Palace is the royal family’s official residence. Don’t miss the State Apartments, showcasing stunning baroque and rococo designs.

Next, visit the Cathedral (Coronation Church), the oldest church in the city and the traditional venue for royal coronations. While the exterior may seem unassuming, the late Gothic interior reveals breathtaking beauty, including a striking sculpture of St. George and the Dragon.

Explore Baltic history through UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The military Fortress of Suomenlinna, located at the port entrance of Helsinki, sprawls across six islands in the harbor. Built in the 18th century when the region was still under Swedish control, it was captured by Russia in 1808 and only became part of Finland in 1917, following the country's independence. While it no longer serves as a military base, it houses the Naval Academy and a vibrant community of several hundred residents, including artists and craftsmen whose work you can purchase to support them.

As you sail into the port of Estonia's capital, Tallinn, the first sights to greet you are the medieval Toompea Castle, the national parliament's seat, and the stunning Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral from the late 19th century, both located in the Old Town. The lower part of the city has always been its commercial hub, with Town Hall Square at its lively center. Here, you’ll find Town Hall Pharmacy, which has been in operation at the same location since 1422, making it the oldest pharmacy in Europe.

Beyond its intriguing name, the Maritime Museum located in the Fat Margaret Tower is renowned for its impressive collection of model ships and the salvaged remains of a 700-year-old traditional vessel that facilitated trade among the Hanseatic League's member states.

The charming Swedish town of Visby is situated on Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic Sea. You can still climb the original ramparts from the 13th century and ascend the surviving towers. The winding cobblestone paths, quaint cottages, and abundant roses and other flowers contribute to its enchanting ambiance.

Encounter a contemporary hero in Gdansk.

In Gdansk, visitors have the opportunity to hear from Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Wałęsa. // Image courtesy of Ponant

As the voyage progresses, the ship docks in Gdansk, a vibrant Hanseatic gem renowned for its amber. A standout moment of this stop—possibly the entire cruise—is a talk by Lech Wałęsa, the former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, held in the auditorium of Le Lapérouse.

Renowned as the pivotal leader of Solidarity, the pro-democratic movement that played a crucial role in dismantling Communist rule in Poland and contributed to the conclusion of the Cold War, he stands as one of the world’s foremost experts on “World Affairs in the Baltic.” Guests are afforded the unique opportunity to hear his personal insights and analyses of the region's historical and contemporary narratives, creating an enriching and rewarding experience that captures the essence of cruising with Ponant.