Le Laperouse

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve</strong>, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is <strong>still completely untouched by man</strong>, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the little-known reaches of the Atlantic, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, where the infinite blue of the ocean meets the lush green of the islands, lies a rare jewel: the Bissagos Islands. Now a <strong>UNESCO Biosphere Reserve</strong>, this is one of the best preserved archipelagos in the world. It comprises 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. In many parts, this environment is <strong>still completely untouched by man</strong>, so these islands offer the chance of a unique and authentic experience to the few visitors who explore them. On this unique voyage, discover some of these mysterious islands, lands of ancient civilisations and a refuge for many species.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, <strong>PONANT</strong> welcomes you aboard its ships for a <strong>Sea Journey</strong>. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In <strong>partnership with the magazine <em>Le Point</em></strong> and with the exceptional presence of the <strong>writer Kamel Daoud and the journalist Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, </strong>explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is as hypnotic as the panoramas provided by <strong>Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia</strong>. Further on are the stunning <strong>archipelagos of the Grenadines</strong>, like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies, and San Blas, home to the Kuna people. In <strong>Panama and Colombia</strong>, lush mangroves and lively towns reveal themselves, between Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess <strong>unique biodiversity and landscapes</strong>. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of <strong>the mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the <strong>local communities</strong> as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Explore the luxurious <strong>Pacific Coast of Costa Rica</strong> during a <strong>8-day journey</strong>, looped from Puntarenas. <strong>From Guanacaste to the Osa Peninsula,</strong> set off to discover incredible wildlife and explore emblematic national parks, guided by the song of the howler monkeys, the slow movements of sloths, the hypnotic colours of the macaws and other fascinating species. In this biodiversity sanctuary, <strong>mangroves, tropical forests and beaches of black sand</strong> are perfect illustrations of the country’s mantra: <em>Pura Vida</em>, meaning a pure life, one that is harmonious and closely linked to nature.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em> </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Connecting two continents, <strong>Panama and Costa Rica</strong> both possess unique biodiversity and landscapes. During this expedition cruise, <strong>tropical forest, impressive mangrove, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water</strong> will make up the decor of an extraordinary experience, between two oceans, thanks to the crossing of the <strong>mythical Panama Canal</strong>. From <strong>historic sites and preserved archipelagos to coral islets and nature reserves</strong>, you will explore this region’s treasures in the company of naturalist guides, discovering the history of the local communities as well as the incredible wildlife to be found here.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Between the magic of Panama's crystal-clear waters and the lush jungles of Costa Rica, fall under the spell of a cruise where each port of call reveals its finest treasures. On this unforgettable journey between Colón and Puntarenas, you will discover wild regions with a biodiversity that is unique in the world, meet indigenous communities carrying on ancient traditions, and be mesmerised by the breathtaking views. Navigate between two worlds and sail one of the most mystical shipping routes across the Isthmus of Panama, from one ocean to the other, between heavenly beaches and primary tropical forests.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Discover <strong>Panama</strong> and <strong>Costa Rica</strong> with PONANT on this splendid <strong>8-day cruise </strong>aboard <em>Le Lapérouse</em>, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your journey in <strong>Central America</strong> will start in <strong>Quepos, Costa Rica,</strong> gateway to the spectacular <strong>Manuel Antonio National Park</strong>, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent <strong>Darién National Park</strong>. This little corner of paradise is a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage site</strong> and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local <strong>Emberá </strong>community.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Lapérouse</em> continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of <strong>Panama City’s Old Quarter</strong> and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed <strong><em>Biomuseo</em>.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Here, you will also visit the Punta?Culebra Nature Center at the <strong>Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)</strong>, a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science?and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous <strong>Panama Canal</strong>, your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of <strong>Holandes Cayes</strong>, one of the coral islets of Panama’s <strong>San Blas Islands</strong>. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the <strong>Guna</strong> community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Between the magic of Panama's crystal-clear waters and the lush jungles of Costa Rica, fall under the spell of a cruise where each port of call reveals its finest treasures. On this unforgettable journey between Colón and Puntarenas, you will discover wild regions with a biodiversity that is unique in the world, meet indigenous communities carrying on ancient traditions, and be mesmerised by the breathtaking views. Navigate between two worlds and sail one of the most mystical shipping routes across the Isthmus of Panama, from one ocean to the other, between heavenly beaches and primary tropical forests.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.</em></span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean Sea. On the <strong>Panamanian and Colombian coastlines</strong>, lush mangroves and lively towns recount the colonial past of the region, featuring Congo ceremonies and sleepy ruins. Off the coast, the turquoise sea wraps itself around stunning archipelagos, such as <strong>the San Blas Islands</strong>, home to the Kuna community, or the <strong>Grenadines,</strong> like a confetti of islets bound together by the most beautiful coral reef in the West Indies. In these crystal-clear waters, the underwater life is mesmerising, as are the panoramas provided by the Pitons of <strong>Saint Lucia</strong> and the gentle Creole way of life pervading <strong>Les Saintes</strong>.  </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">From sea to sea, or from continent to continent, <strong>PONANT</strong> welcomes you aboard its ships for a <strong>Sea Journey</strong>. A few times a year we invite sea lovers, dreamers, and keen observers of endless horizons to join our non-stop journeys, to enjoy the comfort of our ships for an extended period and share the daily lives of our crew.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the days go by, you can admire the waves from the upper deck, keep fit in the spa and make good use of the pool or the gym, share the daily life of the crew, discover sailing techniques and instruments, and enjoy a break from the hectic pace of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the heart of the <strong>Atlantic Ocean</strong>, set off to discover the volcanic and verdant landscapes of the <strong>Canary Islands and Madeira</strong>, as well as some of the fascinating historic cities to be found on the <strong>Moroccan and Portuguese shores</strong>. On these lands of a thousand contrasts, nature reveals a wild beauty, featuring majestic volcanos, lush valleys and secret coves. You will explore <strong>cities with a rich past</strong>, brimming with architectural treasures that blend <strong>Spanish, Portuguese and Moorish influences</strong>, and picturesque and lively squares ideal for strolling around and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. An unforgettable journey during which nature meets the vibrant heritage of past civilisations.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off to discover the <strong>Portuguese, Spanish and French Atlantic shores</strong>, veritable <strong>treasure chests of natural beauty and history</strong>. As you glide along the water, you will see cliffs shaped by the wind, lively fishing ports and historic cities all reveal themselves, immersing travellers in a <strong>marine heritage nurtured by Latin and Celtic influences</strong>. In these seaside territories, marked by the great sagas of the Atlantic route, each port of call unveils its jewels: secular architecture, the authentic charm of the corsair cities, spectacular coastal walks, and so on. <strong>An elegant marine adventure</strong>, featuring wild nature, a rich past and a gentle European way of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Join PONANT aboard <em>Le Lapérouse</em> for an <strong>8-day cruise</strong> on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the <strong>Scottish Isles</strong> and the beauty of the<strong> Norwegian fjords</strong>. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Begin your voyage in <strong>Glasgow</strong>, Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship will first sail to <strong>Fort William</strong>, from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled <strong>Loch Ness</strong> or take a tour and enjoy a dram of <strong>scotch whisky</strong> at a local distillery.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From <strong>Portree</strong>, spend a day on the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Or, not to be missed on the mainland is <strong>Eilean Donan</strong>, one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your ship sails next towards <strong>Kirkwall</strong>, <strong>Orkney</strong>, where numerous seabirds, such as dunters and ringed plovers, take residence. The <strong>Standing Stones of Stenness</strong>, built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Le Lapérouse </em> then sails for <strong>Lerwick</strong>, the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the <strong>Jarlshof </strong>prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next cross the North Sea and sail towards <strong>Olden</strong>. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, admire the magnificent <strong>Briksdal Glacier</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">End your voyage in Gudvangen for a scenic drive to  <strong>Flåm</strong> where you will board the <strong>Flåm Railway</strong> to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You will disembark in <strong>Bergen</strong>, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>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.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Join PONANT aboard <em>Le Lapérouse</em> for an <strong>8-day cruise</strong> on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the<strong> Norwegian fjords</strong>. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Begin your voyage in <strong>Bergen</strong>, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sail first towards <strong>Alesund</strong>, famous for the <strong>art nouveau</strong> architectural style in which its downtown was rebuilt after a terrible fire in 1904. Here you will also find the <strong>Atlantic Ocean Park</strong>, a unique aquarium featuring marine life found along Norway’s Atlantic coast.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage-listed <strong>Geirangerfjord</strong> to <strong>Geiranger</strong> and explore the fjord region overland – including a stop at the <strong>Jostedal Glacier National Park Centre</strong> – before rejoining your ship in <strong>Hellesylt</strong>. Alternatively, venture into the mountains to sample <strong>goat milk cheeses and caramels</strong> at a local farm.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Continue to <strong>Olden</strong>. From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent <strong>Briksdal Glacier</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The following morning, sail the beautiful <strong>Lysefjorden</strong>. Then, in the afternoon, <em>Le Lapérouse</em> calls in <strong>Stavanger</strong>. Here, the reconstructed <strong>Iron Age village in Ullandhaug</strong> introduces you to the life of Norway's earliest inhabitants. The region’s pristine coastal wilderness also offers an opportunity to take an <strong>invigorating hike</strong>. This afternoon, sail the beautiful <strong>Lysefjorden</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From <strong>Arendal</strong>, visit the <strong>Næs Ironworks Museum,</strong> which chronicles how iron production changed between 1665 and 1959, and stop in <strong>Tvedestrand</strong>, a charming village of white wooden houses. Or visit <strong>Raet National Park</strong>, which was established in 2016 to protect the region’s unique topography.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your final call is in the lively harbor town of <strong>Gothenburg, Sweden</strong>. As the home of Volvo, the city boasts the <strong>World of Volvo</strong>, which features interactive exhibits from the brand’s first vehicles through future technological solutions. The stunning <strong>Museum of Fine Arts</strong> includes works by Carl Larsson, Edvard Munch, Anders Zorn, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Monet.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your cruise ends in Fredrikstad, gateway to <strong>Oslo</strong>, the vibrant Norwegian capital. </p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In Norway, nature has shaped its most majestic masterpieces. Carried by the sea spray, you will sail into Viking legends and past villages of colourful wood, and contemplate the brute force of ancient landscapes, such as <strong>Geirangerfjord</strong> and its roaring waterfalls, or <strong>Lysefjorden and its mythical Preikestolen</strong>, a vertiginous granite pulpit that eternally defies the void.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On shore, the country’s history engages with the grandeur of the panoramas: <strong>Skudeneshavn’s Old Town</strong>, <strong>Ålesund’s Art Nouveau heritage</strong>, <strong>Bergen’s Hanseatic district</strong>, etc. Discover the sovereign soul of Norway’s fjords between the cultural heritage and lush valleys.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">A microcosm of lush landscapes and characterful cities, the shores of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean invite you to enjoy the summer in a new way. From the Norwegian coastlines to the golden beaches of Portugal, walks and bike rides will punctuate this green break. Between strolls in the fresh air, experience a way of life: fascinating museums, culinary traditions, iconic pilgrimage sites – such as Santiago de Compostela –, and historic jewels all come together to form a coastline that features a thousand faces. Brittany, Cantabria, Astoria, Galicia: these emblematic regions reveal themselves to the pace of outdoor activities and cultural discoveries, lulled by the fresh air of the Atlantic.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">In the season that sees the sun setting the horizon ablaze, set off towards the unexpected and embark on an exceptional journey along Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a subtle mix of cultures, savours and age-old traditions, to seek out a rare phenomenon offered by the sky: <strong>the total solar eclipse.</strong> Throughout your break, discover the secrets of this exceptional event thanks to the presence of <strong>Joe Rao,</strong> meteorologist and eclipse chaser, and <strong>Serge Brunier,</strong> scientific journalist, author, photographer and eclipse chaser. Before exploring the little streets of <strong>Figueira da Foz, </strong>contemplate the cliffs of <strong>Lagos</strong>, discover the Andalucian soul of <strong>Cadiz</strong>, stroll along the elegant avenues of <strong>Marbella</strong> and vibrate to the rhythm of <strong>Malaga</strong>, observe, weather conditions permitting*, this rare spectacle off the coast of Iberian shores. Fall under the spell of this moment suspended in time, as the Moon obscures the Sun and reveals its solar corona.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><i>*We are privileged guests in these places, where we are at the mercy of the weather conditions. As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for maneuver and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory.</i></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Set off to discover the <strong>mythical shores of Southern Europe, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean,</strong> and plunge into the vibrant heart of Latin culture. <strong>From Portugal to Malta,</strong> via <strong>Spain and Italy and their emblematic islands</strong>, you will explore territories bathed in light and rich in <strong>living heritage and a strikingly grand past</strong>. White sandy beaches edged with cliffs, coves of turquoise water, pine forests overlooking the sea, volcanic islets rising out of the azure blue…. A series of contrasting landscapes follow each other, each more enchanting than the last. On shore, cities with thousand-year history welcome you between picturesque little streets, squares flooded with sunshine and treasures of traditional architecture. <strong>A journey </strong>discovering a world that is at once timeless yet intensely alive.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Towns and villages carved out of the water, legendary sites, infinite blue sea: between Italy and Attica, the Mediterranean continues to reveal all its treasures. In Sicily, here is Taormina, its medieval alleyways and its antique ancient theatre watched over by Mount Etna; then come Puglia and Gallipoli, unfolding their baroque pearls before making way for Greek shores. Here, legend and landscape are as one. Paxos, the island born of the gods, Parga and Galaxidi, charming little fishing ports, or Milos and its lunar landscapes, which gave birth to its famous Venus, are all perfect for wandering around. Just like Hydra, the eternal bohemian island, where it is good to lose oneself before reaching the immortal Athens.</p>