Ponant Explorations is inviting guests to experience cultural and emotional journeys inspired by their passions.
They have announced 40 departures in the 2026–2027 creating unique moments on meaningful voyages with programmes focused on art, music, gastronomy, and wellbeing.
Classical dance with the Opera National de Paris
Ponant Explorations is renewing its partnership with the Opera National de Paris for two summer departures with the exclusive presence of dancers from the Opera Ballet, including stars Roxane Stojanov in the Mediterranean in 2026 and Amandine Albisson in the Atlantic in 2027. Guests can look forward to unforgettable moments, including performances both on board and ashore, unique encounters with the dancers during discussions, lectures and screenings, and ballet classes led by a teacher from the Opera National de Paris.
- “Sailing the Mediterranean with the Paris Opera Ballet” – departing 29 July 2026 aboard Le Boreal, 9 days/8 nights, from $10,360
- “The Atlantic coast – with the Ballet Opera Paris” – departing 6 August 2027 aboard Le Boreal, 10 days/9 nights, from $8,730
Art on the water
Several cruises are aimed at art enthusiasts, including two departures that welcome experts from the celebrated Christie’s auction house on board for fascinating talks.
- “A Celebration of Art Featuring the 61st Venice Biennale” – departing 1 July 2026 aboard Le Bougainville, 10 days/9 nights, from $11,720
- “A Celebration of Art: The French & Italian Rivieras and Corsica” – departing 10 July 2026 aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, 9 days/8 nights, from $10,670
Another cruise event in the Adriatic, presented in partnership with the Pinault Collection, will be hosted with its managing director Emma Lavigne and multidisciplinary artist Edith Dekyndt. This creative journey will offer opportunities for conversation and exploration, including a visit to the Venice Biennale and exclusive guided tours of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana led by expert Pinault Collection lecturers.
- “Artistic Adriatic with Pinault Collection” – departing 15 June 2026 aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, 8 days/7 nights, from $10,700
Music in dialogue with landscapes
In partnership with Jazz at the Lincoln Center and Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents Hughes Kieffer, director and programmer of Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents, has invited artists from the international jazz scene, including Estonian singer, pianist and composer Kadri Voorand. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the meeting between Stan Getz and Antonio Carlos Jobim with Jazz at the Lincoln Center.
- “Jazz Festival, from the Baltic to the North Sea” – departing 23 January 2027 aboard Le Commandant Charcot, 11 days/10 nights, from $17,530
Travel meets gastronomy
Since 2016, Ponant Explorations and Ducasse Conseil have partnered to bring French haute cuisine on board, united by shared values of uncompromising quality and respect for the environment. On select departures, a Michelin-starred chef from Alain Ducasse’s restaurants joins the voyage, offering food lovers a true culinary adventure with demonstrations and two unforgettable gala dinners.
- “Icelandic mosaic” with Jean-Philippe Blondet, executive chef of the restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester – departing 13 June 2026 on L’Austral, 8 days/7 nights, from $10,610
- “Island of Beauty and Italian shores” with Dominique Lory, executive chef of the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo – departing on 2 July 2026 on Le Dumont d’Urville, 9 days/8 nights, from $10,060
Several other gastronomic cruises are scheduled, as part of partnerships forged notably with Relais & Châteaux and the magazine Cuisine et Vins de France.
Ponant Explorations confirms its partnership with the prestigious Club des Chefs des Chefs, which brings together Chefs of current Heads of State, where gastronomy becomes a diplomatic language. With the exclusive participation of Cristeta Comerford, former Executive Chef of the White House, who provides a narrative and immersive experience through her dishes.
