Ponant Rolls Out 27 New Itineraries for Winter 2019-2020

Ponant, the world’s only French-owned cruise company and a leader in luxury expeditions, has opened sales for its Winter 2019-2020 offerings, which include 27 brand new itineraries to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and Mexico.

In total Ponant will offer more than 100 departures, including its popular Antarctic itineraries, for the newly released sailings.

Additionally, with the anticipated arrival of four new Ponant Explorers, the company is doubling the number of tropical expeditions for the Winter 2019-2020 season. Each of the 15 itineraries is being led by an experienced team of naturalist-guides. Among them, passengers can discover Seychelles and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Vallée de Mai nature reserve on Praslin Island, and Aldabra, the largest raised atoll in the world. Also available is Aride Island nature reserve, with its 873,000 square yards of colorful vegetation and more than one million birds; and the Curious Island, with an option of diving and snorkeling.

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The new vessels—Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville—feature just 92 staterooms and were built with cutting-edge technology, including innovative equipment for protecting the environment. The vessels are also being fitted with a world first, the Blue Eye, an underwater multi-sensory lounge that allows passengers to observe the underwater from the comfort of the ship.

New itineraries for the Winter 2019-2020 season include:

The Indian Ocean

Passengers can explore the exceptional vegetation and wildlife of the Vanilla Islands, including Seychelles and the Scattered Islands, on five new itineraries. They can also discover the riches of the other Vanilla Islands: Madagascar, Reunion Island, Mauritius, the Comoro Islands, and Mayotte. The new itineraries include Essential Seychelles; Seychelles and the Aldabra Atoll; Zanzibar and the treasures of the Indian Ocean; the Vanilla Islands; Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius. 14 departures aboard Le Bougainville and Le Lyrial from December 6, 2019; starting from $6,175.

The Mayan Treasures of the Yucatan

This new itinerary to the heart of the Yucatan explores the secrets of pre-Columbian civilizations. Passengers will visit the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzà and explore the pre-Columbian city of Uxmal. Departures are from Puerto Morelos to Puerto Morelos aboard Le Champlain; 6 departures from November 2, 2019; from $2,985.

Belize and Mayan Treasures

This itinerary to Mexico, includes visits to three Central American countries, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Visit the Mayan archaeological park of Quirigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; discover the Guatemalan town of Livingston; and swim, dive and snorkel at the Great Blue Hole of Belize, one of the ten most beautiful diving sites in the world. Departures are from Puerto Morelos to Puerto Morelos aboard Le Champlain; 7 departures from November 9, 2019; starting from $2,985.

Treasures of the Red Sea

Explore some of the most important sites of the Ancient World, from Jordan to Egypt via Israel, on the new Red Sea itinerary. Scheduled stops include the Temples of Luxor, Karnak and Hatchepsout, the Valley of the Kings and the tombs of Tutankhamun, Nefertari and Seti I. Departures from Aqaba to Aqaba aboard Le Ponant; 12 departures from December 14, 2019; starting from $4,300.