Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Embark with PONANT aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for a brand-new 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.
From Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium, you will first reach Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
After visiting of the coral island of Misali, your next port of call will be an opportunity to discover the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading past of Kilwa Kisiwani
You will then sail towards the Seychelles and the stunning Assumption Island before exploring Cosmoledo Atoll, also known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. It will offer you exceptional dives in its aquarium-like lagoon.
The small islands Alphonse and Saint-François will be an opportunity to snorkel and dive among brightly-coloured sea life. Your land and sea explorations will continue on the stunning St. François Atoll and the uninhabited and untouched Bijoutier Island.
Before you return to Mahé, Le Bellot will chart a course for the coral island of Rémire and the sublime beaches of La Digue, some of the most renowned of the Seychelles.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EX120323
Discover the Seychelles and several islands of Tanzania during one same cruise. Outings in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides and landings on idyllic beaches. UNESCO sites: the...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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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.
Services provided
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Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
Accessories:
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
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:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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:
For men:
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.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
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
Diving - Expedition Cruise
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 star CMAS or the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean
The fauna of the Indian Ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, oriental sweetlips, blackspotted sweetlips, batfish and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish,rainbow runner as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING |
TANZANIA – Zanzibar |
NO |
NO |
TANZANIA – Pemba Island |
YES |
NO |
TANZANIA – Misali Island |
YES |
NO |
TANZANIA – Kilwa Kisiwani |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Assumption Island |
NO |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Cosmoledo Atoll |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Astove Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Bijoutier Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Saint Francois Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Rémire Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – La Digue Island |
YES |
NO |
SEYCHELLES – Victoria, Mahé |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
Embarkation 12/3/2023 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 12/3/2023 at 8:00 pm
Once a mythical post along the legendary Indian Ocean trade route, today a certain whiff of adventure still pervades in Zanzibar. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this place often referred to as “spice island” is brimming with natural treasures, such as Jozani Forest, the last remains of the huge primeval forest that once covered the island, home to a unique ecosystem. This port of call will also be the moment to discover ”Stone Town”, the historical centre of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A veritable labyrinth of narrow streets lined with houses made from coral stone, it is home to sumptuous buildings in a multitude of architectural styles, the result of the blending of African, European and Indian cultures.
Arrival 13/3/2023
Departure 13/3/2023
The second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, edged with fine sand and bathed in a sea in infinite shades of turquoise, Pemba Island astounds with the whiteness of its shores and its abundant tropical forest. It is mountainous with hills full of fertile land and has the nickname “the Green Island”. You’ll fall in love with its quiet shores, full of authenticity. Banana trees, coconut trees, clove trees, nutmeg trees… its lush vegetation ensures the local production of spices that has made its reputation (essentially cloves but also nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, etc.).
Arrival 14/3/2023
Departure 14/3/2023
Renowned for its underwater world, Misali became a protected conservation area in 1998. So, it’s possible to admire its sea beds and swim there, but not to fish. If conditions allow, you’ll perhaps have the chance to see varied underwater fauna. To the north-east of the island, a white sandy beach, bathed in stunningly transparent turquoise water, is an ideal place to relax.
Arrival 15/3/2023
Departure 15/3/2023
Near the Tanzanian coast, around 300 km south of Dar es Salaam, the island of Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Occupied from the 9th century to the 11th century, it reached its heights in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was described by the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battouta as “one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” A former Swahili trading city, the island prospered from the trade of gold and ivory from the inland regions. The remains of its former port city cover a large part of the island. Those of its superb Great Mosque, the oldest mosque remaining on the coast of East Africa, are well worth a visit.
Arrival 16/3/2023
Departure 16/3/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 17/3/2023
Departure 17/3/2023
Assumption Island is part of the Aldabra group (Outer Islands), situated in the south-west of the Seychelles. Discovered in the mid-18th century by the French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island covered in dunes and shrubs is relatively flat. A handful of people live there, in a small village in the island’s west. The island’s beaches are a major egg-laying and breeding site for sea turtles. The surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving. This is where Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed some of the scenes for his famous documentary film “The Silent World”, released in 1956.
Arrival 18/3/2023
Departure 18/3/2023
The Cosmoledo Atoll owes its nickname, the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, to the beauty of its underwater world, which attracts the most experienced divers: parrotfish, giant rays and clams inhabit the reefs of its crystal waters. The fascinating marine life comes alive as the multi-coloured fish, making the most of the protection of the extraordinary coral reef, come together to feed in the currents formed by the sweeping movements of the tides. Exploited in the past for coconut and agave, the atoll is now uninhabited, apart from an eco-resort in the heart of the nature reserve, which shelters green turtles and significant colonies of sooty terns and red-footed boobies.
Arrival 19/3/2023
Departure 19/3/2023
Closer to Madagascar than to Victoria, Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles. It is part of the Aldabra group, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Now uninhabited, this coral island covered in coconut trees was once home to the employees that worked on the coconut plantations. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is now a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. It also attracts experienced divers, who visit the atoll to explore the “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres. The wall is covered in coral and many fish and green sea turtles can be found there.
Arrival 20/3/2023
Departure 20/3/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 21/3/2023
Departure 21/3/2023
In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. This coral atoll covered in coconut trees is exactly what people imagine when they think of the Seychelles. With its distinctive crescent-shaped silhouette, it welcomes you to its immaculate, deserted beaches for a rare experience. Here, the population is composed of myriad birds on land and of sea turtles and a multitude of fish in the water, making this the ideal place for hiking or snorkelling.
Arrival 21/3/2023
Departure 21/3/2023
Bijoutier Island is one of the three idyllic islands of the Alphonse Atoll, considered the most intact and unspoiled group of islands in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Formed around volcanos having vanished into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, they are protected by splendid and fragile coral reefs. The jewel of the Alphonse Atoll, the Bijoutier lagoon is set with beaches of coconut trees bordering this 2-hectare setting, a haven of peace for herons, colonies of frigate birds, tortoises and giant crabs. Since 2007, the natural treasures of this desert island have been preserved by the atoll’s conservation centre, which is dedicated to restoring the biodiversity of the island ecosystems.
Arrival 22/3/2023
Departure 22/3/2023
Remire Island is like a piece of confetti in the Indian Ocean and is a captivating place to visit. Located in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, it is prized for its unique biodiversity, including its exceptionally rich underwater life. The rare inhabitants of this tropical islet watch over its preservation, and a walk amidst its lush vegetation, home to delightful birds, will delight fans of unspoilt areas. For those who love snorkelling, myriad colourful fish live among the coral reefs that border the island.
Arrival 23/3/2023
Departure 23/3/2023
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
Arrival 24/3/2023
Disembarkation 24/3/2023 at 7:00 am
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between Zanzibar airport and your port of embarkation.
Zanzibar
Meet at Zanzibar airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
This morning, you will depart the airport by coach for a panoramic tour of Stone Town, declared UNESCO world heritage site. You will discover the highlights of the Zanzibar’s capital, and you will feel its unique atmosphere.
You will start with a drive along the Forodhani waterfront, you will have a look on the House of Wonders and you will reach the Darajani Market where you will experience the hustle and bustle of the activities. You will continue until the Anglican cathedral and the Slave Memorial where you learn more about the history of Zanzibar.
You will go back to the Forodhani area, and from the old Fort, your guide leads you on a short walking tour through the narrow streets of Stone Town. You will observe the Tippu Tips house which is as a testament of the power of Tippu Tip, who was one of East Africa’s richest and most powerful slave trader.
The lunch will be served in a local restaurant nearby.
During the afternoon, you will continue your exploration with a spice tour to understand why Zanzibar and spices are synonymous. In the 19th century, the Sultan of Oman introduced cloves to the island, which today is Zanzibar's main export product.
After a 30-minute drive to reach the Countryside, you will visit a spice plantation. Samples of spice plants will be available for you to smell, taste and see. The great variety of spices and plants grown here are used in food flavouring & preparation, cosmetics, dyes, and traditional medicines.
En route, you will also enjoy a photo stop front of the house of Dr. David Livingstone, the ruins of Maruhubi Palace and the Persian bath.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €160
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of 4 days to discover the untamed and powerful wilderness in the heart of the Serengeti. Considered to be one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world, it is the second largest animal park in Africa and a UNESCO World heritage site. From a beautiful lodge with a perfect location, you will discover the “Endless Plains” and feel the pulse of nature.
Day 1 – Kilimanjaro Airport/Serengeti National Park
Meet at Kilimanjaro Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
We recommend that you take a separate bag for the duration of the Pre-cruise programme at Serengeti.
Your piece of luggage dedicated to the cruise will be taken by our local representative and stored at Arusha office and then transported by Air Freight from Arusha to Zanzibar to be delivered on the embarkation day.
You will embark for your connecting flight to Seronera airstrip/Serengeti. About 1-hour and 15 minutes flight.
At your arrival, you will be transferred to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5*.
En route to your lodge, you will enjoy a game drive to start your immersion in the savannah.
The Serengeti is not only famous for the great wildebeest Migration that moves around the park from October – July every year but also for the vast number of species that reside in the park year-round. The concentration of predators in the Serengeti is high with large prides of lion, numerous hyena clans, and regular sightings of both cheetah and Leopard. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and antelope can be found feeding on the rich plains as well as some of the lesser known species such as aardwolf, mongoose, caracal, servals and hyrax.
In the afternoon, check-in at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5*. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Days 2 & 3 – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will enjoy each day a game drive to explore the fascinating landscapes and exceptional wildlife of the reserve.
You will spend your day exploring the extensive plains of the Serengeti in search of the ‘Big 5’. To maximize your time game viewing the lunch could be served out of the lodge as a picnic into the park or it could be served at your lodge later in the day.
After returning from safari, you can still feel the magic of seeing wildlife up-close when simply relaxing by the pool.
From here you can take in the dramatic views over the open savannah and bush, keeping an eye on the waterhole below as animals come down to drink throughout the day.
The lodge sits on raised terrain overlooking a waterhole in the centre of the Serengeti. It offers an innovative way to experience the resident wildlife; the lodge's waterhole tempts a diverse range of animals close which can be watched from different places from the lodge or via a live feed transmitted to the television in your room.
You can also relax in the beautiful Four Seasons Serengeti’s luxury spa, with six individual spa treatment rooms overlooking the Serengeti Plains.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4 – Serengeti National Park/Zanzibar
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport Seronera airstrip/Serengeti and onto your connecting flight to Zanzibar, with stops. About 1-hour transfer and 2-hours and 1-half flight.
Lunch box will be provided by the lodge.
Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred directly to the port of Zanzibar, in time to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The very large, luxury Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5* is in the centre of the Serengeti National Park, surrounded by a pristine nature.
Four seasons Serengeti comes equipped with a range of first-class facilities, including a spa with six free-standing treatments pavilions and an infinity edge swimming pool.
As the resort is built above a central watering hole, you could lounge along the swimming pool and watching the local wildlife stop for drink. You stay will be an amazing experience!
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Arusha
Tanzania
Phone number: (255) 768 982 100/3
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €4,790
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Victoria, Mahe
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Your luggage will be transported separately by truck to the airport.
Depart for a tour of Mahe’s wild side, the untamed south of the island, with its rolling countryside, quaint hamlets, and spectacular beaches. Your day starts with a visit to the Botanical Garden, home of many endemic plants, including the world-famous coco de mer (double coconut) palms.
Next, take a guided walking tour through charming Victoria, capital city of Mahe and discover its famous landmarks. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or strolling. Continue along the winding Sans Soucis Road en route to the enchanting Mission Lodge Viewpoint. Once an ancient school for slave children, it is now filled with the songs of endemic birds.
On your descent to the beautifully wild south west coast, discover luxurious mountains, tea plantations and picturesque villages on its way to the spectacular Cap Lazare, an exclusive hideaway deep in the south of Mahe covering 65 acres of a past coconut plantation.
Arriving at Cap Lazare is like entering a different world far away from the intrusions of the modern world. From its traditional thatched restaurant set in barefoot elegance to its authentic Creole ambiance, Cap Lazare evokes the feeling of a Robinson Crusoe hideaway untouched by the passage of time.
For lunch, indulge yourself in a mouth-watering Creole Buffet.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy beach and nature in the beautiful grounds of this exceptional domain, famous for its large population of Giant Land Tortoises, its endemic plants, the panoramic views along with its enchanting trail.
You will then pass by the Coastal Road to reach Mahe International Airport. At your arrival at the airport, you will enjoy a lounge access airport before for check-in in time for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €330