Guest of Honour 
Art & Museums 
Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
Along the Mediterranean Sea with the Mucem
Athens - Lisbon
Dates:
10/10/2024
to
21/10/2024
days
nights on board
In partnership with the Mucem and with featured guest Vincent Giovannoni.
Sail the waters of the Mediterranean and dive into centuries of history with the perspective of Vincent Giovannoni, art anthropologist and chief curator of the Mucem. During a 12-day cruise aboard L’Austral, you will be amazed by the Mediterranean and its civilisations, a crossroads of exchange and a territory of divisions, the cradle of a unique way of life weaved together from fascinating cultures.
You will board in Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments that form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic collection bequeathed by Ancient Greece to the rest of the world.
You will cross the emblematic Corinth Canal to arrive in Itea. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, our on-board expert will recount the history of the legendary archaeological site of Delphi.
It will now be time to set sail towards Sicily and flamboyant Palermo. Historic sites such as the 12th-century cathedral or the Teatro Massimo opera house, one of the largest in Europe, blend with a uniquely bustling atmosphere.
Your exploration of the Mediterranean islands will continue as you discover Cagliari, capital of Sardinia and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean; its historic centre is full of charm, with shaded stairs, small squares inundated with light and remains conjuring up its medieval grandeur.
Your cruise will then stop in the Balearic Islands on the well-preserved island of Menorca. Mahon, the island’s capital, will charm you with its age-old history and its exceptional port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean! A little further on, Ibiza, the “White Island” will enchant you with its wild coves and villages of white fincas, a natural beauty that has earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Roman ruins and sumptuous scenery of Cartagena will welcome you before your departure for Malaga, the lively capital of the Costa del Sol. Next will be Cadiz, one of the country’s oldest towns, built on a rock, combining its Mediterranean influences with its opening onto the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean.
Your cruise will come to an end in Lisbon, sitting on the Tagus River, distilling its one-of-a-kind charm imbued with rich history.
Ref : AU101024
Your itinerary
A cruise in partnership with the Mucem, with featured guest Vincent Giovannoni, art anthropologist and chief curator of the museum. An exceptional cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom
(21 m2)
From €4,850
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom
(18 m2)
From €5,250
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 4
(18 m2)
From €5,820
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5
(18 m2)
From €6,100
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6
(18 m2)
From €6,450
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite
(27 m2)
From €8,950
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
(37 m2)
From €12,070
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
(37 m2)
From €12,700
25% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite
(45 m2)
From €19,260
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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
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Vincent Giovannoni
Vincent Giovannoni is an Art Anthropologist. He defended a PhD thesis focused on the small scale fisheries in the Mediterranean. For the European Commission, he conducted researches (Anthropology and Comparative Law) on the fisheries organization in the western Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy). Thereafter, he worked during more than fifteen years as ethnologist for the French Ministry of Culture (in metropolitan France and overseas, in the Indian Ocean). After some missions in West Africa, he has been director of the Saint-Louis' French Cultural Center, at the mouth of the Senegal River. He’s now chief curator at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem). In 2017, he curated at the Mucem the exhibition "Seafaring adventurers. Mediterranean - Indian Ocean. 7th - 17th century".
Spoken language: French, English
photo credit: ©Laurent Garbit
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Vincent Giovannoni
Vincent Giovannoni is an Art Anthropologist. He defended a PhD thesis focused on the small scale fisheries in the Mediterranean. For the European Commission, he conducted researches (Anthropology and Comparative Law) on the fisheries organization in the western Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy). Thereafter, he worked during more than fifteen years as ethnologist for the French Ministry of Culture (in metropolitan France and overseas, in the Indian Ocean). After some missions in West Africa, he has been director of the Saint-Louis' French Cultural Center, at the mouth of the Senegal River. He’s now chief curator at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem). In 2017, he curated at the Mucem the exhibition "Seafaring adventurers. Mediterranean - Indian Ocean. 7th - 17th century".
Spoken language: French, English
photo credit: ©Laurent Garbit
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:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, 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:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
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.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
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
MUCEM
Occupying a unique site at the entrance of the Old Port of Marseille, with a modern building designed by Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta, and a historic monument, Fort Saint-Jean, the Mucem hosts major thematic exhibitions and many appointments to destination for all : meetings and debates, cinemas, concerts, shows young audiences…
National museum, it talks about the cultural, social, scientific and political proliferation of the Mediterranean world from prehistory to the present day. All disciplines cross paths : anthropology, history, archeology, history of art and contemporary art…
Thought as a cultural city in the heart of the Phocaean city, the Mucem has been a success story : more than 6,700,000 visitors since its opening. Its exhibitions have been praised for their quality and the programmed events, conferences, concerts, screenings, sometimes held in the open air, have been a great success with a wide variety of audiences.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A cruise in partnership with the Mucem, with featured guest Vincent Giovannoni, art anthropologist and chief curator of the museum.
- An exceptional cruise between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to discover four countries: Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis of Athens (your embarkation port), the sanctuary of Delphi (from Itea), Arab-Norman Palermo, Ibiza, the Alhambra of Granada from Málaga, the tower of Belem and the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon (disembarkation port).
- Crossing the Corinth Canal.
- Discover the Balearic Islands including Mahon and Ibiza.
- The Andalusian city of Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the Western Mediterranean.
Ports of Call & Excursions
10 October 2024 - Athens
Embarkation 10/10/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 10/10/2024 at 6:00 pm
The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.
11 October 2024 - Crossing the Corinth Canal
Arrival 11/10/2024
Departure 11/10/2024
The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!
11 October 2024 - Itea
Arrival 11/10/2024 midday
Departure 11/10/2024 late afternoon
Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.
12 October 2024 - At sea
Arrival 12/10/2024
Departure 12/10/2024
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
13 October 2024 - Palermo, Sicily
Arrival 13/10/2024 early morning
Departure 13/10/2024 early afternoon
Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.
14 October 2024 - Cagliari, Sardinia
Arrival 14/10/2024 early morning
Departure 14/10/2024 early afternoon
The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Its Sardinian name means “castle”, in reference to the citadel, its historic centre, which dominates the city. The old ramparts are now pleasant panoramic terraces bordering picturesque streets. The city hosted the Nuragic, Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine civilisations before the rein of the Spanish Hapsburgs and the House of Savoy. The monuments of Cagliari bear the traces of these successive dominations, such as the Bastion of Saint-Rémy or the Sainte-Marie Cathedral. On the sea front, Art Nouveau-style public monuments give way to the Poetto beach, a magnificent stretch of sand that is 8 kilometres long.
15 October 2024 - Mahon, Balearic Islands
Arrival 15/10/2024 midday
Departure 15/10/2024 late afternoon
You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.
16 October 2024 - Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Arrival 16/10/2024 early morning
Departure 16/10/2024 late afternoon
The emblematic island of the Balearics, “the white island” was a haven for European artistic bohemians from the 1930s and a paradise for hippies in search of authenticity in the 1960s. It has been a giant nightclub for gilded youth since the 1990s. Behind this fiesta economy, Ibiza has managed to preserve the charms of its wild coves and its villages of white fincas with flat roofs that inspired Le Corbusier. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exemplary marine and coastal ecosystems but also thanks to the architectural vestiges of this former stronghold of the Mediterranean economy, from the Phoenicians up to the Renaissance.
17 October 2024 - Cartagena
Arrival 17/10/2024 early morning
Departure 17/10/2024 early afternoon
Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.
18 October 2024 - Málaga
Arrival 18/10/2024 early morning
Departure 18/10/2024 late evening
A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.
19 October 2024 - Cadiz
Arrival 19/10/2024 early afternoon
Departure 19/10/2024 evening
Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.
20 October 2024 - At sea
Arrival 20/10/2024
Departure 20/10/2024
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
21 October 2024 - Lisbon
Arrival 21/10/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 21/10/2024 at 8:00 am
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Art & Museums
The Louvre, custodian of humanity’s most beautiful treasures, the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts, the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac which shines a spotlight on the cultures of four continents, or the famous auction house Christie’s do us the honour of sharing their knowledge and expertise during itineraries designed together. During lectures, private visits or informal conversations on board, lovers of art and culture will have the privilege of rubbing shoulders with eminent specialists in the civilisations visited.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.