Early booking offers - book by 30 November 2026 and receive all of the following -
Book with a low deposit of only £100
An onboard credit voucher of €250 to spend onboard ( Spa, gifts, extras).
A Free Half Day City Tour in Lisbon worth £50, before getting on the cruise.
*Cabins are limited so early booking is advisable*
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
23rd August 2027 – Set sail on an unforgettable, one-off hosted group cruise with Mel from Friendship Travel. Departing from the beautiful city of Lisbon, this voyage aboard a luxurious ship will take you to some of the most captivating ports in Portugal and Spain. Enjoy a sociable, fully hosted experience with like-minded travellers, plus the option to upgrade flights to Premium Economy or Business Class for added comfort and style.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS – FOR WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLER?
Those seeking a unique and exclusive voyage
- Ultra-modern, intimate ships
- Luxury comfort and discrete, attentive service (butler for some suites)
- 1 crew member for every 2 guests on PONANT EXPLORATIONS and 1 crew member for every guest on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Tailor-made assistance before, during, and after the itinerary (flights, transfers, private excursions, hotel accommodations)
Those seeking a “French Touch”
- The only French cruise company with an international crew, ensuring a truly bilingual experience on board.
- The expertise of Ducasse Conseil for gastronomy worthy of the finest restaurants, and accompanied by fine wines. On board Le Commandant Charcot, Le Nuna: the first Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea
- Exclusive partners: Pierre Hermé, Veuve Clicquot, Hermès, Bordier, Diptyque and Fragonard
Those passionate about exploring the world, seeking adventure, and expedition
- The exploration of countless natural and cultural treasures on every itinerary.
- A wide choice of excursions (secret coves, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites, polar treks, etc.)
- Exceptional experts and guests on board (artists, historians, researchers, naturalist guides).
- Zodiac outings and landings accompanied by an expedition team.
- Close encounters with local populations
- Meaningful travel around four themes: Planet, Culture, Lifestyle, and Geopolitics.
Those in search of relaxation and well-being
- Dedicated areas on every ship: spas, fitness rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hair salons
- An outdoor swimming pool on all ships (except Le Ponant, La Désirade and Le Spirit of Ponant), and an indoor pool on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Destination-specific treatments (snow cabin on Le Commandant Charcot, heated seawater pool on all ships – except Le Ponant, Le Spirit of Ponant and La Désirade).
Le Boréal
Launched in 2010, Le Boréal is the precursor of a new generation of intimate ships, combining French elegance and cutting-edge technologies.
Life on Board
Gastronomy
An essential part of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
La Licorne – Gourmet Restaurant
At the back of deck 2, you will find a gourmet restaurant with a wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine.
La La Boussole – Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 6 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Lounges and Bars
The ship’s three lounges and bars create a cosy yet sophisticated ambiance—ideal for socialising, relaxing, or simply enjoying the moment. Amongst these lounges we have The obsevatory louge where you can enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.
Well-Being
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
Swimming Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
Your Cabin
The Deluxe Staterooms on Le Boréal offer a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Each features a private balcony, king size bed, elegant bathroom, and modern amenities. With refined décor, warm tones, and thoughtful details, these staterooms provide guests with a relaxing retreat and panoramic ocean views throughout their voyage.
Upgrades to prestige staterooms and suites available – ask for more details.
Ship Facts
- Passenger Capacity of 264
- 145 Crew members
- 132 staterooms and suites
- 1 Swimming pool
- 2 Restaurants
- 3 Bars/lounges
- Theatre
- Spa
- Gym
- Cabin with king/twin beds for sole occupancy
- En-suite with shower and W/C
- All cabins are outside cabins with balcony
- Air-conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Minibar
- Safe
- Free WiFi
Itinerary
Monday 23rd August
Direct flights from the UK/Ireland to Lisbon, followed by a transfer to your hotel on a B&B basis. This evening, the group will have time to explore Lisbon’s vibrant dining scene and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (included in your package), soaking up the city’s atmosphere.
Tuesday 24th August
An optional ½ day city tour in Lisbon, then transfers to the ship in the afternoon for embarkation.
Wednesday 25th August
Portimao – Explore the Algarve’s golden coastline, dramatic cliffs, and charming old town.
26th August
Cadiz, Spain – Historic Andalusian port with access to Seville.
Included excursions –
Walking tour of Cadiz and local market or Cadiz & Flemenco Show
27th August
At Sea – perfect day for a spa treatment, Ship tour or relaxing on deck with a glass of champagne and a good book.
28th August
Valencia – A dynamic blend of futuristic architecture, sandy beaches, and a historic old quarter.
Included excursions –
Highlights of Valencia or Alburfera natural park
29th August
Peñíscola – A picture-perfect medieval town crowned by a dramatic clifftop castle.
Included excursion –
Discover Peniscola
30th August
Tarragona – Discover Roman ruins, ancient amphitheatres, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
Included excursion –
A glimpse of monastic life amnd medieval montblanc
31st August
Menorca – Relax in turquoise coves, whitewashed villages, and peaceful Balearic beauty.
Included excursion –
Discover Ciutadella
1st September
Transfers from ship to Barcelona Airport. Ideally all flights should depart between 11.00 am and 16.00 hours. Cannot depart before 11 am as ship only docks at 8am
















