Early booking offers - book before 30 January 2027 and receive all of the following -
An onboard credit voucher of €250 to spend onboard ( Spa, gifts, extras).
A Free Half Day City Tour in Dakar worth £50, before getting on the cruise.
*Cabins are limited so early booking is advisable*
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
23rd March 2028 – Set sail on a very special Books in Places reading holiday with Paul, combining luxury
small-ship cruising with time to read, relax and share a love of books with like-minded solo travellers. Begin
with an overnight stay in Dakar before boarding Le Dumont d’Urville for a 10-night voyage through Cape
Verde and the Canary Islands. Discover dramatic volcanic scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and
fascinating island cultures, with included excursions at the ports of call and wonderfully unhurried days at sea
– perfect for reading.
This trip will be lead by reading guide Paul Wright. With over six years of experience running large book clubs in Bristol and Exeter, Paul has cultivated a deep understanding of what makes a great gathering. Since 2023, he has organised Books in Places trips, blending his love of literature and travel. The focus for the trip is on creating relaxed and sociable experiences where like-minded people can connect over books they love.
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.
- Destination-specific treatments in the spa – payable.
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d’Urville takes you in style and comfort to the natural and cultural wonders of the world.
Life on Board
Gastronomy
A cornerstone of French art de vivre, gastronomy is at the heart of the experience aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville. Guests are invited to enjoy two distinct dining venues:
The Nautilus – Gourmet Restaurant
Situated aft on Deck 4, The Nautilus serves elegant French and international cuisine, paired with an exceptional wine selection. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it welcomes all guests in a single seating.
Le Nemo – Grill Restaurant
On Deck 3, Le Nemo offers a relaxed, al fresco-inspired atmosphere. Guests may enjoy buffet breakfasts and lunches, along with themed dinners under the stars.
Lounges and Bars
Three stylish lounges and bars provide inviting spaces for conversation, music, or simply soaking up the ship’s warm and contemporary ambiance.
Well-Being
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris, the spa features a menu of massages, beauty treatments, and haircare services. A hammam and a fully equipped fitness room complement this haven of wellness.
Swimming Pool
Perfectly integrated with the ship’s elegant design, the pool invites relaxation with panoramic sea views. From the marina platform, guests can also enjoy zodiac outings or water sports in calm conditions.
Theatre
The intimate theatre hosts enriching lectures led by naturalists and guest experts, as well as live performances, concerts, and shows by talented artists.
Your Cabin
The Deluxe Staterooms on Le Dumont-d’Urville combine refined elegance with modern comfort. Featuring a private balcony, twin or king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, and state-of-the-art amenities, they provide a serene retreat at sea. Soft tones, contemporary décor, and thoughtful details create the perfect balance of style, intimacy, and relaxation.
Upgrades to prestige staterooms and suites available – ask for more details.
Ship Facts
- Passenger Capacity of 184
- 118 Crew members
- 92 staterooms and suites
- 1 Swimming pool
- 2 Restaurants
- 3 Bars/lounges
- Theatre
- Spa
- Gym
- Cabin with double/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
Thursday 23rd March
Depart from the UK for Dakar, Senegal. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Meet Paul and your fellow Books in Places guests as your reading holiday begins.
Friday 24th March
This morning enjoy a local city tour in the Dakar area before transferring to the port. Embark Le Dumont
d’Urville between 16:00 and 17:00, settle into your cabin and explore the ship before departure at 18:00. The all-inclusive cruise begins – relax and enjoy your first evening on board.
Saturday 25th March
At Sea – a perfect day to settle into life aboard Le Dumont d’Urville. Relax in the spa, enjoy the pool and open decks, or find a comfortable place with a good book. There will be plenty of time during the voyage to enjoy informal reading conversations and sociable moments with Paul and the Books in Places group.
Sunday 26th March
Praia – The capital of Cape Verde, on Santiago Island. Discover a city shaped by the archipelago’s African and Portuguese heritage, with a historic centre, colourful local life and easy access to Cidade Velha, the former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2 available included excursions –
Praia & Cidade Velha
Explore Praia’s historic centre before travelling to Cidade Velha, the first European colonial settlement in the tropics and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover important historic landmarks, including the old
fort and the atmospheric streets of the former capital, while learning more about Cape Verde’s complex history and culture.
Cape Verdean escapade
Experience another side of Santiago Island and discover the landscapes, people and culture that give Cape Verde its distinctive character. This excursion offers a broader taste of island life beyond the capital and is included as one of the choices available from Praia.
Monday 27th March & Tuesday 28th March
Mindelo – Set on Porto Grande Bay on São Vicente, Mindelo is regarded as Cape Verde’s cultural capital. The home of singer Cesária Évora is known for morna music, colourful colonial buildings, lively markets and a relaxed atmosphere, with dramatic island scenery waiting beyond the town.
2 available included excursions –
Mindelo off road adventure
Head out by 4×4 to discover São Vicente beyond Mindelo, travelling through striking and largely unspoilt
island landscapes. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints and the contrast between the island’s rugged interior and coastline, with a stop at beautiful Palha Carga Beach forming part of the adventure.
Jaunt to São Vicente: culture, scenery and adventure
Discover the character of São Vicente through a combination of local culture, scenery and island exploration. This included excursion is designed to show more than just Mindelo, bringing together the landscapes and traditions that make this Cape Verde island so distinctive.
Wednesday 29th March & Thursday 30th March
At Sea – two wonderfully unhurried days as Le Dumont d’Urville sails towards the Canary Islands. Make the most of the spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, talks and entertainment, or simply enjoy the open sea from the upper deck. For our Books in Places group, these are ideal days for uninterrupted reading, informal book
discussions and relaxed time together.
Friday 31st March
Santa Cruz de La Palma – The attractive capital of La Palma has preserved much of its colonial character, with cobbled streets, traditional Canarian houses and brightly coloured wooden balconies. Beyond the city lies an island of lush forests, dramatic volcanic scenery and vineyards.
2 included excursions –
Natural treasures of northern La Palma
Discover the greener side of La Palma, travelling through the lush landscapes of the north. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints, the extraordinary vegetation of the Los Tilos area and the island’s volcanic geology, including its
beautiful natural pools beside the Atlantic.
Volcano and wine
Travel south through vineyards, lava fields and pine landscapes towards Fuencaliente, an area shaped by some of La Palma’s most dramatic volcanic activity. See the San Antonio volcanic landscape before visiting a local wine cellar to sample wines produced on this remarkable island.
An additional excursion, Hiking on the new volcano Tajogaite, is offered by PONANT but is not included in the holiday price.
Saturday 1st April
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Tenerife’s capital sits on the island’s north-east coast and combines grand squares, historic architecture and a lively Canarian atmosphere. From here, included excursions explore some of Tenerife’s greatest natural and cultural highlights.
3 available included excursions –
Teide National Park
Journey into Tenerife’s extraordinary volcanic interior to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by Mount Teide. Vast lava formations, dramatic rock scenery and the high-altitude landscape make this one of the natural highlights of the entire voyage.
La Laguna and Vineyards
Combine the historic streets of La Laguna with Tenerife’s long tradition of wine growing. Discover the island’s cultural heritage before heading into vineyard country for a taste of another side of Tenerife, where volcanic soils help create distinctive local wines.
The gardens of Tenerife
Enjoy Tenerife’s greener side with a visit focused on the island’s gardens and remarkable plant life. The Canary Islands’ climate supports an extraordinary range of tropical and subtropical species, creating colourful and peaceful surroundings away from the busier resorts.
Sunday 2nd April
Arrecife de Lanzarote – Lanzarote is famous for its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and the influence of artist and architect César Manrique. Arrecife itself has a charming lagoon, waterfront and historic San Gabriel Castle, while the island beyond offers some of the most distinctive scenery in the Canaries.
3 available included excursions – Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río Discover two of Lanzarote’s most celebrated sights, both closely associated with César Manrique. Explore Jameos del Agua, created within a volcanic tunnel, before visiting Mirador del Río for spectacular views from high above the coast towards the island of La Graciosa.
Timanfaya National Park & La Geria bodega
Experience Lanzarote’s dramatic volcanic heart in Timanfaya National Park, where lava fields and craters create an almost otherworldly landscape. Continue into La Geria, the island’s remarkable wine-growing region, to discover how vines are cultivated in the black volcanic soil and visit a local bodega.
César Manrique Foundation & Cactus Garden
Discover the creative legacy of César Manrique, whose work helped shape modern Lanzarote while respecting its volcanic landscape. Visit his remarkable Foundation and the Cactus Garden, where architecture, art and thousands of cactus plants come together in one of the island’s most distinctive attractions.
Monday 3rd April
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Arrive early morning and disembark Le Dumont d’Urville at 08:00. Transfer to
the airport for your return flight to the UK.
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