Le Boréal, PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Discover our upcoming voyages aboard below:

Antarctica, The Great Austral Loop: Ushuaia, Argentina to Ushuaia, Argentina

Embarkation date: 21.12.25

Duration: 18 nights

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and gateway to Antarctica, where the Andes plunge dramatically into the sea. After embarking on 21 December 2025, you’ll set sail through the Beagle Channel, leaving behind “El fin del mundo” — the end of the world — and heading toward adventure. A day at sea offers time to relax and enjoy the ship’s many comforts, from spa treatments to lectures and open-deck wildlife watching. The next day brings the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands, where you’ll explore Grave Cove and New Island, home to vibrant colonies of gentoo and rockhopper penguins, albatross, and playful dolphins. Several tranquil days at sea follow as you sail east to South Georgia, an isolated paradise teeming with king penguins, elephant seals, and glaciers. From 27 to 29 December, you’ll experience this breathtaking wildlife haven before continuing across the open ocean toward the Antarctic Peninsula, arriving on 1 January 2026. Here, icebergs, glaciers, and towering peaks form a surreal landscape inhabited by whales, seals, and countless seabirds. Guided Zodiac landings and expert-led exploration bring you face to face with the frozen majesty of the White Continent. Finally, you’ll cross the legendary Drake Passage, a rite of passage for every Antarctic traveller, before returning to Ushuaia on 7 January 2026, your heart and camera full of unforgettable memories from one of the most extraordinary voyages on Earth.

Cruising the Aegean : Athens, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey

Embarkation date: 25.06.26

Duration 7 nights

Your journey begins in Athens, the Greek capital, where embarkation takes place on 25 June 2026 from 16:00 to 17:00, with departure at 18:00. Overlooking the Saronic Gulf, Athens enchants visitors with its UNESCO-listed Acropolis and lively districts like Plaka, filled with colourful streets and the aroma of local delicacies. The National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Art Museum reveal the city’s rich cultural past. The following morning, you’ll arrive in Nafplion, a charming town on the Argolic Gulf, known for its Italianate arcades, baroque Palamidi fortress, and the serene Arvanitia promenade. On 27 June, the island of Paros awaits with its white marble heritage, Byzantine churches, and the picturesque fishing port of Naoussa. The next stop is Delos on 28 June, an ancient sanctuary filled with marble ruins and sweeping Aegean views, followed by Mykonos that afternoon, famous for its windmills, bougainvillea-clad alleys, and lively waterfront. On 29 June, you’ll explore Kusadasi and the nearby ruins of Ephesus, then sail to Patmos on 30 June, home to the Cave of the Apocalypse. The voyage continues to Çanakkale on 1 July, gateway to Troy, and through the Dardanelles Strait, before concluding in Istanbul on 2 July 2026, a city of timeless beauty and history.

Friendship Travel Host on board – Cruising the Mediterranean: Valleta, Malta to Barcelona, Spain

Embarkation date: 10.10.26

Duration: 7 nights

Start your journey with our solos group and Friendship Travel host in Valletta on 10 October 2026, a UNESCO World Heritage city where majestic streets, narrow staircase vennels, and the Barrakka Gardens invite exploration. Discover the Grandmaster’s Palace, Saint John’s Cathedral, and Saint-Elme Fort, surrounded by painted loggias and carved corbels. The next day, arrive in Trapani, Sicily, where cobalt waters, historic streets, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and Maria Santissima Annunziata sanctuary showcase a rich blend of cultures, while local cuisine tempts with fresh seafood and couscous. On 12 October, explore Palermo, a city steeped in history from Phoenicians to Normans, with Moorish cathedral designs, Byzantine mosaics at the Palatine Chapel, baroque palaces, and bustling markets. Cagliari follows on 13 October, Sardinia’s capital built on seven hills, featuring historic ramparts, the Bastion of Saint-Rémy, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, and the long Poetto beach. A day at sea on 14 October offers relaxation, spa treatments, sunbathing, and opportunities to admire marine life. On 15–16 October, visit Mahon and Palma de Mallorca in the Balearics, discovering colorful streets, neo-gothic churches, local markets, idyllic coves, and historic monuments. Conclude in Barcelona on 17 October, a city blending Roman ruins, medieval quarters, and modernist masterpieces by Gaudí, Picasso, and Miró, where strolling along Las Ramblas immerses you in the vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.

Ocean Voyage: Lisbon, Portugal to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Embarkation date: 24.10.26

Duration: 19 nights

Begin your journey in Lisbon on 24 October 2026, Portugal’s vibrant capital perched on the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic coast. Explore its rich cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stroll through the winding Moorish streets of the Alfama district, and enjoy the fado bars that lend the city its soulful soundtrack. Chiado’s elegant streets offer luxury shopping and a taste of contemporary Lisbon life. After a day at sea on 25–26 October, where guests can relax in the spa, swim, sunbathe, or enjoy onboard shows and conferences, arrive in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 27 October. Wander the historical streets, admire the Santa Ana Cathedral, visit the Casa de Colón museum, or explore the bustling Vegueta market. A long ocean passage follows on 28 October–11 November, offering comfort, relaxation, and scenic views of the open sea. Conclude your voyage in Buenos Aires on 12 November, the “Little Paris of South America,” where European-influenced architecture, lively tango rhythms, and 48 distinct districts, markets, and historic landmarks create a vibrant, unforgettable atmosphere at the gateway to Argentina.

Journey to Austral lands and Valdes Peninsula: Buenos Aires, Argentina to Usuaia, Argentina

Embarkation date: 12.11.26

Duration: 18 nights

Guest speaker: Cindy Miller Hopkins, photographer

Included Activity: Kayak Discovery Antarctica

Embark on an unforgettable expedition in Buenos Aires on 12 November 2026, a vibrant port city nestled between the Rio de la Plata and the Argentine Pampas, celebrated for its European-influenced architecture, lively Latin spirit, and tango-filled streets. After a day at sea on 13–14 November, where guests can relax in the spa, enjoy the pool, or attend lectures and shows, arrive in Puerto Madryn on 15 November to explore the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, and native wildlife amid its desert steppe. Following another day at sea, visit Port Stanley in the Falklands on 18 November, where colorful houses, Victorian architecture, and whale-jaw arches speak of its South American and British heritage. On 21–23 November, South Georgia unfolds with its dramatic landscapes, king and Gentoo penguins, elephant and fur seals, and glaciers of Gold Harbour and Fortuna Bay, including the spectacular colony at Salisbury Plain. After a sea passage on 24–25 November, discover the Antarctic Peninsula on 26–27 November, a realm of blue and white ice, glaciers, tabletop icebergs, and extraordinary wildlife, navigating under the guidance of the Captain and Expedition Leader. Crossing the Drake Passage on 28–29 November, witness albatross and Cape petrels gliding above the waves. Conclude your epic voyage in Ushuaia on 30 November, the “End of the World,” nestled between mountains and fertile plains, the ultimate gateway to the Antarctic and the South Pole.