Early booking offers - book by 30 November 2026 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 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.
Videos on board this amazing ship can be viewed on our YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/@FriendshipHols/videos
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.
Board the ship and relax before departure. The all-inclusive package starts – enjoy a glass of champagne as the ship leaves Lisbon.
Wednesday 25th August
Portimao – Explore the Algarve’s golden coastline, dramatic cliffs, and charming old town. This stop is dominated by a Moorish castle.
3 available excursions –
Seco and Benagil caves, 2h 30 minutes.
This is an easy excursion, involving only the walk along the pier to the local boat and back. Layered clothing, including a windbreaker for the cruise, is recommended, as is protection from the sun.
Silves and Monchique, 4 hours
This is a moderate excursion, involving approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Layered clothing and protection from the sun are a must.
Historic lagos and the Ponta da Piedade, 4 hours
This is a relatively easy excursion, involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking. Surfaces are sometimes uneven, but the terrain is mostly flat. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
26th August
Cadiz, Spain is located on the Costa de la Luz – Historic Andalusian port with access to Seville.
2 available excursions –
Walking tour of Cadiz and local market, 4 hours
This excursion involves approximately 1.5 mile (2 km) of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Cadiz & Flemenco Show, 3 hours
This excursion involves approximately 1,2 miles (1 km) of walking on mostly flat streets. The flamenco show lasts about 1 hour. Recording videos is prohibited in the flamenco tavern.
27th August
At Sea – perfect day for ‘breakfast in bed’ in your cabin ( all included) a spa treatment, Ship tour or relaxing on deck with a glass of champagne and a good book.
28th August
Valencia – the city of Art and Sciences. A dynamic blend of futuristic architecture, sandy beaches, and a historic old quarter.
2 available excursions –
The best of Valencia, 4h 30 minutes
This excursion involves 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of walking, including stairs and uneven ground. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate clothing is required when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). The horchata tasting session is included.
Alburfera natural park, 3h 30 minutes
This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking on uneven and cobblestones terrain with some steps. Participants should be able to get on and off the boat (stairs). We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is subject to weather conditions. In case of bad weather, tour will be cancelled as the boat ride is not possible. Guests participating in this tour should be able to get on and off the boat (stairs).
29th August
Peñíscola – Considered one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.A picture-perfect medieval town crowned by a dramatic clifftop castle.
1 available excursion –
Discover Peniscola, 2 Hours 30 minutes
This excursion involves moderate walking on cobbled and sloping streets. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
30th August
Tarragona located on the Costa Dorada – Discover Roman ruins, ancient amphitheatres, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
31st August
Menorca – Relax in turquoise coves, whitewashed villages, and peaceful Balearic beauty.
1 available excursion –
Discover Ciutadella, 1 hour 30 minutes
A guided tour of the old capital, Ciutadella. Afterwards free time to explore cobbled streets and shops. This tour involves 3 km (2 miles) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Guests must be in good physical conditions. Please note that if the call is on a Sunday, stores may be closed in Ciutadella.
1st September
Arrival into Barcelona early morning.
Disembarke at 08.00am .
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
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