Mudgee Guardian

Ponant takes luxury European small-ship cruising to the next level for Australians

The Athens to Venice cruise includes crossing the Corinth Canal. Image by N Matheus for Ponant
The Athens to Venice cruise includes crossing the Corinth Canal. Image by N Matheus for Ponant

Brought to you by Ponant.

Experience Europe like never before aboard a luxurious Ponant cruise.

France's only cruise liner, and world leader in small-ship luxury sailings, Ponant has been perfecting the art of sea exploration for more than 35 years.

The fleet of 13 small and sustainable vessels, with capacity from just 32 to 264 passengers, are able to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners making for a unique and authentic experience for each guest.

Image by N Matheus for Ponant
Image by N Matheus for Ponant

This includes passing under London's Iconic Tower Bridge or crossing the Corinth Canal, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland.

The smaller size also means guests can disembark directly onto the sidewalk, giving them the freedom to come and go as they please during ports of call in culturally rich and idyllic destinations from Lisbon to Barcelona, Nice to Venice, or the many Isles of Greece to the seaside cities of Croatia and everything in between.

Ponant's destination experts guarantee an engaging and entertaining experience during ports of call, where inclusive daily excursions expose the rich culture and history of destinations.

Image by N Matheus for Ponant
Image by N Matheus for Ponant

The expert-led itineraries offer a plethora of opportunity ashore, such as visiting the magnificent Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or standing before UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Mont-Saint-Michel and the Tower of Hercules or even visit the Dutch capital of Amsterdam and its many cultural jewels including the Van Gogh Museum.

During days at sea, guests can expect an experience akin to sailing aboard their own private yacht, with spacious areas, chic in design, to either unwind or enjoy moments of shared entertainment as they sail the glistening European waters.

Ponant's 35-year expertise permeates each sailing where the quintessence of French hospitality and quality luxury amenities are guaranteed.

From the spa and salon to the world-class gastronomic experience mastered by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, Ponant offers the refined luxury expected ashore, at sea.

The prestige cabin onboard the Le Lapérouse. Picture Ponant
The prestige cabin onboard the Le Lapérouse. Picture Ponant

Take a European Grand Voyage with Ponant

Australians can access extended Europe 2025 summer sailings with exclusive savings of up to $3,200pp*.

  • Be immersed in Ponant's signature luxury on a European Grand Voyage in 2025.
  • Ponant is offering three 15-29-night sailings, that showcase the best of Europe, including ports of call in Finland, the United Kingdom, and the countries of the Mediterranean.
  • Book now: Call 1300 737 178 | au.ponant.com | or contact your preferred travel agent
  • *Limited availability, conditions apply.