Sailing up the Red Sea and leaving in one’s wake the memories of a lifetime: the Arabian Desert and its ochre hues that stop suddenly before the clear waters of the sea, the intriguing cities and their typical souks whose colourful stalls fill the air in the alleys with their fragrances, and the archaeological sites that recount the mysteries of a secular history and ancient civilisations. Over 11 days, take a unique and unforgettable journey aboard Le Lapérouse to discover the East and its secrets.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, chosen with care by PONANT. During this cruise, take your place aboard an off-road vehicle in Safaga for an excursion in the desert to discover a Bedouin camp, visit the magnificent Masada fortress from Eilat and swim in the Dead Sea, or enjoy a boat trip around Baridi Island, combining relaxation, snorkelling and swimming. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Past and future coexist along the shores of Saudi Arabia. For the first time with PONANT, you will penetrate the fascinating Jeddah. Behind its apparent modernity hides the long history of a port established in the 7th century at the crossroads of key trade routes, and of an essential stopping point on the way to Mecca. From this past, the city has retained a multicultural architecture blending traditional constructions in coral from this coastal region and know-how borrowed along the ancient routes, affording it status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yanbu also stands out for its history linked to trade, since it was once a major port along the spice route between Yemen and Egypt. Like in Jeddah, the Hejazi architecture can be discovered by visiting the old town. On the little-known island of Baridi, enjoy some water-based activities in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea: snorkelling or simply swimming will be a pleasure for the senses.
Between Africa and the Middle East, the Red Sea connected people and civilisations and it continues to do so today. Along its shores or a little further inland, discover some of its legendary archaeological sites. Egypt opens its doors to you and takes you to explore its most enigmatic treasures. From Safaga, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings that faces it on the other side of the Nile.
From Eilat, another no less fascinating tale from ancient times will be revealed in the Judaean Desert. Sitting atop its limestone perch, the Masada fortress has been an impressive sight since the 1st century BC due to its position overlooking the Dead Sea. This true wonder is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This arid region is home to desert after desert, but each landscape is unique. In Wadi Rum, the elements have formed canyons and cliffs, arches and caves whose sandstone and granite rocks emerge from the orange-coloured sand. You will reach these surreal landscapes from Aqaba.
- A brand-new Red Sea cruise to discover flamboyant cities, natural gems and fascinating archaeological sites that tell the tales of a long history.
- Make the most of an excursion included per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Brand-new ports of call in Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, Yanbu and on Baridi Island.
- UNESCO sites: historic Jeddah, ancient Thebes and its necropolis from Safaga, the Masada fortress from Eilat and Wadi Rum from Aqaba.
- Baridi Island to enjoy a swim or snorkel in an idyllic setting.
- Jeddah and Yanbu to discover the Hejazi architecture that reflects the construction techniques used along the shores of the Red Sea and to admire the local arts and crafts during a visit to the souks.
- The possibility of enjoying water-based activities such as snorkelling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
- Port of call in Safaga, gateway to the marvels of Ancient Egypt: Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut temples, the Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings.
- Discovery of the treasures of Islamic culture, between tradition and modernity.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Le Dumont d'Urville
| Built | 2018 |
|---|
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
RESTAURANTS
As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Dumont d'Urville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.
In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
PUBLIC AREAS
Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Dumont d'Urville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Le Laperouse
| Length | 131 metres |
|---|---|
| Built | 2017 |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Lifts/elevators | yes |
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.
RESTAURANTS
As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism.
In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts.
To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals.
PUBLIC AREAS
Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding.
A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas.
A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
