Luxury River Cruise Holidays

Somewhere in the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees latitude North, Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains”, awaits you for seven days of unforgettable travel looking out for wild life.

You will lift the anchor in Longyearbyen, where colourful wooden homes dot the landscape with a human presence that will certainly be the last you see for a while.

The sea rolls on, and the white-striped mountains, which gave the region its name, rise up from deeply tinted waters. The polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea: these variations all provide the magical, almost surreal, setting with new nuances.

The ship is escorted by Arctic fulmars. The first ice appears; still discreet, it seems to be dancing around you. At the end of a fjord, you will find yourself before an immense glacier. Black-legged kittiwakes share an iceberg, while Arctic terns fly over the area. Aboard the ship or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. The music of the thaw has begun its soft melody: a combination of cracking, roaring, murmuring and fizzing defies the silence of the polar desert.

On land, you will set foot on malleable earth, known as moraine. Only moss, lichen and a few rare flowers have managed to adapt and to take hold here, forming the tundra. On these inhospitable lands, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes coexist with walruses, lying on the beach. It has been a long time since the Pomor settlers, of which traces remain, came to hunt them.

Here, the lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, is never very far away. The crucial aspects of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region’s elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Itinerary is?subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

With the presence of Mike Louagie, photo ambassador.

To sail to the lands beyond the Arctic Circle is to push the boundaries of exploration in the wake of those who made discovering the polar regions their life’s mission. With humility, you will set a course towards the south of Svalbard and its untouched landscapes, before reaching the north-east of Greenland, inaccessible to traditional ships in early summer. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a marvel of technology, you will be amazed by the opportunities for guided exploration in these remote parts. You will progress through one of the hardest to reach areas in the Far North.

In the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, classed as an Important Bird Area, the arid spaces, still cloaked in ice, are home to cetaceans and Svalbard reindeer.

As you progress through this polar landscape, Nordaustlandet (North East Land) will display Europe’s largest ice cap and some of its most majestic fjords. You will cross the frozen expanses of the Hinlopen Strait, where the contours of the glaciers shape the horizon, and you will get up close to monumental basalt cliffs.

You will then sail towards the north-east of Greenland, through the drifting ice floes of the North Pole and continue your exploration in the heart of immaculate scenery. The sea ice reveals itself in all its formsMarvel at the subtle light changes on the ice.

On your journey, the Ammassalik, Blosseville and Ittoqqortoormiit regions reveal mythical places associated with the history of the discovery of the Arctic – places where the names Paul-Emile Victor, Jules de Blosseville and Jean-Baptiste Charcot still resound.

Whether from the exterior decks of your ship, during an outing in an inflatable dinghy or a kayak, or during a hike near blue-tinged icebergs, you will have multiples opportunities to get to know this wild and stunning world a little better.

In extreme conditions, at the end of spring when ice dots the barren landscapes, these remote parts reveal themselves to travellers. Despite the harsh climate and environment, the wildlife thrives here, offering the humble and patient observer the most wonderful of rewards.

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country's breathtaking backdrops, wines, and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks, and magnificent vineyards where you'll be treated to a sampling of quintessentially French experiences.

Embark on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers' market visit, and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. Join us on a showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.

Premium Golf Package (select dates): Available on select summer 2026 departures, our Premium Golf Package includes 18-hole rounds at two different courses in the Bordeaux region and special inclusions designed with golfers in mind. Due to capacity restrictions, the golf package must be reserved in advance.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region's incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon's majestic Palace of the Popes. Experience "Village Day" in enchanting Viviers. And for those who wish for a more active exploration of the area, you can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind. Explore unforgettable "Burgundy & Provence" where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines on the hills.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider's look at the impressive Rheinstein Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.

Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.

This enchanting voyage provides a variety of ways to enjoy captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you sail from Budapest to Regensburg.

Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings; Budapest to Regensburg direction only): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Due to capacity restrictions, we recommend Jewish Heritage excursions be reserved in advance. Please note: due to site closures during Passover, the Jewish Heritage program will not operate on the following departure: Budapest to Regensburg: April 5. Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed during other significant events, such as Passover.

The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.

Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the "must-sees" of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.

Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they're also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world.

Experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. Walk through Monet's beloved Giverny, seeing the enchanting grounds that he made famous; travel back in time and enjoy a Village day in charming Viviers; visit Lyon's famous secret passageways, the Traboules; and have a chance to golf high above the cliffs of Étretat—one of the most spectacular courses in France.

From the beaches of Normandy and the verve and romance of Paris to the sun-drenched vistas of Burgundy and Provence, this itinerary in France is truly sans pareil!

Grand France is a combination of Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence.

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world.

Experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. Walk through Monet's beloved Giverny, seeing the enchanting grounds that he made famous; travel back in time and enjoy a Village day in charming Viviers; visit Lyon's famous secret passageways, the Traboules; and have a chance to golf high above the cliffs of Étretat—one of the most spectacular courses in France.

From the beaches of Normandy and the verve and romance of Paris to the sun-drenched vistas of Burgundy and Provence, this itinerary in France is truly sans pareil!

Grand France is a combination of Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence.

Cruise from Paris through Normandy's countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet's beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.

Experience a different side of Northern France's history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

See the best of Paris in one of three ways: via panoramic tour, a bicycle ride along the Seine, or a walk through the Latin Quarter with a local guide. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing atop the cliffs of Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.