Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Situated in the East China Sea in the Nansei archipelago, a group of islands also known as the Ryuku Islands and lying to the south-west of Japan between KyÅ«shÅ« and Taiwan, Amami Oshima (literally “Amami Big Island”) is the largest of the Amami Islands. It is influenced by the culture of the great Okinawa archipelago. Amami Oshima is a world apart, with wild and pristine nature in which you will experience the tranquillity of the place. The old-growth forest covers 95% of the island’s surface and can be discovered along hiking trails. Its 700,000 m² of mangrove, the second largest in Japan, are breathtaking.

The northernmost island of the prefecture of Okinawa, Iheyajima is a small territory that will take you back in time. At the heart of preserved natural landscapes that are a reminder of the Okinawa of the past, the inhabitants perpetuate traditional culture, particularly by maintaining ancient rites and ceremonies in honour of the divinities of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The island is home to several historic sites, such as the tomb of the ancestors of King Sho Hashi, the unifier of Okinawa and founder of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which was independent from Japan until the end of the 19th century. In this natural setting, whose emblematic Nento-Hiramatsu pine tree is a national monument, perhaps you will enjoy the privilege of seeing a traditional “Eisa” drum performance.

Zamami is an island in the Kerama archipelago, 40 km (25 miles) west of Okinawa Island in the China Sea. Visitors to this 16 km² (6 mi²) quasi-uninhabited isle are enchanted by the many untouched natural treasures they find here. You will discover a tranquil island with lush vegetation, lined with stunning white-sand bays bathing in the glimmering ‘Kerama blue’ waters around the archipelago. Zamami is also renowned for the beauty of its coral reefs, where multicoloured fish engage in an endless mesmerising ballet. The observation deck on Mount Takatsuki reveals stunning views of the Kerama Islands, granted national park status in 2014. With subtle shifting shades of azure above and all around, this island truly is paradise.

Located 90 km (56 miles) to the south-west of Okinawa Honto, Kumejima is a multifaceted island home to natural treasures. Hatenohama, a stunning 7 km-long (4.3 miles) fine-sand beach, promises wonderful carefree moments discovering the exceptional underwater worlds off the coast of Kumejima. Mifuga, a rock formation on the north coast of the island with a hole right through its middle, is a great example of the erosion along the coast. The eastern peninsula offers another geological feature, visible at low tide: 1,000 flat rocks each around one metre (3.2 feet) in diameter, formed by the contraction of lava from a nearby eruption a million years ago. They create a rocky plateau resembling a traditional Japanese tatami, hence the name Tatami-ishi.

Situated between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, Miyakojima is the main island of the Miyako Islands, in the Sakishima archipelago. The fourth largest island in the Okinawa prefecture, it is known for its many sugar cane plantations and some of Japan’s most beautiful beaches. Myriad multicoloured fish await you during unforgettable swims and snorkelling.

Off the coast of the Okinawa Prefecture, Taketomi Island (Taketomijima) is fascinating for its traditional character, preserved in a beautiful, lush setting. Like its big sisters, Ishigaki and Kuroshima, this island in the Yaeyama archipelago is the ideal destination for an immersion in typical landscapes and the insular way of life of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Here, time seems to have stood still. There are very few cars about; bicycles and carriages drawn by imposing oxen remain the only means of transport. This is an ideal opportunity to wander through the picturesque streets lined with traditional dwellings with red-tiled roofs and lion-shaped shisa statues placed in front of the vast majority of houses to keep evil spirits at bay.

Nestled in the very heart of the Yaeyama archipelago, Iriomote Island conjures visions of a hidden paradise. With 90% of the island covered by thick jungle, crossed by rivers and impressive mangrove forests, Iriomote is an ideal destination for fans of large preserved spaces. With exceptional fauna and flora, this lush jewel is home to many endemic species: you may be lucky enough to get to glimpse an Iriomote cat or a crested serpent eagle. During this port of call, you will also have the possibility of admiring the captivating underwater world during a free diving session or contemplating this lush jungle close up on a cruise along the calm waters of the island’s rivers.

The geographic situation of the island of Yonagunijima, the most remote and western in the Japanese archipelago of Okinawa, makes it a wild and preserved territory. Between cliffs plunging into the sea and white sandy beaches, lush meadows and palettes of blue, we can admire the last sunset every day here in the Land of the Rising Sun. The island is also renowned for the Yonaguni horses, a small breed standing only a metre high, which graze freely here. If you dive, Yonagunijima will delight you with its sea beds which are as exceptional as they are mysterious.

 

On the north-east tip of Taiwan, the harbour city of Keelung stands on one of the most beautiful coasts on the island. Nearby is the spectacular natural park of Yehliu, famed for its striking rock formations. It's easy to tour the city's historical sites on trails that cross the lush green hills surrounding the harbour from Chung Cheng Park to Fort Ershawan, you can enjoy superb views of Keelung and the coastline. But the main attraction is the Miaokou night market, where you can taste some typically Taiwanese culinary delights.

Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, Ishigaki boasts all the aspects of an authentic piece of paradise. You have guessed it, you do not come here for its skyscrapers but for its pure emerald waters and idyllic beaches. The waters off Shiraho, on the island's south-west coast, have one of the largest areas of blue coral in the world.

Off the Canadian coast, discover Saint Pierre Island, one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, the only French territory in North America. Endowed with a natural harbour, the island, whose name is a reference to the patron saint of fishermen, developed around the fishing industry and still has many traces of its past today. Whale hunting, cod fishing, alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition: all of these memories are still very much alive in the capital, Saint-Pierre. The island is also renowned for the observation of exceptional fauna including, among others, whales, fin whales, dolphins, seals, puffins and petrels.

At the entrance of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, not far from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Miquelon is one of the two main islands of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago and will delight those with a love of wide open space. Connected by a sand isthmus, with Miquelon in the north and Langlade to the south, this wild land is famous as the home to France’s only boreal forest and has sublime scenery of hills, dotted with ponds, woods and bogs, and ringed by lagoons and steep cliffs. The rich and varied wildlife will guarantee fine encounters, whether inland, which is populated with white-tailed deer and bald eagles, or on the coast, refuge to many seabirds and common seals.

4 available excursions

Hike in the Cormorandiere Valley, Yoga and meditation session, Visit to a goat farm, Hike to the summit of the Tete Pelee

Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

4 available excursions

Acadian culture & heritage, Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands, Acadian culture & heritage, Culinary heritage of the Magdalen Islands

Located in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, the small town of Woody Point has the typical charm of territories found at the end of the world. From there, you will set off to discover the national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the beauty of its landscapes, whose geology unveils the evolution of continental drift through its extraordinary rock formations. Sculpted by glacial activity, the park is home to coastal lowlands, alpine plateaux, hemmed-in fjords, immense valleys, jagged cliffs and several preserved lakes: you will marvel at every moment!

1 available excursions

The Tablelands, a geological oddity

After riding in an inflatable dinghy around granite tabular islands that are highly characteristic of Basse-Côte-Nord, you will land on an island once occupied by fishermen from Tête-à-la-Baleine and now the summer village of some twenty families. Your guide will take you to a cairn from which you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view over the tundra scattered with a few bushes, moss and white lichen. You will visit the Sainte-Anne Chapel, a beautiful wooden church built in the late 19th century, and taste some local products made from berries.

3 available excursions

Ponant Kayak, From North to South, see the small islands by boat, IIe de la Passe and the Maison Jos Hebert

This small fishing village on Canada's North Shore is unique in more ways than one: it has very few inhabitants, no cars and a network of wooden pavements linking all the houses together. Lying three kilometres from the coast, the island has extraordinary wild landscapes. It is also home to the Jacques Cartier monument, commemorating the famous French explorer's visit to the region in 1535. The main activities include walking through the town and strolling along the wooden pavements among the typical village houses. According to legend, the explorer Jean-François de La Rocque de Roberval abandoned his niece Marguerite here in the 1540s when she fell in love with a sailor. She supposedly took refuge in a cave on the island before being rescued by fishermen. The cult Quebec film, Seducing Doctor Lewis, was also shot here.

3 available excursions

Walking tour of Harrington Harbour, Ponant Kayak, Harrington Harbor hike & Marguerite's Cove

La Romaine is an Innu First Nations reserve in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, with a population of 1,500. Nestling at the mouth of the Olomane River, this fishing village has a spectacular view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, dotted with islets and wild forests. The name La Romaine means red ochre in Innu, and evokes the reddish colour of the run-off waters in spring. Here you will discover a fascinating history, regional economy and traditions, halfway between past and present. You can also enjoy a stroll along its charming bay.

5 available excursions

Hike on Dos de Cheval Island, Ponant Kayak, Escapade in La Romaine, Immersion with the Innu, Encounter and lunch with the Innu

Located on the Northern Shore of Quebec, Havre St Pierre is the gateway to the amazing natural heritage that surrounds it. This Quebecois town provides an excellent base for exploring the string of islands sprinkled off the coast. From Havre St Pierre, you can visit the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This is a land forged by the sea and elements, where nature still rules. This chain of islands is renowned for its spectacular limestone formations.

2 available excursions

The surprising monoliths of Minganie, Petite île au Marteau and Niapiskau Island

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

2 available excursions

Encounter with whales, Exploring Tadoussac on foot

The city of Saguenay nestles in a valley through which flows the eponymous river, one of the region’s treasures. As it joins the Saint-Lawrence, the Saguenay River forms a spectacular fjord boasting extraordinarily differing landscapes. From Saguenay, you can explore the attractive Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. You can combine country walks with boat trips within the various national parks studded throughout this extraordinary natural kingdom.

3 available excursions

Hike in the Saguenay Fjord National Park, Trail on Mars River banks, The Craftsman Road

The capital of "La Belle Province" sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall, a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.

2 available excursions

Quebec Half day tour, Old Quebec Walk & Guided visit of the Chateau Frontenac

Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

9 available excursion

ATV Tour of Huahine Nui, Huahine exploration by 4WD & boat, Sacred sites & legendary places, Motu Picnic, Day at the Beach, Huahine iti by 4*4, Lagoon Cruise & snorkelling, Huahine iti by e-Bike, Huahine safari expedition

A volcanic island located halfway between Huahine and Bora-Bora, Raiatea is like the mother of Polynesia. It was on its rocky flanks that the oldest traces of local habitation were found. According to legend, it was even the cradle of the gods... You can admire several sites that bear witness to this past, including the first Polynesian holy site, the Te-Po religious centre, including the marae Taputapuatea, a sort of altar made of stone and coral. Although beaches are rare on Raiatea, here nature is totally captivating, and the coral islets offer myriads of ravishing creeks.

6 available excursion

Discover Faaroa River by Kayak, Raiatea Higlights Tour, Coral Garden Drift snorkel, Discover Raiatea by 4*4, Snorkel and Black Pearl Farm Adventure, Anapa Pearl Farm and Snorkeling

Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.

7 available excursion

Snorkel & Black pearl farm adventure, Catamaran Sail in Tahaa, Waverunner and snorkeling adventure*, Taha's cultural tour, Exploration of Taha's, Waverunner discover, Coral garden drift snorkeling,

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

23 available excursion

Snorkeling & relaxing time in the blue lagoon, Bora Bora island tour by "Le truck", Bora Bora off-road adventure, Pure snorkelling with reef discovery, Aquabike adventure*, Lagoon cruise & Polynesian feast, Lagoon excursion with Maohi Nui, Circle island by waverunner*, Blue lagoon escapade*, ATV adventure in Bora Bora*, Glass-bottom boat (Bora Bora), Aquasafari – Underwater walk, Blue lagoon escapade*, ATV adventure in Bora Bora*, Glass-bottom boat (Bora Bora), Circle island by waverunner*, Bora Bora off-road adventure, Lagoon excursion with Maohi Nui, Lagoon cruise & Polynesian feast, Bora Bora island tour by "Le truck",Pure snorkelling with reef discovery, Aquabike adventure*, Aquasafari – Underwater walk

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

6 available excursion

ATV guided tour, E-Bike tour of Rotoava & the North shore, Half day to teagatea beach, Coco walking tours, Paradise escape, Fakarava pinnacle snorkel

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

4 available excursion

Black pearl farm, Snorkelling Rangiroa's aquarium, Glass-Bottom boat, Discover the green lagoon

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

23 available excursion

Lagoon discovery with snorkeling, Lagoon and ocean tour, Sunset sail in moorea, Lagoon tour and marine fauna, Moorea by catajets*, Slow paced belvedere & pineapple valley by e-Bike, Waverunner adventure*, Aito Off-Road safari, ATV guided tour*, Aquablue – Underwater walk, The 3 pinus hike, Catamaran sail in Moorea, Night snorkelling in the lagoon, BBQ on Motu & snorkelling, Capture Moorea – Photo adventure, Island drive & belvedere, Lagoon & ocean tour, Dolphin watching expedition, Lagoon discovery with snorkeling, Slow paced belvedere & pineapple valley by e-Bike, Aito Off-Road safari, ATV guided tour*, Aquablue – Underwater walk, Island drive & belvedere, Moorea by catajets*, Capture Moorea – Photo adventure

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.