The Art of Travel: PONANT’s Prestigious Partnerships Create Unforgettable Voyages for 2026–2027

PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites discerning travellers on a new chapter of discovery — where luxury cruising meets cultural immersion. True to its spirit of “unique moments on meaningful voyages,” the French expedition line expands its partnership programme with global icons in the worlds of art, music, cuisine, and well-being.

Across 40 exceptional departures, PONANT transforms travel into an art form — curating voyages that inspire emotion, creativity, and connection. Each itinerary blends world-class expertise with breathtaking destinations, offering passengers one-of-a-kind experiences designed around their passions.

Dance Across the Seas with the Paris Opera Ballet

Among PONANT’s most captivating collaborations is its renewed partnership with the Opéra National de Paris. Two summer sailings feature exclusive performances by principal dancers Roxane Stojanov (Mediterranean, 2026) and Amandine Albisson (Atlantic, 2027).

Guests will experience pure grace at sea, with onboard performances, ballet classes led by Opéra teachers, and intimate conversations that reveal the artistry behind each movement.

• Sailing the Mediterranean with the Paris Opera Ballet – Nice to Nice, 29 July 2026, aboard Le Boréal, 9 days from €6,510.
• The Atlantic Coast with the Ballet Opera Paris – Lisbon to Bordeaux, 6 August 2027, aboard Le Boréal, 10 days from €5,490.

These voyages redefine cultural travel, seamlessly blending the refinement of classical dance with the serenity of the open sea.

Art on the Water: Sail with Christie’s and the Pinault Collection

For art enthusiasts, 2026 promises an artistic odyssey unlike any other. PONANT partners with Christie’s for two “Celebration of Art” cruises, offering insightful lectures and discussions with experts around the 61st Venice Biennale and the artistic treasures of the French and Italian Rivieras.

Meanwhile, the Pinault Collection collaboration transforms the Adriatic coast into a moving museum. Guests will travel in the company of Emma Lavigne, Managing Director of the Pinault Collection, and artist Edith Dekyndt, exploring creativity through private tours of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, alongside a special visit to the Venice Biennale.

• Artistic Adriatic with Pinault Collection – Dubrovnik to Venice, 15 June 2026, aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, 8 days from €6,710.

A Symphony of Jazz and Landscapes

Music and travel intertwine aboard PONANT’s Jazz at Sea voyages. In partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center and Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents, these cruises connect the rhythm of jazz with the poetry of northern landscapes.

Under the artistic direction of Hughes Kieffer, international jazz talents — including Estonian vocalist and composer Kadri Voorand — bring melodic warmth to the frozen beauty of Arctic fjords.

• Jazz Festival: From the Baltic to the North Sea – Helsinki to Bergen, 23 January 2027, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, 11 days from €10,990.

Passengers can celebrate the centenary of Stan Getz and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s legendary meeting, a milestone in jazz history, amid nature’s own compositions.

Gastronomic Journeys with the World’s Great Chefs

Gastronomy remains one of PONANT’s defining passions. Since 2016, the line’s partnership with Ducasse Conseil and Michelin-starred chefs has transformed each voyage into a floating culinary atelier.

In 2026, select sailings welcome celebrated chefs:

• Icelandic Mosaic with Jean-Philippe Blondet, Executive Chef, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester – Reykjavik to Reykjavik, 13 June 2026, aboard L’Austral, 8 days from €6,870.
• Island of Beauty and Italian Shores with Dominique Lory, Executive Chef, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo – Nice to Nice, 2 July 2026, aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, 9 days from €6,320.

Partnerships with prestigious institutions like Relais & Châteaux, Cuisine et Vins de France, and the Club des Chefs des Chefs bring unparalleled culinary prestige. The participation of Cristeta Comerford, former Executive Chef of the White House, adds a diplomatic dimension — where gastronomy becomes a dialogue between nations and flavours.

Exploring the World with Experts and Visionaries

Every PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyage is also a journey of knowledge. Onboard guests include astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré, astrophotographer Serge Brunier, historian Franck Ferrand, and writers Christophe Ono-dit-Biot and Reinhold Messner.

Whether following an eclipse at sea, tracing the secrets of remote Arctic islands, or discussing art and history in intimate settings, travellers embark on more than a voyage — they experience a living classroom of insight and wonder.

Sail into the Art of Travel

In 2026–2027, PONANT EXPLORATIONS transforms the sea into a canvas for discovery. Each departure tells a story of emotion, artistry, and connection — a floating celebration of the world’s finest collaborations.

For modern adventurers seeking meaning beyond luxury, these are not just cruises. They are voyages of the senses, where culture, cuisine, and conversation flow as naturally as the tide.

Discover all Artistic and Gastronomic Voyages: View the dedicated brochure →