At the Heart of the Greek Islands Luxury Cruise

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Patmos is one of the legendary must-see islands in the Dodecanese. This is where Saint John resided, presumed author of the last book in the Bible. The cave of the Apocalypse and the Saint John Monastery are dedicated to him. These sites, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, are located at the top of a hillside planted with vines and orchards. On the shore, the crystalline coves of Kambos and Lampi offer absolutely gorgeous swimming areas.

A simply ravishing gem in the Dodecanese, Symi is located north-west of Rhodes. This island of cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, possesses a capital city of the same name that is as colourful as the surrounding countryside. The charm of the port district of Gialos is not to be missed: its quaysides are lined with picturesque houses with multi-coloured facades. You can get to the upper town by car or climb the 500 steps up the Kali Strata ramp. The second option offers superb viewing points of the coast and gorgeous turquoise waters.

It’s no accident that the island of Amorgos was chosen as a shooting location for Luc Besson’s film, The Big Blue. You too will fall under the charm of this island as your ship edges closer. Amorgos is the most easterly island in the Cyclades and stands out for its rocky inlets with crystal-clear water and its small, picturesque villages. This port of call will be your chance to visit one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, Chora, and discover its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses overlooked by a castle. Byzantine churches, windmills and courtyards brimming with flowers complete this typical tableau of timeless Greece.

Sailing in the waters of Santorini caldera is breathtaking. The gigantic scale of the unique setting, the majesty of the high cliffs surrounds this ancient crater that was flooded in 2000 years before Christ, is one of the highlights of the cruise. From your ship, the colourful whites, greys, reds of the volcanic rocks, the blue of the Aegean Sea and the immaculate perched villages form a unique and marvellous spectacle.

Although Milos is especially renowned for the famous statue of Venus found in a field there and now displayed in the Louvre in Paris, this mineral island is also a geological treasure. Its volcanic origin is evident in its breathtaking landscapes and the colours of its cliffs, ranging from pure white to deep red. You’ll discover the wild beauty of the shorelines lined with the most beautiful beaches in Greece from a ship deck, and you’ll enjoy privileged access to emerald-green coves. Tiny fishing ports like Adamas hide there, with brightly-painted doors and terraces. Milos is a charming port of call in the heart of the Cyclades.

This legendary Cyclades island of Delos stands just a few miles southwest of Mykonos. The ceremonial solemnity of this ancient holy sanctuary will not leave you indifferent. The sheer size and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site which covers over half of the island is thrilling in itself. From the Stoa of Antigonos, the Terrace of the Lions, to the carved marble animal statues, you will make discovery after discovery, against a backdrop of the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The theatre steps on the hillside are a particularly good place from which to enjoy the expansive view.

Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship

Length: 142 meters

Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica)

Built: 2011

Le Boréal, along with her sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, embodies PONANT’s signature blend of luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being. Designed with both conviviality and tranquillity in mind, she offers inviting shared spaces alongside peaceful retreats for moments of quiet escape. Her sleek exterior and refined interiors reflect the careful thought and craftsmanship that define the fleet, with a décor that captures the spirit of a private yacht. Featuring 132 staterooms and suites, she welcomes up to 264 guests in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal.

Built in 2010 by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, Le Boréal measures 466 ft in length, with a beam of 59 ft, an ice-class 1C hull, and eco-design innovations continually updated to improve her environmental performance. With six passenger decks, 11 Zodiacs for exploration, and attentive French-flag service, she is equally at home navigating icy polar waters or warm, sunlit coasts. Life on board combines refined gastronomy, engaging social activities, and immersive excursions, creating a travel experience where elegance meets adventure.

Vessel Type: Luxury

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2017/2018

Le Dumont d’Urville is one of PONANT’s state-of-the-art Explorer-class yachts, designed to combine refined French sophistication with immersive expedition travel. Hosting a maximum of 184 guests across 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience defined by comfort, style, and innovation. Expansive lounge areas, a panoramic theatre, and multiple bars create inviting spaces to relax and socialise, while the infinity pool seamlessly blends into the sea views. From the marina platform, guests can easily embark on Zodiac excursions or enjoy water activities in serene surroundings.

Every detail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville reflects a celebration of nature and discovery. Guests enjoy world-class gastronomy, a serene spa and fitness area, and advanced technology that supports environmentally responsible exploration. Purpose-built for navigating diverse destinations — from Nordic fjords and Mediterranean coastlines to Caribbean islands and Arctic waterways — this sleek, modern vessel embodies the art of travel at sea: luxurious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Vessel Type: Luxury

Length: 127 metres

Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins

Built: 2017/2018

Le Lapérouse is the first vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to bring refined luxury to the world’s most remote destinations. With a maximum of 184 guests and 92 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, the ship combines modern elegance with an intimate atmosphere. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and an infinity pool create inviting spaces for relaxation and connection, while panoramic windows throughout the ship ensure constant connection to the sea. Guests can embark directly from the marina platform for Zodiac excursions or water activities, blending adventure with comfort.

On board, Le Lapérouse celebrates the art of French living with world-class gastronomy, serene wellness facilities, and understated sophistication in every detail. The vessel was built with advanced environmental technology, reflecting a commitment to responsible exploration and preservation of the natural world. Whether cruising through Nordic fjords, Mediterranean coastlines, or tropical archipelagos, Le Lapérouse offers an immersive travel experience where discovery, comfort, and elegance converge.