French luxury cruise line Ponant has revealed its 2026 collection of themed voyages. These new sailings focus on food, art, music, and culture while keeping luxury at the heart of the journey.
Each cruise is led by well-known chefs, winemakers, musicians, and art experts. Guests will enjoy lectures, live performances, tastings, and private tours at famous cultural landmarks. The goal is simple: to give travelers more than just sightseeing. Instead, every trip is a chance to learn, explore, and enjoy Europe in a deeper way.
A Taste of Sicily
Food lovers can join a nine-day cruise around Sicily on Le Dumont d’Urville from April 11–19, 2026. Starting in Valletta, the journey focuses on Sicily’s bold flavors and rich farming traditions.
Sicilian food expert Fabrizia Lanza will guide cooking classes and tastings. Guests will also meet winemaker Laetitia Ouspointour, who will share the best of Sicilian wines. From olive groves to citrus farms, travelers will see how Mediterranean flavors have shaped local life for centuries.
This cruise is more than a gourmet holiday. It highlights local farmers, winemakers, and traditions, making it a cultural and economic boost for the island.
Art at the Venice Biennale
For art lovers, Le Bougainville will sail from Valletta to Venice from July 1–9, 2026. The highlight is the 61st Venice Biennale, one of the world’s top art events.
Travelers will enjoy private tours of famous museums like Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. Kathryn Widing from Christie’s Auction House will lead talks about contemporary art and its global influence.
This trip gives guests exclusive access to world-class exhibitions and insights into modern art, making Venice even more appealing as a cultural tourism hotspot.
Music in Greece
In October 2026, Le Champlain will host an eight-day cruise from Athens, focused on Greece’s musical traditions. The voyage runs from October 18–25.
Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, will perform with six musicians. Guests will hear classical, folk, and contemporary music, all while learning about Greece’s role as the birthplace of Western music.
With concerts onboard and tours in Athens, this cruise offers travelers a new way to connect with Greek culture through sound and history.
World Affairs on the High Seas
Travelers who are curious about politics can choose Ponant’s World Affairs Voyage from Copenhagen to London. This cruise runs from August 26–September 5, 2026.
Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, will join the trip to discuss Europe’s challenges and global issues. Guests will visit historic sites while learning how the past and present are linked.
This cruise is perfect for travelers who enjoy mixing leisure with learning, especially those interested in Europe’s place in today’s world.
The Art of the Riviera
Another highlight is an eight-day trip along the French and Italian Rivieras and Corsica from July 10–18, 2026. Sailing on Le Dumont d’Urville, this cruise will stop at artist homes, museums, and castles.
Travelers will see where Picasso and Renoir lived and worked, while experts Ottavia Marchitelli and G. Max Bernheimer lead discussions about art history. From Impressionism to Neoclassicism, the journey explores how the Riviera shaped modern art.
This trip adds a cultural layer to one of Europe’s most glamorous coastlines, offering travelers both luxury and history.
Travel That Inspires
Ponant’s 2026 season shows how luxury travel can be more than fine dining and scenic views. By bringing experts onboard, the cruise line offers guests unique experiences they won’t find elsewhere. Every stop becomes a classroom, a concert hall, or a gallery.
At the same time, these cruises benefit local communities. By focusing on food, wine, music, and art, they highlight regional traditions and support cultural preservation. This approach makes travel more meaningful for both guests and destinations.
Looking Ahead
With its 2026 itineraries, Ponant is proving that cruising can combine comfort and curiosity. From Sicily’s kitchens to Venice’s art halls, from Greek melodies to global discussions, every voyage tells a story.
For travelers, the message is clear: Ponant cruises are not just trips. They are experiences that blend learning, luxury, and culture into unforgettable journeys across Europe and the Mediterranean.
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