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Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean bring together an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences. From the wildlife-rich coast of South Africa and the unique landscapes of Madagascar to the tropical islands of the Seychelles and Maldives, this is a region made for exploration.
A PONANT cruise offers a different way to experience these destinations. Instead of simply visiting major ports, selected itineraries combine smaller ports, islands, coastal communities, natural environments and cultural experiences.
Depending on your itinerary, you could discover ancient heritage, tropical beaches, extraordinary marine environments, local traditions and some of the world's most fascinating wildlife.
With BlueSun PONANT Cruise Deals, our cruise specialists can help you compare destinations, itineraries, dates and available offers to find a voyage that suits the way you want to travel.
EXPLORE OUR PONANT AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST AND INDIAN OCEAN CRUISES
SOUTH AFRICA
Combine coastal exploration with the possibility of discovering South Africa's remarkable wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage.
PONANT itineraries can connect South Africa with destinations further into the Indian Ocean, creating an opportunity to experience multiple regions in one journey.
Explore South Africa PONANT Cruises →
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar offers a distinctly different travel experience, with unusual landscapes, endemic wildlife, tropical coastlines and remote communities.
PONANT currently features Madagascar itineraries including voyages between South Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles.
Explore Madagascar PONANT Cruises →
SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles combine spectacular islands, turquoise waters, beaches and marine environments with opportunities for cultural and natural discovery.
For travellers looking for a tropical Indian Ocean experience with the advantages of small-ship cruising, the Seychelles can be an especially compelling destination.
Explore Seychelles PONANT Cruises →
MAURITIUS & RÉUNION ISLAND
Mauritius and Réunion Island offer a combination of volcanic landscapes, tropical scenery, island culture and Indian Ocean exploration.
These destinations can also form part of longer voyages connecting several Indian Ocean destinations.
Explore Mauritius & Réunion Island PONANT Cruises →
MALDIVES
The Maldives are synonymous with tropical islands, lagoons and spectacular marine environments.
A PONANT voyage can provide a different perspective on the Maldives, combining island discovery with the comfort and intimacy of a luxury small ship.
Explore Maldives PONANT Cruises →
INDIA & SRI LANKA
India and Sri Lanka bring together ancient history, fascinating cultures, architecture, cuisine and diverse coastal landscapes.
For travellers who want their cruise to be as much about cultural discovery as scenery, these itineraries offer a rich variety of experiences.
Explore India & Sri Lanka PONANT Cruises →
SCATTERED ISLANDS
The remote islands of the Indian Ocean offer a very different experience from traditional resort destinations.
These isolated territories can appeal to travellers interested in nature, wildlife, remote landscapes and expedition-style exploration.
Explore Scattered Islands PONANT Cruises →
PERSIAN GULF & MIDDLE EAST
PONANT itineraries in and around the Middle East can combine modern cities, historic ports, dramatic coastlines and centuries of cultural heritage.
Depending on the itinerary, travellers may encounter destinations associated with Arabia, the Persian Gulf and the wider Indian Ocean region.
One of the attractions of cruising this region is the ability to combine multiple destinations without constantly changing hotels.
Depending on your itinerary, a single voyage can connect major cultural centres with remote islands, wildlife destinations and tropical coastlines.
Wildlife and nature
Wildlife is one of the major attractions of this part of the world.
Depending on the destination and excursion, experiences may include observing marine life, discovering distinctive island ecosystems or exploring wildlife-rich regions of Africa.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, which is part of the nature of expedition travel.
Culture and history
The region has an extraordinary cultural diversity.
From Indian Ocean island communities to ancient cities and historic coastal settlements, each itinerary can introduce travellers to different traditions, cuisines, architecture and histories.
Remote islands and coastlines
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most distinctive islands and coastal environments.
A small-ship voyage can provide opportunities to visit places that feel very different from conventional resort holidays.
Luxury small-ship cruising
PONANT combines exploration with a luxury onboard environment.
The experience is designed to let you discover remarkable destinations while returning to the comfort of a small ship between excursions.
Which Africa or Indian Ocean Destination Is Right for You?
| If you want to... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Discover unique wildlife and landscapes | Madagascar |
| Explore tropical islands | Seychelles or Maldives |
| Combine wildlife and coastal discovery | South Africa |
| Experience island culture and scenery | Mauritius & Réunion Island |
| Discover ancient cultures and history | India & Sri Lanka |
| Explore remote environments | Scattered Islands |
| Combine modern cities and Middle Eastern heritage | Persian Gulf |
| Experience several regions in one journey | Longer multi-destination itineraries |
There is no single destination that suits every traveller. Your ideal PONANT cruise depends on what you want to see, when you want to travel and how much time you have.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d'Urville is one of the key PONANT ships for Africa and the Indian Ocean, with current itineraries connecting destinations including South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar and the Seychelles.
Current PONANT itineraries include Namibian & South African Coastlines, Madagascar & South Africa, Jewels of Madagascar, and voyages between Madagascar and the Seychelles.
With its smaller size and expedition capabilities, Le Dumont-d'Urville is well suited to travellers looking to combine luxury cruising with closer access to coastal landscapes, wildlife and remote island destinations.
👉 Learn more about the Le Dumont d'Urville ship features →
Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville has also operated African and Indian Ocean itineraries, including voyages between South Africa and Madagascar.
A recent PONANT itinerary aboard Le Bougainville travelled between Durban and Madagascar, combining South African coastal destinations with Madagascar's distinctive landscapes, wildlife and communities.
Le Bougainville also operates selected voyages around the wider African coastline, including itineraries visiting Morocco and North Africa.
👉 Learn more about the Le Bougainville ship features →
If Africa, Madagascar or the Indian Ocean is your main destination, start with the itinerary rather than choosing the ship first. The available ship can vary depending on the year, season and specific voyage.
For travellers interested in Southern Africa, Madagascar and the Seychelles, Le Dumont-d'Urville is particularly important to consider, with current PONANT itineraries covering these destinations.
When comparing your options, consider:
- Destination: South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar, Seychelles or another Indian Ocean destination
- Itinerary: Which ports and islands are included?
- Ship: Which PONANT ship operates your chosen departure?
- Expedition style: How much exploration and Zodiac activity appeals to you?
- Cruise length: Do you prefer a shorter voyage or a longer multi-destination journey?
- Season: Does the departure date suit the climate and experiences you want?
The ship is part of the experience, but the itinerary should come first. Choose where you want to explore, then find the PONANT ship and departure that best match your travel plans.
Depending on the itinerary, PONANT cruises can include destinations such as South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion Island, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, the Scattered Islands and destinations around the Persian Gulf. Available itineraries and departure dates change over time.
Some itineraries have a stronger expedition focus, while others are primarily luxury small-ship voyages focused on cultural, scenic or coastal discovery. The expedition style depends on the specific itinerary and ship.
Madagascar itineraries can provide opportunities to experience distinctive landscapes, beaches, wildlife and local communities. PONANT currently lists voyages connecting Madagascar with destinations including South Africa and the Seychelles.
Yes. You do not need to be an experienced expedition traveller to enjoy a PONANT cruise. The right itinerary can provide a comfortable introduction to small-ship cruising while allowing you to explore destinations beyond conventional tourist routes.
Start with the experience you want. Consider wildlife, culture, scenery, beaches, photography, history or adventure. Then compare destinations, seasons, cruise length, ship and available departure dates.
Cruise lengths vary considerably by itinerary. For example, PONANT currently lists an 11-day Madagascar and Seychelles voyage aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville.
Yes. BlueSun can help you compare PONANT destinations, ships, itineraries and available cruise deals. You can contact the team on 1300 799 758.
For more information on our Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Cruise packages or any of our Ponant Cruises or and other cruise packages,
Call 1300 799 758 now.
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