Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Cruising the Arabian Coast – with Smithsonian Journeys
Dubai - Muscat
Dates:
26/01/2024
to
02/02/2024
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This exploration of the southern Persian Gulf and the cities that dot its shores begins in Dubai, a small coastal hamlet fewer than 100 years ago that is now a world class center of commerce and finance. It is home to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as well as to fabulous spice and gold markets and the marvelous Dubai Museum.
Sail first to Doha. The pride of Qatar and the site of the 2022 World Cup, Doha is where you will find the shopping oasis of Souq Waqif – the heart of the city where literally everything is for sale – and the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, constructed on its own island and home to the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.
In Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, you may discover two stunning symbols of Arab and Islamic pride: the Louvre Abu Dhabi with a collection of art spanning millennia and originating from all corners of the globe; and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, arguably the pinnacle of modern Islamic architecture.
Your ship will then drop anchor in Khasab, Oman, a sleepy fishing village nestled among the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, where you may explore these narrow inlets aboard local dhows, looking for the pods of dolphins that frequent these waters and admiring the majesty of the Hajar Mountains in the background.
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, the final port of call before your voyage ends in Muscat, Oman, lies on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and serves as your gateway to the 16th-century Fujairah Fort and Museum and to Al Bidya Mosque, the second oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
Ref : DM2645US - EG260124
Your itinerary
A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/01/2024 to the 08/02/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Benjamin Sutherland
In addition to writing full time for The Economist, the international newsweekly based in London, Benjamin Sutherland teaches geopolitics to undergraduate and graduate students at several universities. These include HEC, a grande école near Paris that was recently named the world’s number-one masters program for management by QS World University Rankings. His courses on globalization and conflict examine, among other things, the role that central Europe has played as a geopolitical pivot as balances of power have shifted during two world wars, the Cold War, and now, a fitfully emerging order in which authoritarian challenges to Western liberal democracy appear to be growing. More broadly, Sutherland’s courses cast light on the ways business-driven globalization is reshaping prospects for security in failing African states, rising Asia, former Soviet lands, and the relatively rich but increasingly fearful techno-industrial West.
Sutherland’s work for The Economist has included editing “Modern Warfare, Intelligence and Deterrence,” an Economist book on how developments in weaponry and spycraft affect global security. He also wrote a chapter on the future of warfare for “Megatech: Technology in 2050,” another Economist book. An American and avid traveler who speaks fluent French and Italian as well as working Spanish, Sutherland studied political sociology at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Language spoken: English
Jeffrey Post
Mineralogist Dr. Jeffrey Edward Post served two terms as chairman of the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History and was Curator-in-Charge of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection for more than three decades. He was the lead curator for the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, home to the famous Hope Diamond. He has published more than 135 scientific articles in the fields of mineralogy, gemology, and geochemistry as well as several books about the Smithsonian National Gem Collection.
Jeff’s expertise in the geology of the Arabian Gulf region stems from field work he conducted on Dalma Island, historically a center of pearl diving. He was a keynote speaker at a recent gem congress in the United Arab Emirates and has an inside perspective on the changing world diamond trade as well as the importance of pearls in the economic and cultural heritage of the Arabian Gulf.
Language spoken: English
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including journalist and geopolitics expert Benjamin Sutherland and mineralogist Jeffrey Post.
- An overnight in port in Dubai and Doha.
- Experience the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
- Visit I. M. Pei's Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Explore the world-famous souks of Dubai and Doha.
- Sail the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula.
- Admire the iconic architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Ports of Call & Excursions
26 January 2024 27 January 2024 - Dubai
Embarkation 26/01/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 27/01/2024 at 19:00
Vertiginous, excessive, immoderate… Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, stands out for its architectural follies. Home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Kahlifa, with a total height of 828 metres, almost three times that of the Eiffel Tower, the city is also famous for the gigantic scale of the Palm Islands, its artificial islands in the form of a palm tree. You can explore more traditional districts not far away, with visits of the souks of Deira or the Gold Souk. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover Dubai Museum: located in an 18th-century fort, it tells the city’s history from Antiquity to the present day.
28 January 2024 29 January 2024 - Doha
Arrival 28/01/2024 late morning
Departure 29/01/2024 early afternoon
On the banks of the Persian Gulf, discover Doha, the capital of Qatar. Rising out of the desert, the city has managed to maintain its traditions in spite of a frantic race for modernity. The cliff bordering Doha Bay has magnificent views over the city centre’s enormous constructions. The silhouette of the Museum of Islamic Art rises up near the quays, where the region’s typical sailboats, known as dhows, are docked. This “fortress”, designed by Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid, is home to the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. Not far, the lively district of Souq Waqif and its colourful stalls are also an unmissable visit.
30 January 2024 - Abu Dhabi
Arrival 30/01/2024 early morning
Departure 30/01/2024 early evening
The political capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi stands out thanks to its exceptional cultural offering. In the Saadiyat Island district, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel as a museum town inspired by traditional Arab architecture, creates a dialogue between objects and works from civilisations from all over the world around the great universal questions. A little further, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts a sumptuous decor of marble, gold and glass. Abu Dhabi is also the gateway to the Al Ain oasis and its 150,000 date palms, a remarkable testimony to the settling of nomads in the region since Neolithic times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
31 January 2024 - Khasab
Arrival 31/01/2024 early morning
Departure 31/01/2024 late afternoon
Located in the country’s north, on the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is a city in the Sultanate of Oman. In the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, this small port built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and surrounded by a chain of rocky mountains was established at the mouth of Wadi Khasab. You will love its authentic scenery and particularly its fjords, which cut through the landscapes in a spectacular fashion and have earned it the moniker “Norway of Arabia”. In the city, Khasab Castle and its atypical architecture are well worth a visit to discover the history and culture of Oman.
1 February 2024 - Fujairah
Arrival 01/02/2024 early morning
Departure 01/02/2024 early afternoon
The easternmost of the United Arab Emirates unfolds onto the Gulf of Oman. Unique to the region, the geography of Fujairah is composed of lush mountains and fertile plains, as well as the vast deserts that the Emirate shares with its neighbours. It is the majestic massif of the Al Hajar Mountains that brought rain to the territory, creating the oases that were vital to the development of agriculture. Fujairah also offers travellers the possibility of visiting its historic treasures such as its castle, an old fort dating back to the 16th century, or the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the United Arab Emirates, which was built in 1446.
2 February 2024 - Muscat
Arrival 02/02/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 02/02/2024 at 08:00
Unlike neighbouring metropolises, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman has chosen to ban towers and skyscrapers and to cultivate the peninsula’s traditional and refined architectural style: low houses, domes, moucharaby windows, and wooden balconies. This authenticity adds to the charm of this small former maritime city protected by mountains and the forts constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. There is no doubt that you will fall under the charm of the treasures of Omani craftsmanship: the souk in the old district of Mutrah is a perfect example of this, as is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including journalist and geopolitics expert Benjamin Sutherland and mineralogist Jeffrey Post
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Dubai to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Sightseeing including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, and the Royal Opera House; lunch in a local restaurant; a hotel day room (Sheraton Oman Hotel or similar); and dinner in Muscat at the end of the cruise to accommodate evening flights home
- Transfer from the ship or hotel to the airport in Muscat at the end of the cruise on the day of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVERING SHARJAH FROM DUBAI (1 NIGHT)
In 1998 UNESCO recognized Sharjah as "the Cultural Capital of the Arab World." This two-day program introduces you to the rich collections of art, architecture, and cultural heritage that this Emirate has made its mission to preserve and promote.
Day 1 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Arrive at Dubai's International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Dubai | Sharjah | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, join a full day excursion to Sharjah, the most important port in the Persian Gulf during the first half of the 19th century and now a vibrant and colorful city.
Enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Dubai and the city center en route to Mleiha Archeological Centre, an exhibition in the desert of Sharjah based around the history and archaeology of the village of Mleiha and the surrounding terrain. Designed with the local environment in mind, Mleiha stands in the center of a larger eco-tourism development focused on local wildlife and desert existence. Visit archaeological sites and view discoveries dating back to the Neolithic period and 3,000-year-old Pre-Islamic sites where Greek coins were discovered, buried in the desert sand.
Return to Sharjah’s city center and stop for a local lunch, then visit the Maraya Art Center. A hub of artistic activity, the Maraya Art Center is an important part of the UAE's efforts to support and sustain the work of emerging artists, both local and international. Enjoy a curator-led tour of this fascinating collection of galleries.
Then, transfer to the pier in Dubai to embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai is centrally located along the Dubai Creek. It is very near the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the world, and within easy reach of Burj Khalifa. There are a dozen restaurants on the property, representing cuisines from around the world. The hotel also features a spa and fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.
Your program includes:
-
1-night at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai (or similar) including breakfast.
-
Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1.
-
Breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
-
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
-
Local English-speaking guide
-
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
-
Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
-
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
-
It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
-
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
-
The official currency is the UAE Dirham. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
-
For excursions, guests are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee.
-
Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers, or spirits.
-
This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
-
Program is offered on a space available basis.
-
Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel Contact Information:
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay
Dubai, 121000 United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 414 0000
Fax: +971 4 414 0001
Total : 750 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
OMAN: MOUNTAIN RETREAT & DESERT OASIS (2 NIGHTS)
Enjoy three unforgettable days surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from the magical desert of Wahiba Sands to the Nizwa mountains. Through exploration of oases, fortresses, canyons, and dunes, this program puts you in touch with the nature, culture, and traditions of Oman.
Day 1 – Muscat | Wahiba Sands
After breakfast aboard, disembark and drive through the desert, stopping for a brief respite at Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of clear green natural spring water pools. You are free to walk around the wadi, and if you wish, take a dip in one of the pools, before continuing your journey to the Wahiba Sands Desert Nights Camp.
After lunch and check-in, set off to explore Wahiba's "sand sea" of undulating orange dunes, some as high as 400 feet, and find the perfect perch from which to watch the sun set over the desert, before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Wahiba Sands | Nizwa| Jebel Akhdar
After breakfast, your excursion into the desert begins with a drive to Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and today one of the country's most popular tourist attractions because of its historical architecture, especially its imposing fort. Built in the 17th century to defend the route to the interior, the fort and its enormous round tower dominate the entire area. From the fort, continue to the Nizwa Souq, renowned for its intricately hand-carved Khanjar (ceremonial daggers) and exquisitely designed silver jewelry.
After lunch at the fort, begin your drive to Jebel Akhdar ("Green Mountain") about 60 miles inland, where you will check in to the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for the night. The mountain and its surrounding area are known for their pleasant climate year-round and for their stunning natural beauty. Dinner is at the hotel.
Day 3 – Jebel Akhdar | Muscat | Homeward
Depart this morning for the journey back to Muscat. Arriving in Muscat, your first visit is to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of modern architecture that dominates the city's skyline. The ornately decorated mosque is large enough to accommodate as many as 20,000 worshipers and boasts the world's largest chandelier as well as the world's largest carpet. You will also discover the National Museum of Oman, dedicated to the history of the Sultanate, and the Royal Opera House.
After your tour, transfer to the Hormuz Grand Hotel (or similar) for dayrooms and dinner before your time in Oman comes to an end with transportation to Muscat airport for flights homeward.
Your hotels:
Desert Nights Camp is the perfect spot for an immersive desert experience and the only luxury desert camp in Oman. You will enjoy Bedouin hospitality while immersing yourself in the endless dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Relax in a Deluxe tent fully equipped with a large living room, a bedroom, a bathroom with shower, and a terrace with views. The restaurant will introduce you to the flavors of Omani cuisine.
Overlooking the beautiful landscape of Jebel Akdhar's green mountains, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is one of the world's most luxurious. Nestled in a breathtaking natural environment, the resort combines sophisticated design with local authenticity. Its spacious rooms offer amazing views and all the comfort of Anantara service. The canyon view platform, the infinity pool, the refinement of the restaurants, and the exceptional spa make it an unforgettable place to stay.
Your program includes:
-
1-night accommodation in a Deluxe tent at Desert Nights Camp (or similar) including breakfast
-
1-night accommodation in a Canyon View room at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (or similar) including breakfast
-
Dayroom at Hormuz Grand Hotel (or similar) at the end of the post-cruise program
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
-
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
-
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
-
Lunch on Days 1, 2, and 3
-
Dinner on Days 1, 2, and 3
-
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
-
Local English-speaking guides
-
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
-
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
-
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
-
It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
-
Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
-
The official currency is the Omani rial. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
-
For excursions, guests are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee. For the visit to the Grand Mosque, women must cover their hair and neck.
-
Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers or spirits.
-
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
-
Program is offered on a space available basis.
-
Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Desert Nights Camp
P.O. Box : 2031 P.C. 112
Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Phone : + 968 2558 6184
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
PO Box 110, Postal Code 621
Sultanate of Oman
Phone : +968 2521 8111
Total : 2.200 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.