Guest of Honour 
Music 
Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Music of one thousand and one nights
Doha - Muscat
Dates:
28/11/2023
to
08/12/2023
days
nights on board
In partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE and with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault.
“Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” said the famous Berber explorer Ibn Battûta. Almost seven centuries later, while humans have partly tamed the arid landscapes of the immense Arabian Desert, the Oriental charm remains and its history is written in the present tense. Bathed by the Persian Gulf, crossed by a desert dotted with oases whose mere mention is enough to captivate, the Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula welcomes you for an all-new 11-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville.
In this region of the world, ancient cities rub shoulders with the futuristic towns designed and shaped by the greatest contemporary architects. Dubai and its skyscrapers that are among the tallest in the world; Abu Dhabi, with its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and its new Louvre Museum; Doha and its bay offering a panorama of its fascinating skyline: they each offer a singular and breathtaking experiences. You will discover the capital of Bahrain, Manama, which may be a less famous city but is no less exciting. As a crossroads for trade routes since ancient times, today it is also more avant-garde than its Emirate sisters. The colourful souk and the Bahrain National Museum are among its must-see sights.
For the first time, you will have the opportunity to discover the Saudi city of Dammam. This modern metropolis is renowned for its pleasant waterfront and white sandy beaches; above all, though, it is the gateway to the Al Hasa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the endless desert, imagine the largest oasis in the world, its fragrant gardens crossed by canals, springs and palm trees… palm trees as far as the eye can see. This hydraulic installation system, the historic buildings and the archaeological sites provide evidence of human presence in the territory since the Neolithic period.
The Sultanate of Oman is as discreet as its Emirati neighbours are bold. The sea maintains a special place in the kingdom of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor. The fishermen here perpetuate millennial traditions while the shipyards are still in operation. Between the sea and the desert, you will sail through the carved fjords of Musandam from Khasab and, leaving from Sur, you will experience the enchantment procured by the shade and cool of a wadi - lush oases planted with palm trees. On the Daymaniyat Islands, you can dive and snorkel in an exceptional natural sanctuary where turtles come to nest. In the capital, Muscat, the fragrances of the Orient and of incense will intoxicate you, the sparkling colours of the markets will captivate you, and the vibrant bustle of the souk will enchant you. The Near East evokes its incredible poetry.
Ref : EG281123
Your itinerary
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence on board of Alain Duault and of artists. An all-new cruise discovering the Persian Gulf, its civilisations and history,...
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LE BOREAL
31/08/2023 to the 24/09/2023
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
22/06/2023 to the 10/07/2023
LE BOUGAINVILLE
*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
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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
Jérôme Boutillier
An accomplished pianist, Jérôme Boutillier first started a career as vocal coach and accompanist before taking his master degree at PSPBB (Paris) in the class of Blandine de Saint-Sauveur.
Selected as Classical Revelation of the ADAMI (a very prestigious French distinction) in 2016, his career then takes the fast track. In about four years, he took part to over a tenth of frenchs operas recordings for french and international labels (Aparté, Palazzetto Bru Zane Records…) with world known conductors and orchestras (Orchestre National de France, Bayerische Rundfunkt, Les Talens Lyriques…).
He then performs a spectacular replacement stand in as Luddorf in the Opera-Comique production of La Nonne sanglante by Gounod with Michael Spyres. Learning the score in a few days, he gets great appraisal in this rare masterpiece; a Naxos DVD of this performance went out in Autumn 2019.
Season 2018-19 sees his debut at the Grand Théâtre de Genève as Morales in Carmen. And as Urson in the rare Tarare by Antonio Salieri in Paris, Versailles, and Vienna. In January 2019, he wins the Prize of the 6th edition of the Paris Opera Competition at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. Later on 2019, he kept on being invited to French opera houses to defend first roles in mainly French romantic repertoire.
In season 19/20, he sang the part of Hagen in Sigurd by Reyer at the Opera National de Lorraine, then that of Methousaël in La Reine de Saba by Gounod in Marseille Opera, before taking on the parts of Thierry and the Jailer in the already legendary Olivier Py production of Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites at the Capitole de Toulouse. He just made acclaimed debuts as Zurga in Les Pêcheurs de perles in Toulon opera house and is presently singing the role of Gaveston in the Opera-Comique star-production of La Dame Blanche.
During these last five years, his performances were also claimed by international festivals (Rolandseck-Bonn, Pau Casals-Prades, Radio-France-Montpellier, festival of the Aegean- Syros-Greece…) in Opera or chamber music (german lieder). Next season will see his debuts in the production of Carmen at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, as well as star roles like Albert (Werther) and Oreste (Iphigenie en Tauride) in 2021, Hamlet, Rodrigue de Posa in Don Carlo de Verdi and Leporello in 2022.
Language Spoken : French, english, german, italian
Photo credit : Harcourt Paris
François Chaplin
François Chaplin trained at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM) with the Bulgarian pianist Ventsislav Yankoff and with Jacqueline Robin (accompaniment and chamber music), and was unanimously awarded first prizes for piano and chamber music. He then followed the advanced course with Jean-Claude Pennetier.
He won the International Piano Competition in Senigallia (Italy), and received in 1989 the Mozart and Robert Casadesus Prizes at the International Competition in Cleveland. Those distinctions are the start of a brilliant international career.
François Chaplin now appears as a soloist in many of the world’s capitals, including Tokyo, Berlin, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Riga, Paris, Almaty and Mexico, to name but a few, and with many fine orchestras such as the Orchestre National de Lille, the Japan Philharmonic, the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Lorraine. He appears regularly at important festivals, including La Roque-d’Anthéron, the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico, and the Yokohama International Festival in Japan. His vast discography is acclaimed by the national and international press. It includes recordings of all of Debussy’s work, Schubert’s Impromptus, and Chopin’s Nocturnes.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Caroline Doutre
Jeanne Crousaud
Blessed with a luminous soprano voice and as a virtuoso of the higher range, Jeanne Crousaud was destined to play seria operatic roles, the tragic as well as bel canto heroines. Her imposing stature on stage, her mastery of the vocal line combined with a predilection for pianissimi high notes make her an actress of choice for the great French romantic repertoire, as well as the Mozartian and Bel canto repertoires
After graduating from the Paris CNSM (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique), Jeanne Crousaud was entrusted with two leading roles: Ciboulette in Offenbach’s Mesdames de la Halle at Lyon’s Opera Studio and Le Petit Prince in the opera of the same name by Michaël Lévinas (Châtelet theatre in Paris, Lausanne, Geneva, Lille) in which she was hailed as a great success.
These two jobs immediately set the scene for the young singer’s dual-career: one half dedicated to contemporary music and theatre, collaborating with the most-often performed composers of the century (Michaël Lévinas, Francesco Filidei, Jules Matton, Violeta Cruz, Jean-Luc Hervé); and the other focusing on French, Mozart and Italian repertoires (Blondchen in The Abduction from the Seraglio, Aspasia in Mitridate Re di Ponto, Fantasia in Le Voyage dans la lune, Elvira in L'Italiana in Algeri, Arthur in La Nonne Sanglante and Musetta in La Bohème.)
Lastly, she has produced some stunning recordings, including Le Pré aux Clercs by Ferdinand Hérold (for Palazzetto Bru Zane) and Auber’s La Sirène for Naxos.
Languages spoken: French, Italian
Photo credit: Capucine de Chocqueuse
Ophélie Gaillard
An insatiable curiosity, a taste for risk, an immoderate appetite for the whole of the concerted cello repertoire, complete disregard of limits and petty quarrels: those are no doubt the features that have always set this brilliant Franco-Swiss musician apart. Her passion? Working from the sources, inquiring into the text, using her virtuosity to bring out the musical discourse and make the music loved by all.
Named “Revelation: Solo Instrumentalist of the Year” at the French Classical Music Awards (Victoires) in 2003, she has since appeared in recital at many reknowed venues: Concertgebouw Bruges and Amsterdam; Bozar and Flagey, Brussels; the theatres of Bordeaux, Avignon, Poissy, Aix-en-Provence; the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris; Oji Hall, Tokyo; London’s Wigmore Hall, as well as the most prestigous Orchestras such as l'Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, le Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, le Czech National Symphony Orchestra ou le New Japan Philharmonic.
Fond of encounters, she regularly shares the stage with Lambert Wilson, hip-hop dancer Ibrahim Sissoko, choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet, dancer Hugo Marchand (Etoile of the Opéra National de Paris), or Brazilian star singer of bossa nova Toquinho (live album Canto de sereia recorded for Aparté at the MiTo festival in 2017).
In 2005, she found Pulcinella, a collective of virtuosos with a passion for performance practice on period instruments. The recording devoted to Vivaldi, Boccherini and Bach reaped excellent ratings and several awards, among them a DIAPAON D’OR of the year.
A sought-after teacher, she regularly gives masterclasses in Europe, Asia and Central America. She is regularly invited as a member of the Jury at the ARD and Geneva Competitions and in 2014 she was appointed Professor at the Haute Ecole de Musique in Geneva.
Ophélie Gaillard plays a cello by Francesco Goffriller (1737), generously on loan from the CIC, and also an anonymous Flemish violoncello piccolo.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Caroline Doutre
Nicolas Stavy
Nicolas Stavy performs on prestigious international stages like the Festival de la Roque d’Anthéron, the Festival Piano aux Jacobins, the Chopin festivals at Nohant and Bagatelle, Festival de l’Orangerie de Sceaux, the Piano Festivals in Lille, the Berlioz Festival, musée d’Orsay, Salle Pleyel, Klavier-Festival Ruhr, Casals Hall in Tokyo, Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum, Geneva’s Victoria Hall, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and New York’s 92nd Street. He has performed as a soloist with major ensembles such as the Suisse Romande Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra in Salt Lake City, the Bucharest Philharmonic, National Orchestra of Lille and France’s Republican Guard Orchestra.
Always eager to make new discoveries, Nicolas performs chamber music with colleagues such as Daniel Hope, Cédric Tiberghien, Pierre Génisson, Karine Deshayes and the Ébène Quartet. He has also participated in projects alongside actors Robin Renucci, Didier Sandre, Brigitte Fossey and Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, with whom he is currently on tour with a new Chopin show.
His two latest CDs published by Hortus was rated **** by Classica magazine, FFFF by France’s Télérama magazine, voted a Maestro by the Pianiste review, and praised in Britain’s The Guardian.
Two more albums, dedicated to Fauré and Haydn, are due to be released this season under the Bis label.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: JB Millot
Ayako Tanaka
Born in Osaka, violinist Ayako Tanaka was brought up musically in the pure Hungarian tradition. She has won several competitions in Japan and was trained in Europe by Tibor Varga. In 1995, she gained first prize by a unanimous jury vote in Péter Csaba’s class at the Lyon CNSM (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique).
In 1995, she won first prize by unanimous vote at the Rovere d’Oro International Competition. From 1997 to 2007, she was first violin in the Psophos Quartet which in under three years won International Competitions in London, Osaka and Florence, and a special prize at the Mozarteum Academy in Salzburg.
In 2001, a crowning achievement was to win the first Grand Prix of the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition as well as other special prizes. In 2005, the quartet was voted Best Ensemble of the Year at the annual Victoires de la Musiques and selected as the number one French quartet by BBC Radio 3 in London, joining 12 prestigious international winners in the New Generation Artists series.
Ayako Tanaka is currently lead soloist in the Orchestre National de Lille. Since 2006, she has been playing a Niccolo Amati violin from 1628, loaned to her by two anonymous donors.
From 2009 to 2018, Ayako Tanaka was co-soloist in Radio-France’s Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Myung-Whun Chung, and from 2012 to 2021 assistant to Svetlin Roussev and Philippe Graffin at the Paris CNSM (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique).
Languages spoken: French, English, Japanese
Photo credit: Caroline Doutre
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Alain Duault
The novelist, poet, journalist, musicologist and radio and television presenter Alain Duault has been sharing his passion for and knowledge of classical music for more than 30 years. Considered to be one of the greatest opera specialists in France he is now President of the Prix Pelléas jury, and has been made an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et Lettres.
Alain Duault studied literature, philosophy and psycho-analysis in Paris, then musicology and piano. His first TV appearance was as a guest of Bernard Pivot for his book of poems, Colorature. This led to a number of radio programmes dedicated to classical music, notably on RTL, the radio station where Alain Duault would be “Mr Classical Music” for 22 years, before joining Radio Classique with daily slots until 2018. A role that he also took on for the France 3 television channel, presenting a number of exceptional programmes (masterclasses with Ruggero Raimondi in the Salle Gaveau, Musiques en fête at the Chorégies d’Orange festival…).
In 1999, he conceived and presented Intégrale Chopin (225 works, 60 pianists), broadcast on France 3. Then in 2001, he wrote and performed an ambitious and very popular show, Verdi, une passion, un destin (with Jean Piat and 250 musicians). In the wake of this success, he wrote and performed two other shows: Victor Hugo, la légende d’un siècle in 2002 and Rencontre avec George Sand (with Marie-Christine Barrault) in 2004 and 2005.
Alain Duault also puts his writing skills to the service of classical music. The author of a number of books, including Dans la peau de Maria Callas, (Le Passeur Éditeur, 2014, pocket edition, 2017), Dictionnaire amoureux illustré de l’Opéra (Plon Gründ, 2016), Ce léger rien des choses qui ont fui, poetry (Gallimard, 2017), he also writes editorials for Classica.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit: Laurent Rouvrais @Radio Classique
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Radio Classique
Every day RADIO CLASSIQUE attracts over a million listeners with a promise to celebrate the best works in the classical repertoire by top performers, and bring classical music into the hearts of the greatest number of people in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Radio Classique achieves this by employing well-known personalities with a passion for music, offering a varied play list from symphonies to film music, as well as interactive programmes and numerous live concert broadcasts.
It is these values which set Radio Classique apart, as an accessible, elegant radio station which is much appreciated by epicurean and discerning listeners ; values that are perfectly in tune with what PONANT’s musical cruises have to offer, under the artistic direction of Alain Duault. A truly unforgettable musical experience awaits passengers in the company of outstanding artists in an intimate and privileged setting.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
-
A musical cruise in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence on board of Alain Duault and of artists.
- An all-new cruise discovering the Persian Gulf, its civilisations and history, with futuristic architecture, former trading cities and natural wonders.
- Explore the treasures of Islamic culture, between tradition and modernity.
- From Dammam, the opportunity to explore, for the first time, the site of Al Hasa, the largest oasis in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- From Manama, an all-new port of call, the possibility of visiting Qal'at al-Bahrain, ancient harbour and capital of Dilmun, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the national museum and Al Fateh Grand Mosque.
- Sur, a traditional fishing port, famous for its shipyard where the Omani perpetuate ancestral methods, and the opportunity to explore a wadi, an oasis in the heart of the desert.
- A visit of the 'fjords of Arabia' - also called the Musandam fjords - between canyons, oases and dune deserts.
- PONANT exclusive: an all-new port of call on the Daymaniyat Islands, a marine reserve renowned for its beautiful scenery and for its abundant marine life.
- An overnight stay at Abu Dhabi to enjoy the treasures of what has become the cultural capital of the Emirates, with its magnificent Louvre Museum and its magical Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- After your cruise: from Muscat, possibility of visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the Nizwa Fort.
Ports of Call & Excursions
28 November 2023 - Doha
Embarkation 28/11/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 28/11/2023 at 18:00
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.
29 November 2023 - Manama
Arrival 29/11/2023 early morning
Departure 29/11/2023 late evening
At the crossroads of trade routes since ancient times, Manama, the capital of Bahrain, still bears traces of what were, for centuries, the pillars of the economy in the Persian Gulf: pearl harvesting, and the construction of traditional sailing vessels called dhows. But the major draw of this small island in Bahrain is undeniably the vestiges of human presence dating back nearly 5,000 years. The ancient harbour and capital of Dilmun, Qal'at al-Bahrain, is, along with the Dilmun Burial Mounds scattered across the island, an essential relic of this Mesopotamian civilisation. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Ancient colonisations would come later, by the Assyrians, the Achaemenids, the Macedonians, then the Arabs in the Middle Ages, before the more contemporary invasions by the Portuguese, the Persians and the Ottomans. This tumultuous history now gives this small territory rich influences.
30 November 2023 - Dammam
Arrival 30/11/2023 early morning
Departure 30/11/2023 late evening
On the Saudi shores of the Persian Gulf, Dammam reveals its winding coastline, home to fine-sand beaches and pleasant seafront. The capital of the Eastern Province of Ash-Sharqiyah boasts a prime position along the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Edged with rows of palm trees facing the sea, this modern city is also the gateway to the beautiful Al-Ahsa Oasis. Take an optional excursion into the world’s largest oasis to see verdant gardens planted with countless palm trees, a sophisticated irrigation system, and archaeological sites attesting to human presence since the Neolithic period. The extraordinary landscape is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
1 December 2023 - At sea
Arrival 01/12/2023
Departure 01/12/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
2 December 2023 3 December 2023 - Abu Dhabi
Arrival 02/12/2023 early morning
Departure 03/12/2023 late 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.
4 December 2023 - Dubai
Arrival 04/12/2023 early morning
Departure 04/12/2023 evening
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.
5 December 2023 - Khasab
Arrival 05/12/2023 early morning
Departure 05/12/2023 early 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.
6 December 2023 - Daymaniyat Islands
Arrival 06/12/2023 early morning
Departure 06/12/2023 late afternoon
Set atop the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, the Daymaniyat Islands have been a nature reserve since the 1980s. Some forty kilometres (25 miles) off the coast from Muscat, the Omani capital, their craggy coastlines form natural pools home to an incredible biodiversity. The different types of coral reefs that dot this ecosystem, the turtles that nest there, and the numerous species of fish make this an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. This rocky landscape is also the favourite spot of many birds, both endemic and migratory.
7 December 2023 - Sur
Arrival 07/12/2023 early morning
Departure 07/12/2023 early evening
Built on either side of a lagoon, Sur is a city and seaport in the north-east of the Sultanate of Oman, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Connected to the sea by a channel, the port was very active for a long time, having regular dealings with Africa and India since the 6th century. Sur is renowned for being the only Omani city to have retained its traditional boatyards, where dhows (wooden sailing ships) are hand-crafted. The city’s charm stems from its immaculate white houses dotting the seafront and from its fort erected on a hill along the road to Muscat.
8 December 2023 - Muscat
Arrival 08/12/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 08/12/2023 at 07:00
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
Music
Set sail on a musical journey! If you have a passion for classical instrumental music or opera, if you love Celtic melodies or jazz, treat yourself to a different and exclusive experience aboard a PONANT ship. On board or ashore, our guests of honour, including renowned artists, talented musicians and brilliant virtuosos, share their knowledge and their passion in an intimate and accessible manner during concerts or talks.
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.