Benoa (Tanjung Benoa) is a modern Balinese resort - a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island's southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests. Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.
Like Le Boréal and L'Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard five-star ships offering top-of-the-range services. An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
Dec 04, 2026 - Benoa
Benoa (Tanjung Benoa) is a modern Balinese resort - a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island's southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests. Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.
Dec 05, 2026 - At Sea
Dec 06, 2026 - Komodo
A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.
Dec 07, 2026 - Maumere (Flores)
Dec 08, 2026 - Kalabahi
Kalabahi is the only town on Alor Island, in Indonesia. The waters around Kalabahi are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling and there are a number of dive companies with rental equipment in the area. There are a number of mountains on the outskirts of the town, and hiking to the top of these peaks is a fantastic way to get an idea of the unspoiled natural beauty of the area.
Dec 09, 2026 - Barat Daya Islands
Dec 10, 2026 - Banda Neira
Dec 11, 2026 - Kiti-Kiti Waterfall
Dec 12, 2026 - Triton Bay
This largely unexplored tropical reef near the coast of Papua New Guinea boasts a fantastic array of soft corals as well as an extremely diverse fish population. Triton Bay is a favorite of adventurous divers with a love for the exotic. Topside, visitors can enjoy a view of gorgeous limestone islands covered in dense jungle growth and almost completely deserted sandy coastline.
Dec 13, 2026 - At Sea
Dec 14, 2026 - Asmat District
Dec 15, 2026 - At Sea
Dec 16, 2026 - Cape York
Cape York and the Gulf Savannah are the last Australian frontier. Located on the northern most tip of Australia, Cape York Peninsula is a wild and sparsely populated wilderness area and is only accessible during the dry months of April to December. Its rugged coastline points towards New Guinea while the eastern side of Cape York is fringed by the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.
The seemingly undeveloped land of Cape York will surprise and delight. The dusty tracks contrast dramatically with the abundant river systems, crystal clear creeks and spectacular waterfalls. This is a vast area of unexplored wilderness, magnificent national parks, sacred Aboriginal sites, unexplored rainforest, rugged mountains and swampy marshlands. This is a land of climatic extremes where the creeks run dry, or ten feet high.
If you love bushwalking, four-wheel driving, wildlife, fishing birdwatching or camping then Cape York is the place for you. The Cape York region is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world that remains relatively untouched, maintaining its original beauty and variety of sights. You'll be amazed by the 40,000 year old tradition and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - Australia's Indigenous people. See the unique wildlife including kangaroos and the unusual dugongs. With all this untamed beauty the area offers an escape from the man-made pressures of the city.
Dec 17, 2026 - At Sea
Dec 18, 2026 - Lizard Island
Lizard Island is one of a kind - nature's amazing work of art. It is located right on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches just waiting to be explored. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him. Today there are many magnificent walks to be enjoyed on this island, and on at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which the island was named. Lizard Island is renowned for its diving. At the world famous 'Cod Hole,' you can come face to face with a massive yet curious Potato Cod swimming right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. You can also snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, some reputed to be over 120 years old.
Dec 19, 2026 - Cairns
Cairns is the sunny garden city where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics Rainforest, mountains and the gulf savannah not too far away. The city's water front boasts a world class marina and wharf used by visiting cruise liners, yachts and tour vessels. Cairns is situated in the Northern end of Tropical Queensland Australia. It's a modern city with a good location to explore some of Australia's vast array of flora and fauna. With a magnificent Casino, Cairns is alive with more activities than a visitor will ever have time for. The principal attraction is the over 60 national parks from the wet tropical rain forests and lush tablelands to the truly wild Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef.