One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation.
Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."
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 11, 2027 - Singapore
One of Asia's great economic successes, Singapore has fused diverse cultures into one dynamic nation.
Behind high-tech industries and high-rise buildings lives a society with an ingrained sense of conservative Confucian values. Beneath the westernized modernity beats a totally Asian heart. Strong beliefs center around extended families, filial piety, discipline, respect and Asian work ethics. Singapore’s name, meaning "Lion City," can be traced to the 13th century, and today there is the mythical Merlion, half-lion, half-fish, standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River as the symbol of Singapore. A recent advertising campaign billed Singapore as "A Fine City."
Dec 12, 2027 - Malacca (Melaka)
Malacca City, also known as Melaka, is situated 95 miles south of Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur, in Malacca state. In the days of the great sailing ships, the port was one of the busiest on the peninsula. Shipping now is confined to coastal trade, because the harbour is inaccessible to ocean-going vessels. A large number of Chinese settled here, followed by masses of European colonizers, including the Portuguese, British and Dutch. Today evidence of all these colonies remain, both in the culture and architecture.
Dec 13, 2027 - Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)
Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan, modern business hub and government center. With a population of about two million, it is one of Southeast Asia's smallest capitals. Port Klang is gateway to Kuala Lumpur, a 42-mile distance away. Other sights include National Art Gallery - a permanent collection of about 2,000 works by Malaysian artists; Batu Caves - caverns discovered by American naturalist William Hornaby in the 1880s; the Selayang Batik Factory – known for their handmade and block-printed batiks; and Zoo and Aquarium - a complex home to 280 species of Malaysian and other exotic animals, birds, fish and reptiles.
Dec 14, 2027 - Georgetown, Penang
Penang is unique in Malaysia because it has it all: fun beaches, beautiful resorts, rich history, diverse culture and delicious food.
Penang gets its name from the Malay word 'pinang,' in reference to the areca plant, which grew on the island in abundance. In the 15th century it was a quiet place populated by small Malay communities, attracting the interest of some southern Indian betel merchants. By the time Francis Light, an agent for the British East India Company, arrived in 1786, the island was already on the maps of European, Indian, and Chinese traders. Light landed on the northeast part of the island, where he began a settlement after an agreement with the sultan of Kedah. He called the town Georgetown, after King George III. Georgetown became Britain's principal post in Malaya, attracting Europeans, Arabs, northern and southern Indians, southern Chinese, and Malays from the mainland and Sumatra to trade and settle.
Dec 15, 2027 - Langkawi
A holiday on the idyllic isle of Langkawi is just that. A holiday. Whether you wish to soak in the sun and do absolutely nothing or join in the fun and do everything, on Langkawi, you can do so without a care in the world. Be it a round of golf on one of the world's most challenging courses or some shopping on this duty-free haven, everything you'll ever need will be taken care of. Quietly, unobtrusively.
Dec 16, 2027 - Ko Rok Nok
Black-tip sharks patrol the reef shallows, along with hawksbill turtles on this uninhabited island with some of the prettiest beaches in Thailand.
Dec 17, 2027 - Ko Kraden
Ko Kraden is a beautiful island hideaway for those wanting to get away from it all. The island is one of the most isolated in the region and offers a generous amount of white-sandy beaches, an adventurous jungle interior and quiet places to stay. Visitors can lounge on the beach or snorkel out by the nearby reef and watch the lively underwater marine life.
Dec 18, 2027 - Phang Nga
Diversely populated by Thai-Chinese, Buddhist and Muslim communities, Phang Nga is a vibrant province brimming with outdoor activities for the eco-tourist and adventure traveler. Limestone cliffs jut dramatically from the sea, covered with lush vegetation. By boat or canoe, explore hidden lagoons, secluded beaches and naturally carved rock formations surrounding the island. Trek through forests and hiking trails to see such waterfalls as the Sanong Manor waterfall or Namtok Lamru, Ko Similan Natural Park to dive or snorkel, Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary to see elephants, and more.
Dec 19, 2027 - Phuket
Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. With a culture all its own, it combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of indigenous ocean-going people. Phuket Town is the island’s capital located in the southeast. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style which is reflected in the spacious residences built by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success. Visitors come because of the glorious beaches, especially those on the west coast. Patong Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port and offers a wide selection of watersports. Phuket still casts its spell on all who come to its shores.