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.
Jun 01, 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."
Jun 02, 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.
Jun 03, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 04, 2027 - Banda Aceh
Jun 05, 2027 - Banyak Islands
Jun 06, 2027 - Pulau Nias
Pulau Nias is a popular surfers' destination, the largest island in a string of islands off the west coast of Sumatra. Sorake Bay is of key interest for surfing with left and right-hand wave breaks. Sea turtles and other underwater life can viewed in the bay, as well. Nias is also rich with local tribal experiences, with dances such as the 'War Dance' often presented to visitors. In Gunungsitoli, the Nias Heritage Museum features over 6,000 objects from the region's indigenous history.
Jun 07, 2027 - Mentawi Islands
Jun 08, 2027 - Pulau Enggano
Jun 09, 2027 - Krakatoa (Krakatau)
Anyone interested in natural processes and geology will be fascinated by Krakatoa (Krakatau). The cataclysmic eruption of 1883 captures the imagination, and spectacular volcanic activity continues to the present. Visitors can hike around the island and see the massive volcano up close, as well as the newest volcano island called "Anak Krakatau." Local guides are also available to assist visitors while touring the area.
Jun 10, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 11, 2027 - Semarang
Semarang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, situated on Java's north coast between the shore of the Java Sea and a small ridge of mountains. With a population of over one million, Semarang is the largest city in Central Java and its capital. Semarang serves as a popular gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and to fabled Borobudur. Pasar Johar Market is the sprawling central market, selling brassware and bric-a-brac in addition to foodstuffs and textiles. Citraland is a convenient shopping mall on Simpang Lima, one of the major shopping streets. The majority of Semarang’s restaurants are centered around Jalan Gajah Mada. Their menus feature every variety of Asian cuisine. Other sights include Gereja Blenduk - a Protestant Dutch church dating from 1753 and the oldest church in Central Java. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, it features a baroque organ and pulpit; and Chinatown - offering such buildings as the Confucian Thay Kak Sie Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and built in 1772.
Jun 12, 2027 - Pulau Bawean
Jun 13, 2027 - Probolinggo, Java
Probolinggo is a port village from where to explore cultural and natural sites slightly further afield, with the Jabung Temple - a 14th century Buddhist structure in red stone - close by. Visit the captivating volcanic landscape at the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, which has the most active volcano system in Indonesia. Experience Tenggerese culture in the network of myriad villages within and along the edges of the park; the Tenggarese Poten Temple in the "sea of sand" along the base of Mt. Bromo provides a look into this austere tribe's aesthetic. Higher elevations in the park are barren and feel as though you are on another world, whereas descending into the foothills you will find peaceful, hidden natural sanctuaries, like the Madakaripura Waterfall and its caves, providing repreive from hiking around Mt. Bromo.
Get on the water at the Pekalen River, known for its river rafting with Class III+ white water, or opt for a taste of local fruit at Probolinggo's mango and grape gardens, visit the Andung Biru tea plantation or shop for unique, handmade goods at the craft stalls.
Jun 14, 2027 - At Sea
Jun 15, 2027 - 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.