Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.
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.
Nov 05, 2027 - Manila
Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.
Nov 06, 2027 - Corregidor Island
Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.
Nov 07, 2027 - Coron
Nov 08, 2027 - Culion
Nov 09, 2027 - Modessa Island
Nov 10, 2027 - Puerto Princesa
A lagoon of emerald and blue framed by dense ancient forests greets you as you approach Puerto Princessa's most renown attraction: the Subterranean River National Park, a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Tour the 8.2 kilometers of underground river by boat through otherworldly, spectacular caves. For mountain hiking and trekking, ascend to the Cleopatra's Needle, where wild rivers, lush forest and vibrant meadows all wait to be explored. Hop on a boat and spend an afternoon on the white beaches of the Honda Islands, with dive sites along Pandan Island and Arreceffi Island, and the Panglima Reef to see large coral masses and reef sharks. Remains left from WWII can also be visited, such as the Plaza Cuartel. Experience local and regional culture at the Vietnamese Village or by visiting the Palawan Museum, where artifacts of from Tabon Cave may be found.
Nov 11, 2027 - Balabac Island
Nov 12, 2027 - Kota Kinabalu
This state capital is strung out along the coast, with jungle-clad hills as a backdrop, and is home to a population of about 180,000. From an obscure fishing town, Kota Kinabalu has grown to a fashionable, modern town with deep-water anchorage. The highest vantage point, Signal Hill, offers an excellent view. Other sights include Papar - a scenic drive south from Kota Kinabalu, through paddy fields and jungle, the old town section (bandar lama) of Papar with several rows of quaint wooden shophouses, painted blue and laid out along spacious boulevards lined with palms and a large market in the center of the town; and Pulau Tiga National Park - a dip forest reserve virtually untouched and containing species not found on other islands.
Nov 13, 2027 - Muara
Nov 14, 2027 - Bintulu
Bintulu is located in Sarawak, Malaysia. Bintulu is a part coastal, part river town, and currently holds one of the leading liquified natural gas production facilities. Similajau National Park and nearby Sarawak Agricultural Park have amazing spots for jungle trekking and wildlife viewing, and Temasya Beach boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Enjoy local Bintulu cuisine, with unique local seafood specialties.
Nov 15, 2027 - Kuching
It has justly been described as the most attractive city in Southeast Asia. Or, as one visitor described it: "It's like living in a garden." Kuching, Sarawak's capital, is one of the most liveable, people-friendly cities in the region with modern amenities and old world charm. Multi-story buildings blend with structures from colonial days and the colorful Malay and Chinese shop houses. The Sarawak River has long been the center of Kuching life and the Waterfront, a beautifully landscaped esplanade, is the main gathering place for Kuching's population, especially as the sun sets beyond scenic Matang Mountains. Across the river is Astana, once the home of the White Rajah's, now the Governor's residence. Nearby is Fort Margherita and the colorful Malay kampung. Just across the road is Main Bazaar, which houses curio and antique shops, travel agents and coffee shops. Sarawak Museum has beautiful gardens and the park built round the old town reservoir. The air-conditioned shopping malls in the city center stock brand name goods, local handicrafts and food outlets.
Nov 16, 2027 - At Sea
Nov 17, 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."