PONANT announced the launch of its Winter 2023–2024 voyages, consisting of nearly 30 different itineraries, including 13 new tours traversing Asia, the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Latin America. The new voyages offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel the world and enjoy unique points of access.

One of the new sailings brings guests to Norway in pursuit of the Northern Lights. In addition to encounters with the Sami people, one of the last European indigenous people who have practiced reindeer herding since the 17^th century, guests go dog sleighing, ice fishing and snowshoeing. The 11-day sailing takes guests to Tromsø, a secluded town above the Arctic Circle, Narvik, the Lofoten Islands, the Trollfjorden fjord and Hammerfest, one of the world’s northernmost towns. It’s in Hammerfest that the Northern Lights illuminate the sky. The Nordic Discoveries & Traditions itinerary offers four sailings, March 1–31, 2024.

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Another new itinerary coming to PONANT’s Winter 2023–2024 season sees Le Bougainville sail through the Persian Gulf. PONANT offers not one but two different sailings to the Persian Gulf, each with different focuses. One sailing departs Muscat, before heading to Sour, Oman. Guests then head to Daymaniyat Islands, as well as Musandam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Manama, before ending in Doha. The second sailing departs Doha and ends in Muscat. Both sailings are 11 days.

The Seychelles to Sri Lanka Expedition sailing is a 16-day trip beginning in the Seychelles archipelago. In addition to stops at Aride Island Nature Reserve, Le Jacques-Cartier carries guests to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The tour runs Jan. 4–19, 2024.

PONANT’s New Caledonia to Micronesia tour includes visits to the beaches of Noumea, the atolls of Guam, Lifou island, the archipelago of Vanuatu and the Soloman Islands. Guests will experience traditional villages, World War II shipwrecks and underwater scenery throughout the sailing, with other visits to Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, before ending in Guam. Sailing March 8–24, 2024, the 17-day trip provides the ultimate tropical expedition.

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The 14-day Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands Adventure takes guests from Madagascar to the Mascarene archipelago, first departing from Port-Louis in Mauritius. The sailing then ventures toward Nosy Boraha Island, the Great Red Island and Tamatave. Le Jacques-Cartier next heads to La Reunion before ending in Rodrigues. PONANT offers three sailings Dec. 3–16, 2023.

Lovers of the Caribbean should consider PONANT’s new Caribbean Mosaic, Between Mangroves and Lagoons sailing. This eight-day trip departs from Belize City aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, bringing guests through Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. In addition to visits to Punta Sal, Jeannette Kawas National Park and Les Cayos Cochinos archipelago, guests will also enjoy the towns of Livingstone and Punta Gorda. PONANT offers five sailings Nov. 14–Dec. 12, 2023.

Have you cruised with PONANT before? What do you like most about PONANT? Which new itinerary appeals to you most? Are you planning on sailing one of these new itineraries? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.