Discover the cultural and natural treasures of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands on this 8-day voyage through the heart of the Greek islands. Choose from two itineraries and a selection of luxury expedition ships to explore the most beautiful Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, stopping for refreshing dips in turquoise waters along the way.
Both itineraries follow a similar route, round-trip from Athens, each with a few unique visits. Highlights of both itineraries include: UNESCO World Heritage Sites the sacred island of Delos, the monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos; ancient ruins, classic Greek landscapes and fantastic beaches and beautiful swimming opportunities throughout the cruise. The main At The Heart of The Greek Islands cruise specially features an exceptional sailing in the Santorini caldera and a visit to Symi, an island of cypress forests, vineyards and olive orchards, as well as a visit to Hydra with its colorful waterfront and cascading hillside dwellings.
The themed Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean itinerary features special visits to the island of Rhodes with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval city, plus forested interior mountains and coastal vineyards; the volcanic island of Santorini with its preserved relics of the Bronze Age and commanding views; and the city of Nafplion on the Peloponnese, revealing ancient ruins.
On all Smithsonian departures, visit some of the most compelling sites in all of the Mediterranean. These Ponant voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture. Look for the themed icon in the Rates and Dates table below.
Passage is aboard 264-guest L’Austral or 184-guest Le Dumont D’Urville, each a luxury expedition ship cruising the Mediterranean. Enjoy their elegant decor that reflects the seas in which they sail. Explore breathtaking medieval walled cities, romantic canals and magical bays off ship, then return on board for 5-star hotel service and a plethora of activities such as performances, culinary tastings and enriching lectures.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s, small ship cruises to Greece, small ship Mediterranean cruises and Mediterranean trips.
The 184-guest Le Dumont D’Urville cruise ship, identical sister ship to Le Bougainville, Le Bellot, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Champlain, offers an exquisite cruising experience, with indoor/outdoor common areas, modern and ecological technology, chic staterooms, roomy suites and 100% private balconies or terraces. Upscale materials, neutral shades enhanced with touches of bright color and plentiful ocean views create an atmosphere of relaxation and exotic escape. Experience the intimacy of a voyage aboard this expedition ship named after French explorer and naval officer Jules Dumont D’Urville.
The following Le Dumont D’Urville ship review includes a detailed description of this luxury small ship including including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. Our expedition ship experts have been aboard similar luxury expedition vessels to bring you firsthand experience. Find the detailed ship description and Le Dumont D’Urville deck plan below. Then contact our experts to compare this luxury vessel with other small cruise ships sailing on small ship cruises in Northern Europe, small ship Mediterranean cruises, Greek island small ship cruises and Arctic cruises.
Choose Le Dumont D’Urville for her lavish yet authentic setting that features a passion for exploration. Her modern equipment, upscale guest accommodations and inviting lounge areas that open to the outside ensure adventure cruising at its finest. At each exceptional destination, Le Dumont D’Urville offers privileged excursions, cultural encounters and daily dialogue with experienced naturalist guides.
Le Dumont D’Urville’s conscientious design ensures the highest levels of safety and luxury for both her guests and the vistas through which she sails. Le Dumont D’Urville and her sister ships are the only ones in their class to be certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in environmentally conscious travel. Le Dumont D’Urville is fully ADA compliant, with 2 accessible staterooms, 4 elevators and lifts up and down stairways for easy access to all decks and public areas of the ship, and accessible toilets in common areas.
Silent electric propulsion cuts carbon emissions by 40% as the ship moves. Le Dumont D’Urville’s sophisticated GPS works with the propulsion system to keep her in place without an anchor during stops, preserving the sea floor. Advanced filtration systems treat and recycle waste water. An onboard recycling program ensures items are compacted for later processing ashore. Modern CFR and LED lighting uses only 10% of the electrical power required by older, more traditional systems. And the captain and officers use advanced sonar with continuous 3D views of the ocean floor so that Le Dumont D’Urville can maintain a safe distance from precious underwater activity.
Guests are welcomed with a boutique-yet-ethnic decor and atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Wide-ranging windows throughout the ship’s many common areas reveal the stunning locales that only a small expedition ship can access.
The Theater features innovative sound and lighting technology, including an LED wall for presentations and shows. Music and theater lovers can enjoy jazz and dance performances, piano playing and opportunities to sing karaoke in the Theater.
Every day, the Panoramic Restaurant invites guests into a charming main dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes that focus on the best of both French and international gourmet cuisine, including local specialties. Le Dumont D’Urville’s Ducasse Conseil-trained chefs offer guests a unique menu, plus custom menus catering to special diets and groups. The Panoramic Restaurant opens to the outside. Guests can enjoy a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses, plus a variety of fine wines, champagnes, beers and top-shelf liquors. Located poolside, the Outdoor Grill Restaurant offers a casual place to enjoy grilled meats, salads and desserts for any meal of the day.
The Main Lounge and Panoramic Lounge each access an outside terrace and offer afternoon tea and specialty drinks. Guests can celebrate and discuss the adventures of each day with refreshments and drinks. The Main Lounge accommodates the complete passenger complement and offers organized activities such as card games and live music on the dance floor. And foodies can relish in opportunities for wine, spirits and specialty foods tasting. The Panoramic Lounge’s library features reference materials on the global destinations in which the Le Dumont D’Urville cruise ship sails, while an Internet corner keeps guests connected. An outdoor bar and indoor solarium on the pool deck offers armchairs and sofas with incredible views.
The Blue Eye underwater lounge, located within the ship’s hull, is a unique gathering space that immerses guests in the underwater world. Two large portholes that mimic a whale’s eye look out into the ocean. Non-intrusive underwater projectors purpose built for Le Dumont D’Urville and her sister ships, display the aquatic species present around various points of the ship. Onboard hydrophones let guests hear what they’re seeing. And vibrating acoustic waves within Body Listening sofas round out the experience with tactile feel.
The Fitness Center on Deck 7 offers extensive views and state-of-the-art exercise machines, including ellipticals, stationary bikes, treadmills and a Kinesis wall. Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines through hosted workout, yoga and dance classes in the gym, or make use of the infinity pool’s counter-current swimming system. And the SOTHYS™ Spa/Beauty Corner keeps guests pampered with a hair salon, two massage rooms, a hammam (Moroccan steam spa), a relaxation room and an herbal tea bar.
The ship’s infirmary is available 24 hours a day, ready to treat non-emergency matters, and a doctor is available for a nominal fee. The concierge lounge always has staff on hand and ready to help with any needs, including excursions, administrative services, sales and a large boutique packed with clothing, jewelry, beauty products, postcards and various accessories. Provided stationery in each stateroom and suite can be mailed via the reception desk. Deck 6’s central art gallery and Kid’s Club entertains passengers of all ages, with photo and video experts available to answer questions and provide memorable images. The open Bridge policy welcomes guests to take in Le Dumont D’Urville’s state-of-the-art navigational tools, plus watch the captain and crew work (weather permitting).
Le Dumont D’Urville’s thoughtful design enables daily off-ship adventures. Her fleet of 10 comfortable Zodiacs empowers guests to discover wildlife, explore coastlines and access shallow water areas. The ship’s hydraulic marine platform lowers into the water with an adjacent staircase, making it easy to board Zodiacs, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Seasoned travelers will appreciate the discreet yet attentive service by the flawless staff members aboard the Le Dumont D’Urville cruise ship. The ship’s experienced crew add to the private yacht experience, despite Le Dumont D’Urville being a small expedition ship. And top-notch guides offer lectures in English, French and other languages, on a variety of specialty topics.
All 92 staterooms and suites aboard Le Dumont D’Urville are luxurious and generously proportioned. Guests can choose one king-size bed or two twin beds in any cabin. Other common amenities include a private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat-screen satellite TV, desk with stationery, Ipod™ players, on-demand video, a safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, a 110/220-volt outlet, French bath products, 24-hour room service, complimentary WiFi Internet access and added-cost satellite direct-line telephone. Laundry and ironing service is available for a fee.
Book your select departure of below-linked cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot and the single supplement fee will be waived for solo travelers.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers. See all Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.
Book your select departure of the below-linked Arctic cruises and the single supplement fee will be waived for solo travelers.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers. See all Arctic cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.
Discover Panama and Costa Rica on this 11-day expedition cruise aboard 184-guest Le Bellot. Learn about unique biodiversity while visiting dream islands, natural reserves and fascinating local communities.
Aside from the legendary daytime canal crossing, the highlights are many on this luxury Panama Canal cruise. San Lorenzo’s Fort is an unusual fortress classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The San Blas Islands offer golden sand, crystal-clear waters and the Kuna people with their traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colors. In Costa Rica’s Rio Esquinas, explore monumental mangroves where emblematic species reign supreme. And the stunning Curú nature reserve’s tropical rainforest may provide glimpses of multicolored birds, monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
The magnificent Darien National Park in Panama is another UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty and offer a feast for photographers. This will also be an opportunity to meet the astonishing semi-nomadic Emberas community.
The 8-day Panama & Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America is a themed departure from a collection of Ponant sailings operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. The abbreviated itinerary generally follows the same route as the main itinerary (with fewer stops), but is tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. These Ponant voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture. Look for the themed icon in the Rates and Dates table below.
Passage on this Iceland luxury cruise is aboard either Le Bellot, a high-end Explorer vessel with a capacity of 184 guests. This luxury French expedition ship offers refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard this small expedition vessel. Explore the region’s abundant natural splendors and local indigenous communities off the ship, then return on board for 5-star hotel service and a plethora of activities such as performances, culinary tastings and enriching lectures.
Read on for details about this luxury Panama Canal cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Costa Rica cruises and Costa Rica trips.
Set off on an expedition cruise aboard 184-guest Le Bellot, into the heart of the lush landscapes and hypnotic shores of Honduras and Belize. Spend 8 days falling under the spell of the verdant tropical forest and mangrove scenery, and the shades of blue found in the region’s sea and lagoons. Encounter birdsongs, dense tropical forests and sandy beaches sheltering rich wildlife. From port to port, encounters with the local populations will punctuate your journey into the heart of the Caribbean.
Highlights include Jeannette Kawas National Park, a haven of peace where the forest melts into the sea; the island of Guanaja, full of treasures; the small Bonacca Cay and its Caracoles people, who take pride in their traditions; Cayos Cochinos with the welcoming Garifuna people and immense coral reef; and Cuero y Salado Wildlife Reserve, with old-growth mangrove forest, howler monkeys and small caimans.
In the small town of Placencia, learn about the Mopan and Kekchi Mayan civilizations, and delve into available local arts and crafts. The postcard-ready Half Moon Caye offers nesting frigatebirds and red-footed boobies close up. The Great Blue Hole cenote, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most stunning diving sites. And on Water Caye, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is teeming with many treasures for those who venture into its waters.
An experienced dive instructor is on board for the entire cruise, ensuring safe swimming and scuba diving opportunities. Additionally, your ship features 100% private balconies or terraces, innovative equipment, elegantly designed guest accommodations and welcoming lounge areas that open to the outside. A variety of onboard activities engage guests while the ship cruises, including the Blue Eye underwater lounge–a multi-sensory space in the ship’s hull featuring hydrophones, expansive underwater views and other amenities that create the feeling of being underwater beside the marine life that the ship is sailing past.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Belize small ship cruises and Belize active vacations.
Beyond Peter I Island and Charcot Island, this exceptional voyage heads into the heart of the Bellingshausen Sea. Named in honor of the Russian admiral and explorer who discovered Antarctica in 1820, this sea in the Southern Ocean, covered by ice floe most of the time, is hard to reach and practically unexplored.
Cross the Drake Passage and glimpse the last continent on the horizon. Follow in the footsteps of explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, from Salpêtrière Bay to Marguerite Bay, a mountainous and magnificent land that Charcot named after his wife. Perhaps see Pourquoi-Pas Island, which Charcot named after his eponymous ship. Go on to explore the Lemaire Channel, Petermann Island and the Bellingshausen Sea, where conditions become increasingly extreme. Ice takes over the horizon, the ice floe stretches out and icebergs drift around the ship. Finally, be among the privileged few to approach Charcot Island.
Cruise round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with bookend flights between Santiago, Chile and Ushuaia. Sail aboard the sophisticated and sustainability-minded Le Commandant Charcot. This spacious 245-guest hybrid electric ship carries a maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica, with French-inspired luxury and a focus on food, wellness, onboard engagement and active programming. Participate in citizen science with Le Commandant Charcot’s onboard research laboratory, and enjoy included activities such as kayaking and hiking. This modern, innovative ship with five-star service makes her a top pick within our luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and other trips to Antarctica.
Extreme and captivating is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, mostly frozen by a thick and compressed ice floe. Voyage into this challenging and immense polar expanse aboard luxury hybrid electric ship Le Commandant Charcot, cruising among an infinite ice desert in total comfort. Take in a world of silence and a refuge for Antarctic wildlife. Over 14 days, seek possible emperor penguins, skipping over the South Shetland Islands. Sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Cruise aboard the sophisticated and sustainability-minded Le Commandant Charcot. This spacious 245-guest hybrid electric ship carries a maximum of 200 guests in Antarctica, with French-inspired luxury and a focus on food, wellness, onboard engagement and active programming. Participate in citizen science with Le Commandant Charcot’s onboard research laboratory, and enjoy included activities such as kayaking and hiking. This modern, innovative ship with five-star service makes her a top pick within our luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruise itineraries and other trips to Antarctica, including Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruises.
On this luxury Antarctica voyage between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, discover the most beautiful sites of these southern lands. Set sail from the fascinating city of Ushuaia, which the Argentinians call El fin del mundo (the end of the world). First, chart a course for the Falkland Islands, whose wild beauty and lush moors are sure to captivate. Next, head to South Georgia with its impressive glaciers and black-sand beaches where large colonies of king penguins have taken up residence.
Then sail to the White Continent, realm of the unexpected. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries. Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds are some of the encounters you may experience in the Antarctic Peninsula, creating indelible memories. Each day, whether on land, aboard the ship or during a Zodiac outing, be surrounded by a grandiose decor ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers.
Most departures sail round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina and begin and end with a charter flight between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Expedition to Southern Lands itinerary skips the Falkland Islands in lieu of adding time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. The Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes Peninsula itineraries either start or end with a charter flight for embarkation or disembarkation in Ushuaia; these departures uniquely sail along the Argentinian coastline, adding a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Valdes Peninsula.
A selection of sister ships cruise the waters of the sub-Antarctic and the Antarctic continent on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition, with options including L’Austral, Le Boreal and Le Lyrial. Travel in the comfort of a 5-star hotel aboard these luxury French expedition ships that offer refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard this ship with up to 200 guests aboard their luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and South Georgia cruises.
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day luxury voyage to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula. Cross the mythical Drake Passage, escorted by albatrosses and cape petrels, the sentinels of these often-choppy waters. Explore the White Continent, realm of the unexpected, for 5 days. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries.
On this uninhabited land, which wasn’t explored until the 19th century, encounters with the wildlife will no doubt be a highlight. The gentoo, adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds will provide cherished lifelong memories. Each day, whether on land, aboard the ship or during a Zodiac outing, be surrounded by a grandiose decor ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers. On this breathtaking voyage, succumb to enchanting landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife.
The 12-day Antarctica: The White Continent itinerary follows the same route as the main itinerary, but is tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. These Ponant voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys voyages uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture. Look for the themed icon in the Rates and Dates table below.
Three sister ships cruise the icy waters of Antarctica on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition: L’Austral, Le Boreal and Le Lyrial. Travel the Antarctic waters in style aboard these luxury French expedition ships that offer refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard these ships with up to 200 guests aboard their luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.