Ponant has released details of its Mediterranean cruise program for summer 2025, featuring a collection of family-focused itineraries and culturally immersive voyages developed in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys.
The program includes six family-oriented itineraries covering Greece, Sicily and the Adriatic region. Ships will traverse the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas, with port calls including archaeological sites such as Epidaurus and Mycenae, as well as destinations like Kythera, Zakynthos, Hvar, Malta and Sicily. The journeys feature diverse experiences, including passage through the Corinth Canal and opportunities to explore hidden gems such as Stari Grad, Pula and medieval Piran in Slovenia, with hiking and kayaking excursions.
Ponant offers family programming through its Kid Explorers Club, developed in partnership with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, which has been dedicated to ocean preservation through educational initiatives since 2008. Children ages 4 to 13 can participate in daily activities designed around the cruise schedule, including welcome gifts, craft activities, educational workshops, board games, swimming, shore walks and treasure hunts.
All cruises include one excursion per person per port of call from a selection chosen by destination experts. Opportunities await to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Epidaurus Theatre, the ramparts of Dubrovnik and the medieval city of Kotor. Shore excursions are joined by onboard lectures given by expert speakers from the regions crossed.
The family-focused itineraries include "From the City of the Gods to the Dalmatian Coast," operating from Athens to Dubrovnik August 10-18, 2025, onboard Le Dumont d'Urville for nine days and eight nights, with prices starting from $6,230. "Ancient Jewels of the Mediterranean" sails from Athens to Valletta July 25-August 1, 2025, onboard L'Austral for eight days and seven nights, priced from $5,510. "Cities and Splendours of the Adriatic" runs from Dubrovnik to Venice August 15-22, 2025, onboard L'Austral for eight days and seven nights, starting at $4,590.
The "From Malta to the Adriatic Coast" series offers three departures between Valletta and Venice operating from August 1-29, 2025, on both L'Austral and Le Bougainville, with prices ranging from $5,240 to $6,220 for eight- to nine-day voyages.
The cruise line is also offering Mediterranean voyages in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, combining Ponant's expertise in small ship exploration with Smithsonian Journeys' dedication to enriching cultural exploration. These itineraries feature special excursions with local guides and at least one included tour in every port of call, complemented by lectures from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts providing regional insights.
Smithsonian partnership departures include "Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea" from Venice to Athens June 18-25, 2025, onboard L'Austral for eight days and seven nights, priced from $7,920. "Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean" operates roundtrip from Athens July 6-13, 2025, onboard Le Dumont d'Urville for eight days and seven nights, starting at $7,790. "Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily" sails from Valletta to Livorno August 27-September 4, 2025, onboard Le Dumont d'Urville for nine days and eight nights, priced from $8,220. "A Circumnavigation of Sicily" operates roundtrip from Valletta August 29-September 6, 2025, onboard Le Bougainville for nine days and eight nights, with prices starting from $10,260.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Ponant. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
