Ponant Debuts New French Riviera Itinerary Onboard Le Ponant in 2026 – Cruise Industry News

Ponant Explorations is debuting a brand-new itinerary in the French Riviera in 2026, the company announced in a press release.

Set to explore the Côte d’Azur, the eight-day itinerary will take place onboard the company’s three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant.

According to Ponant, the ship follows “an unforgettable course” east and also includes a visit to the fishing village of Portofino in Italy.

“This intimate new Mediterranean voyage onboard Le Ponant embodies Ponant Explorations’ enduring spirit of authentic sailing adventures,” the company added.

Sailing roundtrip from Nice, the cruise also includes visits to the port of Menton, as well as the resort towns of Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

The itinerary, which is scheduled to depart in May 2026, is also highlighted by a stop at the lesser-known port of Cassis.

Recently updated by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant accommodates 32 guests and offers facilities that include an outdoor bar, a spa and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

The ship also offers a range of aquatic toys that allow guests to dive straight into the Mediterranean waters, including glass-bottomed kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as snorkeling gear and a saltwater pool.

According to Ponant, the new cruise also includes curated excursions onshore, visiting some of the Riviera’s most iconic and cultural landmarks.

The tours were designed to follow in the footsteps of Picasso and Bardot and include visits to the world-renowned historical sites of Portofino’s cliff-top lighthouse and the old town of Antibes.

The “French Riviera Under Le Ponant’s Sails” cruise departs from Nice on May 12, 2026. Fares start at $12,220 per guest.

As part of its recent refurbishment, Le Ponant saw all its passenger areas rebuilt and modernized with a fresh look.

The 88-meter vessel also saw its guest capacity reduced to 32 guests and now offers a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.