Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 May 2024 | Maizuru, Japan |
6:00 PM | |
| 22 May 2024 | Sakaiminato, Japan |
7:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 23 May 2024 | Busan, (Pusan) South Korea |
8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 24 May 2024 | At sea | ||
| 25 May 2024 | Kanazawa, Japan |
7:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 26 May 2024 | Ogi, Niigata Japan |
8:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 27 May 2024 | Sakata, Japan |
7:00 AM | 3:30 PM |
| 28 May 2024 | Hakodate, Japan |
8:00 AM |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, 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.
This 8-day voyage along Japan’s northern coast from Maizuru offers a superb introduction to its traditions and customs through a wide variety of carefully curated shore excursions in each port of call—an opportunity for you to sample widely among feudal castles, Buddhist temples, modern art, tea ceremonies, artisanal crafts, landscape gardens, and the wonders of nature.
The richness from which to choose is immediately apparent in your first port of call, Sakaiminato, where options include Matsue Castle, built entirely of pine in 1611; the Adachi Museum of Art, displaying the great masters of modern Japanese painting and sculpture; a demonstration of the ancient craft of making paper (washi) from tree bark; and Yushien Garden, a landscape garden in traditional style, famous for its peonies.
The South Korean port of Busan offers a similar range of experiences: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built in 1376 overlooking the sea; the Busan Museum of Art, featuring an outdoor sculpture garden as well as exhibits of contemporary Korean artists; Gyeongju Historic Areas, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the flowering of Silla culture between the 7th and 10th centuries; and a Korean Tea Ceremony at the Hongbeopsa Temple, famous for having the largest Buddha statue in Asia.
A day at sea brings you to Kanazawa and a chance to explore world famous Kenroku-en Garden, recognized as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan because it possesses ‘the six qualities of a perfect garden’. Kanazawa is also known for its impeccably-preserved samurai and geisha districts, and for its handicrafts, especially its lacquer, pottery, gold, and silk—all of which you will be invited to experience and enjoy.
The final two ports of call — Ogi, on Sado Island, and the small town of Sakata — are where Japan’s natural beauty takes center stage. An excursion to Senkaku-wan Bay Ageshima Yuen Park on Sado Island is a landscape photographer’s dream, as are Mt. Haguro, part of the trinity of sacred mountains known as the Dewa Sanzan, and Mt. Chokai and Tamasudare Falls outside of Sakata. But as always on this cruise, alternatives abound, this time in the form of a Folk Museum and Sake Brewery in Ogi and a photography museum and aquarium featuring jellyfish in Sakata.
Your cruise ends in Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido.
Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.
Interior Design:
With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 142 metres
- Maiden Voyage: 2013
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 264
- Officer Nationality: French
- Ship Registration: France
Ship Amenities
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning & Heating
- Mini Bar
- Flat screen satellite Television
- iPod Players
- Video on Demand
- In Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Bathrobe
- Direct-dial telephone
- 110/220 volts outlet
- 24 Hour Room Service
- Internet Access Wifi
Ship Facilities
- Gastronomic Restaurant
- Main Lounge
- Boutique’s
- Medical Centre
- Theatre
- Fitness Centre
- Beauty Salon
- Massage Rooms
- Hair Salon
- Swimming Pool
- Grill Restaurant
- Internet Station
- Library
- Panoramic Lounge
- Panoramic Terrace
- Open Air Bar
- Sun Deck
EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.
Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.
To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.
To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.
Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege…
Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.
In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.
Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax – we take care of everything…
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Surface : 37 m². Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin.
8m² private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.
Surface : 37 m². Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin. 8m² private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet access wifi.
Surface : 27 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony. Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.
Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.
Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
Private balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.
Surface : 21 m², Capacity :up to 3 passengers per cabin.
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed or twin beds
Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
Satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
Safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet access wifi.
Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin. Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.
Surface : 18 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin. Private balcony Individually-controlled air-conditioning King-size bed or twin beds Shower Minibar Flat screen Satellite TV Desk with stationery Ipod™ players Video on demand Safe Hairdryer Bath robes Satellite direct line telephone 110/220 volts outlet French bath products 24hr room service Internet acces wifi.
Surface : 45 m². Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin.
The Owner’s suite is situated on Deck 6. It has been decorated by Franch interior designers and will provide you with a breathtakting panoramic sea view. Individually-controlled air-conditioning
King-size bed
or twin beds Shower
Minibar
Flat screen
satellite TV
Desk with stationery
Ipod™ players
Video on demand
safe
Hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volts outlet
French bath products
24hr room service
Internet acces wifi.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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