Black Sea Odyssey

Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colourful history. From massive Byzantine churches, to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Ships will dock at the Galataport cruise ship terminal which is a 40 minute drive from the Istanbul Airport.

Top Things to Do in Istanbul:

• marvel at the Blue Mosque
• haggle at the Grand Bazaar
• explore the Underground Cistern
• visit the Hagia Sofia

Built on a peninsula overlooking the Black sea in Bulgaria, the town of Nessebar possesses age-old history. Founded by the Greeks and then colonised by the Romans and the Ottomans, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors can stroll the cobbled streets and look for houses with wooden corbels, admire Byzantine sanctuaries with astonishing multi-coloured adornments, visit the Archaeological Museum to inspect its rich collection of ancient vestiges and try the local speciality of touloumbitchki, a fried pastry dipped in syrup. Ships will dock at the Port of Nessebar.

Although this 'Pearl of the Black Sea' is now a bustling port of over a million inhabitants, Odessa still retains an old fashioned charm. Stretching along a semi-circle bay, it is known for its beaches and 19th-century architecture, including the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre. Ships will dock at the Port of Odessa.

Top Things to Do in Odessa:

• climb the Potemkin Steps
• visit the Palace of Count Tolstoy
• stroll along Primorsky Boulevard
• explore Gagarin's Palace
• visit the Akkerman Fortress

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Located on the northeast coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is Russia's only subtropical resort city and the gateway to the 'Russian Riviera'. Most famous for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics, its fresh air, majestic mountain scenery, mineral springs, long beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife, are also a big draw. Ships will dock at the Port of Sochi.

Top Things to Do in Sochi:

• stroll through the Dendrary Botanical Garden
• hike through the beautiful Alek Mountains
• tour the Olympic Park
• try a Russian tea at Dagomys Tea Plantation
  

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Once the seat of two massive empires, Istanbul has been shaped by its colourful history. From massive Byzantine churches, to towering Ottoman mosques, history can be found in each building no matter what part of the city you wander through. Ships will dock at the Galataport cruise ship terminal which is a 40 minute drive from the Istanbul Airport.

Top Things to Do in Istanbul:

• marvel at the Blue Mosque
• haggle at the Grand Bazaar
• explore the Underground Cistern
• visit the Hagia Sofia