"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller" said the famous Berber explorer Ibn Battûta. Almost seven centuries later, while humans have partly tamed the arid landscapes of the immense Arabian Desert, the Oriental charm remains and its history is written in the present tense. Bathed by the Persian Gulf, crossed by a desert dotted with oases whose mere mention is enough to captivate us, the Eastern part of the ArabianPeninsula welcomes you for an all-new 11-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville. The Sultanate of Oman is as discreet as its Emirati neighbours are bold....read more
The sea maintains a special place in the kingdom of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor. The fishermen here perpetuate millennial traditions while the shipyards are still in operation. Between the sea and the desert, you will sail through the carved fjords of Musandam from Khasab and, leaving from Sur, you will experience the enchantment procured by the shade and cool of a wadi - lush oases planted with palm trees. On the Daymaniyat Islands, you can dive and snorkel in an exceptional natural sanctuary where turtles come to nest. In the capital, Muscat, the fragrances of the Orient and of incense will intoxicate you, the sparkling colours of the markets will captivate you, and the vibrant bustle of the souk will enchant you.
The Near East exudes its incredible poetry. In this region of the world, ancient cities rub shoulders with the futuristic towns designed and shaped by the greatest contemporary architects. Dubai and its skyscrapers that are among the tallest in the world; Abu Dhabi, with its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and its new Louvre Museum; Doha and its bay offering a panorama of its fascinating skyline: they all offer a singular and breath-taking experience.
You will discover the capital of Bahrain,Manama, which may be less famous but is no less exciting. As a crossroads for trade routes since ancient times, today it is also more avant-garde than its Emirate sisters. The colourful souk and the Bahrain National Museum are among its must-see sites. For the first time, you will have the opportunity to discover the Saudi city of Dammam. This modern metropolis is renowned for its pleasant waterfront and white sandy beaches; above all, though, it is the gateway to the Al Hasa oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the endless desert, imagine the largest oasis in the world, its fragrant gardens crossed by canals, springs and palm trees... palm trees as far as the eye can see. This hydraulic installation system, the historic buildings and the archaeological sites provide evidence of a sedentary human presence in the territory since the Neolithic period.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1:Muscat
--
18:00
Day 2: Sur
07:00
19:00
Day 3: Daymaniyat Islands
08:00
18:00
Day 4:Khasab
13:30
20:00
Day 5:Dubai
07:00
23:00
Day 6:Abu Dhabi
07:00
23:59
Day 7:Abu Dhabi
--
23:00
Day 8: Cruising At Sea
--
--
Day 9:Dammam
06:00
23:00
Day 10: Manama
06:00
20:00
Day 11:Doha
07:00
--
Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Life Onboard Le Bougainville
Brochure
Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)
Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.
Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.