Cruises are grand and luxurious with the image of lounging on the deck next to a swimming pool as your ship takes you across the high seas. Cabins are decked out for comfort and privacy and the food often leaves you wanting more. The itineraries are often designed to give you a taste of your destinations with multiple excursions carried out at each stop. More often than not, it's always the destination that is the highlight of these cruises.
But what if... your entire cruise was crafted around a singular interest? Enriching the cruise experience to a new level, themed cruises set the tone and mood as soon as you embark, surrounded by like-minded travellers with shared interest. Some themed cruises offer chances to hobnob with famous musicians, authors or athletes, or attend lectures, concerts and Q&As in intimate settings.
Whatever your theme and interest maybe, let's start here — we’ll give you a few ideas and dates to give you a head start in planning for a cruise vacation to remember!
Gastronomical Escape
Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grands Crus, 9D8N Lisbon - Lorient, 11-19 April 2020. In partnership with Ducasse Paris, Chateau Latour and Le Point.
A cruise dedicated to food and wine? Yes please! This is every Malaysian food's dream cruise! The gastronomical cruise by Ponant takes you from Lisbon to Lorient. Not only will you be treated to the local delicacies of the region, but this cruise also draws on the talented skills of Ducasse Paris, Chateau Latour and Le Point. You will be able to wine and dine with culinary experts such as Jocelyn Herland and Cédric Grolet, chefs of the Meurice restaurant.
An Ode to Beethoven
A Musical Odyssey in Northern Europe, 10D9N Stockholm - Honfleur, 8-17 Sept 2020
Who hasn't heard of the legendary Beethoven (not the Saint Bernard)? In case you didn't know, 2020 is the anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven and what better time to embark on a cruise dedicated entirely to him than now.
From Stockholm to Honfleur, you will be joined by world-class chamber musicians onboard your Ponant cruise who will be performing an all-Beethoven repertoire. Furthermore, just for you, two private concerts of Beethoven’s oeuvre will be curated exclusively with one to be held at the historical 17th century Westerkerk in Amsterdam.
On the Treasure Trail
Treasures of the Persian Gulf - with Renaud Capuçon, 9D8N Muscat - Dubai, 19-27 Nov 2020. In partnership with the Louvre and with Yannick Lintz, curator & director of the department of Islamic Arts.
Ever wanted to feel like Princess Jasmine and Aladdin? This Ponant themed cruise lets you do just that and more as you embark on an adventure to discover the treasures of the desert of the Arabian Peninsula. Combining art, nature and literature, this cruise will take you across the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf in 9 culturally enriching days. Venture into destinations and landmarks that look like the live action movie of Aladdin in its magical Disney wonder with the added bonus of the exceptional company of Alain Duault and French classical violinist Renaud Capuçon onboard.
Why river cruise - can a massive cruise ship do this??
Themed cruises are a great option for first-time cruisers or those looking to combine an interest with a relaxing vacation. Not only will you enjoy a holiday catered to your interest, but you can also mingle and immerse yourself in the presence of industry experts, giving you an intimate experience unlike any other cruise. Looking for more theme cruise options? Plenty more await -- you just have to know where to look.
For more information on Ponant's themed cruises and other dates or small ship cruising, check out Sedunia Travel, the wholesaler for Ponant at https://www.seduniapremium.com/premium-collections.
Bon voyage!