PONANT EXPLORATIONS showcases Asia voyages closer to home

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has unveiled its Asia highlights for 2026 to 2028, featuring a collection of luxury small-ship voyages designed for travellers seeking immersive experiences closer to Australia.

Spanning destinations including Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Borneo, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea, the program combines expedition cruising with cultural discovery, wildlife encounters and access to remote destinations that are difficult to reach by larger ships.

Late 2026 departures still available

Travellers can still secure places on several 2026 expedition voyages aboard Le Soléal, including:

  • Island Treasures of Indonesia & East Timor – a 15-day voyage from Darwin to Bali visiting Dili, Banda Neira, Triton Bay, Komodo National Park and Sumbawa.
  • Wild Lands of Indonesia – an 11-day roundtrip from Bali exploring Komodo National Park, Flores, East Timor and Sumba.
  • Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia – a 16-day sailing from Bali to Cairns via West Papua, the Torres Strait and Komodo National Park.

Each itinerary combines Zodiac excursions, opportunities for snorkelling and encounters with remote communities across some of Southeast Asia’s most isolated islands.

New voyages for 2027 and 2028

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has expanded its Asia program with a series of new itineraries for 2027 and 2028.

Highlights include Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo, sailing between Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore, Exploring the Malay Archipelago between Darwin and Manila, and Vietnamese Shores, which traces Vietnam’s coastline from Singapore to Hong Kong via Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon and Ha Long Bay.

The itineraries are designed to showcase the region’s marine biodiversity, cultural heritage and lesser-visited destinations while maintaining the personalised experience offered by the line’s luxury expedition ships.

Japan remains a standout destination

Japan continues to feature strongly in PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Asia deployment, with a collection of itineraries exploring the country’s historic cities, sacred shrines and coastal landscapes.

Featured voyages include Treasures of Japan & South Korea by Sea, Japanese Ancestral Traditions & Legendary Shrines, and Japan Between Tradition & Modernity, offering guests opportunities to experience UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional gardens, regional cuisine and centuries-old cultural traditions.

For more information, visit PONANT EXPLORATIONS.

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