Guest Speaker 
Christmas Cruise 
No single supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
204 ft2
2
Treasures of the Arabian Gulf
Doha - Muscat
Dates:
12/20/2022
to
12/27/2022
Other available dates
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you on a 8-day cruise between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, departing from Doha. Come aboard Le Champlain and set off to discover the treasures of the desert of the Arabian Peninsula.
Departing from Doha, the capital of Qatar blending tradition and modernity, next to the most recent skyscrapers, you will discover a superb museum home to treasures of Islamic art, and the sparkling colours of the Waqif souk which brings the heart of the old town to life.
Then you will stop off at the nature reserve of the island of Sir Bani Yas, a veritable wildlife sanctuary.
Next, your ship will take you towards Abu Dhabi, the booming capital of the United Arab Emirates. You will be able to make the most of this day to visit the fantastic new Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world.
After a call in the fascinating and futuristic Dubai, Le Champlain will drop anchor in Khasab, the gateway to the sublime “fjords of Arabia” that you will be able to explore aboard a traditional boat, before arriving in the Gulf of Oman.
Fujairah lies between the Persian Gulf, lush mountains and fertile plains. From the city it is possible to take an excursion into the surrounding mountains and to visit many architectural sites including Fujairah Fort, built in 1670, or Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
At the end of your cruise, do not miss out on visiting Muscat, your final port, and its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is like a palace from the Arabian Nights.
Ref : C201222
Your itinerary
A cruise to discover the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. Discovery of the treasures of Islamic culture, between tradition and modernity. The possibility to visit of the Louvre Abu Dhabi...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/22/2023 to the 7/10/2023
LE BOUGAINVILLE
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise to discover the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman.
- Discovery of the treasures of Islamic culture, between tradition and modernity.
- The possibility to visit of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum.
- Discovery of exceptional natural sites: the “fjords of Arabia”, canyons and oases, deserts of dunes.
- After your cruise: from Muscat, possibility of visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the Nizwa Fort.
Ports of Call & Excursions
December 20, 2022 December 21, 2022 - Doha
Embarkation 12/20/2022 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Departure 12/21/2022 at 8:00 PM
On the banks of the Persian Gulf, discover Doha, the capital of Qatar. Rising out of the desert, the city has managed to maintain its traditions in spite of a frantic race for modernity. The cliff bordering Doha Bay has magnificent views over the city centre’s enormous constructions. The silhouette of the Museum of Islamic Art rises up near the quays, where the region’s typical sailboats, known as dhows, are docked. This “fortress”, designed by Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre pyramid, is home to the finest collections of Islamic art in the world. Not far, the lively district of Souq Waqif and its colourful stalls are also an unmissable visit.
December 22, 2022 - Sir Bani Yas
Arrival 12/22/2022 mid morning
Departure 12/22/2022 late afternoon
You’ll make a port of call on the island of Sir Bani Yas, a real naturalist dream that has been dedicated to the conservation of endangered animal species since 1971. This enchanting former reserve of the Emir of Abu Dhabi is planted with more than two million trees. Nominated “The World’s Leading Sustainable Tourist Destination”, it has one the largest populations of Arabian oryxes. The ruins of one of the oldest Christian monasteries of the pre-Islamic era, dating back to 600 AD, are visible there.
December 23, 2022 - Abu Dhabi
Arrival 12/23/2022 early morning
Departure 12/23/2022 evening
The political capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi stands out thanks to its exceptional cultural offering. In the Saadiyat Island district, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel as a museum town inspired by traditional Arab architecture, creates a dialogue between objects and works from civilisations from all over the world around the great universal questions. A little further, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts a sumptuous decor of marble, gold and glass. Abu Dhabi is also the gateway to the Al Ain oasis and its 150,000 date palms, a remarkable testimony to the settling of nomads in the region since Neolithic times, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December 24, 2022 - Dubai
Arrival 12/24/2022 early morning
Departure 12/24/2022 evening
Vertiginous, excessive, immoderate… Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, stands out for its architectural follies. Home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Kahlifa, with a total height of 828 metres, almost three times that of the Eiffel Tower, the city is also famous for the gigantic scale of the Palm Islands, its artificial islands in the form of a palm tree. You can explore more traditional districts not far away, with visits of the souks of Deira or the Gold Souk. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover Dubai Museum: located in an 18th-century fort, it tells the city’s history from Antiquity to the present day.
December 25, 2022 - Khasab
Arrival 12/25/2022 early morning
Departure 12/25/2022 late afternoon
Located in the country’s north, on the Musandam Peninsula, Khasab is a city in the Sultanate of Oman. In the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, this small port built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and surrounded by a chain of rocky mountains was established at the mouth of Wadi Khasab. You will love its authentic scenery and particularly its fjords, which cut through the landscapes in a spectacular fashion and have earned it the moniker “Norway of Arabia”. In the city, Khasab Castle and its atypical architecture are well worth a visit to discover the history and culture of Oman.
December 26, 2022 - Fujairah
Arrival 12/26/2022 early morning
Departure 12/26/2022 early afternoon
The easternmost of the United Arab Emirates unfolds onto the Gulf of Oman. Unique to the region, the geography of Fujairah is composed of lush mountains and fertile plains, as well as the vast deserts that the Emirate shares with its neighbours. It is the majestic massif of the Al Hajar Mountains that brought rain to the territory, creating the oases that were vital to the development of agriculture. Fujairah also offers travellers the possibility of visiting its historic treasures such as its castle, an old fort dating back to the 16th century, or the Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the United Arab Emirates, which was built in 1446.
December 27, 2022 - Muscat
Arrival 12/27/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 12/27/2022 at 7:30 AM
Unlike neighbouring metropolises, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman has chosen to ban towers and skyscrapers and to cultivate the peninsula’s traditional and refined architectural style: low houses, domes, moucharaby windows, and wooden balconies. This authenticity adds to the charm of this small former maritime city protected by mountains and the forts constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. There is no doubt that you will fall under the charm of the treasures of Omani craftsmanship: the souk in the old district of Mutrah is a perfect example of this, as is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Christmas Cruise
Christmas celebrations in an exceptional environment: change of scenery guaranteed.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DESERT SAFARI AND SHEIKH FAISAL MUSEUM
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Doha
Meet at Doha airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will be transferred to a local restaurant to rest and enjoy a light breakfast.
Then, board your four-wheel-drive vehicle and start your exploration of the sandy dunes of south Qatar, a unique adventure experience that will give you the real feeling of a ride in the desert. Khor al-Adaid, more commonly known as Inland Sea, is located in the southeastern side of Qatar. Surrounded by rolling sand dunes, the huge tidal embayment separates Qatar from nearby Saudi Arabia and is connected to the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) through a narrow channel.
You tour will lead your to a traditional Bedouin desert camp where you can relax and enjoy a typical lunch.
Drive back to Doha in order to visit the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. It was opened in 1998 and is a treasure trove more than a museum. Assembled from all over the world by a collector of art and artifacts, the museum has a truly impressive and unique collection. Located in Al Samriya towards the centre of the Qatari peninsula, the museum is housed in an old, renovated fort. Designed primarily to preserve and promote Qatari heritage and culture, this privately-owned museum has an extensive assemblage of artefacts that chronicle the traditional Qatari way of life, and that of Islam including Islamic art, manuscripts and a Koran collection. However, the collection also has a veritable bounty of other fascinating objects vintage to modern, common to rare such as a Syrian house brought from Damascus, a dinosaur skull and fossils, hospital equipment, samurai armour and an F1 racing car to name but a few. The collection is split broadly into exhibits (Islamic arts, Qatari heritage and history, vehicles, coins and stamps), which are spread across fifteen halls.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The terrain can be bumpy, this tour is not recommended for guests suffering from neck, back or heart problems. Each vehicle can welcome 5 participants.
- There is no dress code imposed, but we suggest you wear conservative clothing (cover knees and shoulders).
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $420
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TREASURES OF OMAN DESERT (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy three unforgettable days surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from the Nizwa mountains region to the magic desert of Wahiba Sands desert. Between oases, fortresses, canyons and dunes, you will combine nature, culture and art of living. This program rich in experiences will be the perfect prelude to your boarding.
Day 1 - Muscat/Jebel Akhdar
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will be transferred to Muscat, Oman's capital. First you will visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of modern architectural of the Sultanate.
Then, you will visit the Muttrah Souq (market place), which is probably the oldest in Oman and replete with charm and choice. Here, you will be left on your own to wander around the narrow lanes, admire the goods on sale and enjoy the thrill of discovery.
You will then board your vehicle to drive through the old city to Al Alam Palace where you will take a photo stop. This monument is an architectural marvel, for both the design and location between the twin forts of Jalali and Mirani.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will discover the National Museum of Oman dedicated to the history of the Sultanate.
At the end of the visit, you will reach Jebel Akdhar mountain where is located the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 5 * (about 1 hour at drive).
Check-in, followed by the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - Jebel Akhdar/Nizwa/Wahiba Sands
You will depart the hotel in the morning to explore Nizwa and its fortress.
Nizwa was once the capital in the 6th and 7th Century AD. Today it remains the most popular tourist attraction, with its historical buildings and imposing fort. Nizwa Fort, with its enormous round tower, was built in the 17th century to defend the route to the interior. The fort dominates the entire area, with the town having grown around the edifice. Access to the top is only given by means of a narrow, twisting staircase barred by heavy wooden doors, studded with metal. From the top of the tower, one can get a bird's eye view of the city of Nizwa.
At the end of the visit, you will proceed to the Nizwa Souq which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved Khanjar and ornately designed silver jewellery.
Then, you will continue and explore Wahiba Sands where is located your camp, the Desert Nights Camp.
Check-in and lunch at the camp.
In the afternoon, you will board your 4WD vehicle and proceed with a drive over dunes towards Wadi Bani Khalid, which stands out like an oasis in the desert, with clear green natural spring water pools. You can walk inside the Wadi and, if the water is clean, you can swim in this water oasis, the best place to enjoy a break.
After spending some time in Wadi, you will continue your drive to Wahiba Sands, which stands out in stark contrast to Wadi Bani Khalid. The 'Wahiba Sands', often described as a perfect example of a Sand Sea, consists of large ranges of dunes running from north to south, some attaining a height of about 100 m and orange in colour. You will drive along the undulating sand dunes and experience the thrills of dune driving.
Later, you will continue your drive to your camp, and you will enjoy sunset from top of the dunes.
Drive back to camp for dinner and to overnight.
Day 3 - Wahiba Sands/Muscat
You will depart the camp early in the morning to reach Muscat (a 2-half hour drive).
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotels:
Overlooking a beautiful landscape of Jebel Akdhar's green mountains, 1h hour from Nizwa, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is one of the world's highest luxury resorts. Settled into a breathtaking natural environment, the resort combines sophisticated design with local authenticity. Its spacious rooms (60 m²) offer an amazing view and all the comfort of the Anantara service. The canyon view platform, infinity pool, the refinement of the restaurants, and the exceptional spa make it an unforgettable place to stay.
Desert Nights Camp is the perfect address for an immersive desert experience and the only luxury desert camp in Oman. Two hours away from Muscat, you will enjoy Bedouin hospitality while immersing yourself in the endless dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Surrounded by the desert, relax yourself into a Deluxe tent fully equipped with a large living room, a bedroom and a bathroom with shower and a terrace with views. The restaurant will introduce you to the flavours of Omani cuisine.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Canyon View room at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 5*., local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe tent at Desert Nights Camp 5*., local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Visa fees.
Please note:
- For visits, passengers are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee. For the visit of Grand Mosque, women must cover hair and neck.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open from 8:30 until 11:00 am, except Friday.
- Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers or spirits.
- The Nizwa fort visit is not suitable for passengers in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as there are many steps climbing.
- For your comfort, all journeys will be made in SUV/4x4 vehicles during the whole trip. Oman's roads are generally flat and smooth, however you may encounter some rougher areas on the Jebel Akhdar mountain.
Contact of your hotels:
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
PO Box 110, Postal Code 621
Sultanate of Oman
Phone : +968 2521 8111
Desert Nights Camp
P.O. Box : 2031 P.C. 112
Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Phone : + 968 25586184
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent ; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $1,670
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
GLIMPSE OF MUSCAT AND TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Muscat
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will be transferred to Muscat, Oman's capital. First you will visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of modern architecture of the Sultanate.
Proceed with the visit of the national Opera of Muscat, the symbol of the sultanate of Oman. This italian style theater was built in 2011 and its architecture was inspired by islamic, arabic and african culture. The teak used for its construction was brought from Burma because it can last more than 200 years.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will discover the National Museum of Oman dedicated to the history of the Sultanate.
Then, you will visit the Muttrah Souq (market place), which is probably the oldest in Oman and replete with charm and choice. Here, you will be left on your own to wander around the narrow lanes, admire the goods on sale and enjoy the thrill of discovery.
An early diner will be served at a local restaurant and then you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Visa fees.
Please note:
- For visits, passengers are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee. For the visit of Grand Mosque, women must cover hair and neck.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open from 8:30 until 11:00 am, except Friday.
- Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers or spirits.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $300
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.