Superior Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
226 ft²
3
Total solar eclipse in the Mediterranean
Nice - Nice
Dates:
8/6/2026
to
8/14/2026
Other available dates
days
nights on board
This cruise, will cultivate the art of peaceful travel as well as a family spirit, thanks to its customised activities on board and on shore for youngsters*, with the Kid Explorers Club.
On these summer days, take a journey towards the unexpected, experience the extraordinary and embark on an exceptional 9-day cruise, along Mediterranean shores, with their heady mix of savours, architectural styles and age-old traditions, to seek out a rare phenomenon offered by the sky: the total solar eclipse. Throughout your journey aboard Le Boréal, discover the secrets of this exceptional event thanks to the presence of Joe Rao, meteorologist and eclipse chaser, and Serge Brunier, science journalist, author, photographer and eclipse chaser.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into the teeming waters of the wild Revellata peninsula at the gates of Calvi, explore the pretty villages of Gordes, Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence leaving from Marseille or visit the Miró Foundation in Palma.The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From Nice, you will set sail for Calvi in the heart of the Balagne region. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, you will experience a wild and authentic Corsica. Your ship will set sail towards the southern tip of Corsica, to Bonifacio. A veritable fortress sculpted by the wind and the spray, the “sentinel city” will reveal its historical centre and its long cobbled streets.
You will reach Marseille, the oldest port city in France, which is constantly renewing itself beneath the protective gaze of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard.
Le Boréal will sail to the Roussillon region, close to Spain. The charming fishing port of Port-Vendres will stand before you. Here, you will be bewitched by a unique blend of historic heritage and exceptional natural scenery, its backdrop the lush Albera Massif Mountain range running down towards the coast.
You will sail towards Barcelona. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century.
Further east, you will reach the Balearic Islands, which are anchored off the coast of the Spanish coastline and will be a highlight of your Mediterranean journey. After you have discovered the treasures of Palma de Mallorca, the Captain will take you — if weather conditions permitting** — off the coast of the main Balearic Island, which is the best place to observe this rare phenomenon. You will be captivated by the unique spectacle provided by this 19th total eclipse of the 21st century, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun and reveal the solar corona.
This cruise, a veritable invitation to dream big, to be within reach of immensity and to reconnect with pure magic, will conclude in Nice, famous for its interminable riviera.
*for children aged 4 to 13 years old
**We are privileged guests in these places, where we are at the mercy of the weather conditions. As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for manoeuvre and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory.
Ref : BO060826
Your itinerary
Kid Explorers Club for children aged 4 to 13 years old. A unique cruise along the Mediterranean coastlines to seek out the 19th total eclipse of the 21st century. The exceptional presence of Joe Rao,...
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
3/6/2025 to the 3/21/2025
LE LYRIAL
3/3/2025 to the 3/21/2025
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
- ADVENTURES OF AN ECLIPSE CHASER: To witness a total eclipse of the Sun is a privilege that comes in general, to a few people. Many live and die without ever beholding one. Once seen, however, it is a phenomenon never to be forgotten. The incredible panoply of phenomena that occur when the Sun becomes completely covered by the Moon. Over the last 50 years, Joe Rao has chased 14 eclipses around the globe, by land, sea and air. His talk, "The Adventures of an Eclipse Chaser," details the interesting . . . funny . . . and poignant occurrences that he has experienced in his efforts to briefly “bask in the shadow of the Moon.”
- THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE: The Seven Wonders of the ancient World is the first known list of the most remarkable creations of classical antiquity; it was based on guidebooks popular among Hellenic sightseers and only includes works located around the Mediterranean rim and in Mesopotamia. The number seven was chosen because the Greeks believed it represented perfection and plenty, and because it was the number of the five planets known anciently, plus the Sun and Moon. In the sky above our head, there are wonders too numerous to count. But what could we choose as the seven most remarkable objects visible, either with just our eyes or with a simple pair of binoculars or a small telescope? Seven objects which we might call, “The Seven Wonders of the Universe.”
*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.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- 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)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Joe Rao
Joe Rao was a broadcast meteorologist (now retired) whose career spanned over 40 years both on radio and television. For 17 years (1978-1995), his syndicated weathercasts were heard in over 200 radio markets in the United States and eastern Canada. For 21-years (1995-2016), Joe was Chief Meteorologist and Science Editor for News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley, where he garnered 8 Emmy Nominations, and in 2015, was awarded 1st Place in the weathercasting category by the NY State Associated Press Association. He held the Broadcasting Seals of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Association (NWA).
In addition to his meteorological expertise, Joe is also an accomplished astronomer. Since 1986, he has maintained an affiliation at New York’s Hayden Planetarium, where he has taught courses in introductory meteorology and given numerous lectures under the dome at Hayden’s famous Space Theater. He has led several solar eclipse expeditions and has journeyed to 14 total eclipses, having spent nearly 34 minutes "basking in the Moon's umbral shadow."
In 2008, Joe received the prestigious Popular Writing Award of the Solar Physics Division of the American Astronomical Society, and for his many years of astronomy outreach, the Northeast Region of the Astronomical League (NERAL) bestowed Joe with their Walter Scott Houston Award in 2009. Additionally, in July 2023, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named Asteroid 20009 Joerao in his honor.
Joe continues to remain active as a writer for Space.com, Sky & Telescope magazine, and the Farmers’ Almanac and as a speaker for many libraries and civic groups concerning weather and space subjects. His article, “13 Things about Stargazing,” appeared in the October 2024 edition of Reader’s Digest.
"I greatly look forward to meeting all those joining us on board Le Boréal for the August 2026 solar eclipse. This will be my fifteenth total eclipse; my fifth from shipboard and my second partnering with Ponant. I will be more than happy to share my experiences and knowledge about eclipses and astronomy with my fellow passengers, and I know we will all have a memorable experience!" Joe Rao
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: ARR
Serge Brunier
Serge Brunier is a science journalist, author and photographer. Co-author and presenter of the Entre Terre et ciel programme on French TV channel Arte, he is also author of ten books published by Seuil, Gallimard, Larousse, Nathan, Bordas and Dunod, and translated into many languages. He was awarded the Montyon Prize by the Académie Française, the Henri Rey Prize by the French astronomy society, SAF (Société Astronomique de France), the Varennes Foundation Prize 2010 and Roberval Prize 2019.
A member of TWAN (The World At Night) programme, he photographs nocturnal landscapes but also stars, nebulae and galaxies with his telescope. He was one of the first photographers in the 1990s to capture total solar eclipses on film against their natural landscapes in India, Chile, Australia, United States and Venezuela for photo-reportages in Paris Match magazine. His photograph of the entire sky, produced under the aegis of the European Southern Observatory as part of the International Year of Astronomy, is regularly used by major astronomy institutes and space agencies. Serge is now involved with the Côte d’Azur Observatory where he monitors Gaia satellite observations using a telescope. He has an asteroid named after him, 10943 Brunier, by the International Astronomical Union in recognition of his success in taking science to the masses.
Language spoken: French
Photo credit : Serge Brunier
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:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, 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
Kid Explorers
During your cruise PONANT offers an activity programme for children aged 4 to 13 years on all our ships, and from 6 to 13 years on board Le Commandant Charcot.
Every day a team of activity leaders organises creative activities (crafts, painting, etc.), fun educational workshops, board games, introduction to meditation sessions and more, as well as activities specific to the cruise itinerary and number of participants.
There are also activities ashore to prolong the experience for your Kid Explorers such as walks and treasure hunts.
The activity programme is available every day.(The precise times will be provided by animators).To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to fit in with your cruise programme. For more information, contact the team organising the activities.
Activity schedules are posted daily in the logbook.
Every child receives a welcome kit with gifts enclosed.
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Activities will depend on the number and age of the children who register and the weather conditions.
Parents or guardians must read the ‘General information on the PONANT Kid Explorers Club’ and sign a form authorising the Kid Explorers Club to look after their child on board and for outings ashore.
Highlights
- Kid Explorers Club for children aged 4 to 13 years old.
- A unique cruise along the Mediterranean coastlines to seek out the 19th total eclipse of the 21st century.
- The exceptional presence of Joe Rao, meteorologist and eclipse chaser, and Serge Brunier, science journalist, author, photographer and eclipse chaser.
- Lectures covering eclipse science and moments of discussion with our experts.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.
- Discover Bonifacio overlooking the high white limestone cliffs and Calvi and its citadel on the Isle of Beauty.
- The port of call at Palma de Mallorca, a highlight of your journey and the best place to observe the solar eclipse.
- Port-Vendres, a charming fishing port in the Roussillon region at the foot of the lush Albera Massif Mountain range.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability
Ports of Call & Excursions
August 6, 2026 - Nice
Embarkation 8/6/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 8/6/2026 at 6:00 PM
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
August 7, 2026 - Calvi, Corsica
Arrival 8/7/2026 late morning
Departure 8/7/2026 late afternoon
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
August 8, 2026 - Bonifacio, Corsica
Arrival 8/8/2026 early morning
Departure 8/8/2026 midday
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
August 9, 2026 - Marseille
Arrival 8/9/2026 early morning
Departure 8/9/2026 evening
The oldest harbour in France, Marseille is the city where PONANT has chosen to set up its company headquarters. Heart vibrating in its setting of Mediterranean Calanques, it reveals its raw and authentic beauty, made up of a thousand influences and cultures which, over the centuries, have made up its wealth. A stroll through the Old Port will allow you to discover the places corresponding to the city founded by the Greeks as well as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, with its astonishing neo-Byzantine architecture, which overlooks it. Close to the quays, the Place de Lenche, which covers the ancient agora, will be perfect for a break in one of its lively cafés before melting into the maze of narrow streets with colourful houses in the Panier district, just a stone's throw away.
August 10, 2026 - Port-Vendres
Arrival 8/10/2026 early morning
Departure 8/10/2026 evening
The coastal town of Port-Vendres stands proudly in the heart of the Roussillon region. In the curve of a sheltered bay, Port-Vendres offers a unique blend of historic heritage and exceptional natural scenery. The 17th-century fortifications, erected by Vauban, bear witness to its strategic importance to the defence of France. The coastal town’s many charming features include its cobblestoned streets, edged with houses with colourful façades, which gracefully wind their way to the fishing port, where traditional boats mingle with luxury yachts. In the distance, the foothills of the Albères tumble down to the coast, offering a green setting for this haven of peace where there is a harmonious blend of the hustle and bustle of the quays and the serenity of walks on the ramparts.
August 11, 2026 - Barcelona
Arrival 8/11/2026 early morning
Departure 8/11/2026 early evening
Located on the seashore between the mountains of Montjuïc and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers its many visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Truly an open-air museum, the “prodigious town” reveals an astonishing range of artistic treasures and museums, combining Roman ruins, medieval districts and a number of avant-garde elements from the 20th Century. Over the years, it has been marked by some of the greatest artists, such as Picasso, Miró or Gaudí, most of whose work has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Take the time to stroll along the Ramblas and enjoy the gentle, typically Mediterranean lifestyle of the capital of Catalonia.
August 12, 2026 - Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Arrival 8/12/2026 early morning
Departure 8/12/2026 mid afternoon
Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
August 13, 2026 - At sea
Arrival 8/13/2026
Departure 8/13/2026
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.
August 14, 2026 - Nice
Arrival 8/14/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 8/14/2026 at 8:00 AM
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Le Boréal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Decks
Kid Explorers
Welcome to all our young explorers! Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club children aged 4 on all our ships, and children aged 8 on board Le Commandant Charcotland up can take advantage of a wide variety of activities orchestrated by a team of activity leaders: creative activities, board games, DVD evenings, finding out what the crew do, or supervised outings and walks ashore for the 4+ age group. Helping children to learn about the oceans and the need to protect them is at the heart of our approach. So why not savour the magic of your destination in peace and quiet knowing your child is busy with an activity programme, specially designed for them and posted each day in the daily program.
Event
Experience exceptional moments with PONANT during cruises specially designed to commemorate key historical events or in conjunction with the world’s leading arts establishments. Without a doubt, commemorating the death of Emperor Napoleon on Saint Helena, attending a concert featuring the Opéra de Paris’ most beautiful voices or celebrating a host of other events in style and comfort aboard our luxurious ships constitutes an unforgettable experience.
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.