Cool cruising destinations on the horizon

As we cast our attention to planning cruise adventures and snapping up earlybird deals, this mix of big-experience itineraries may provide some inspiration:

+ Ponant Explorations has opened bookings for 28 Antarctica voyages in 2027-28.

Four of the French line’s ships will operate its flagship routes — three expedition ships, plus the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.

Two exploration voyages will cover the latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere only accessible by a polar exploration vessel with the capabilities of Le Commandant Charcot to navigate ice floes. These itineraries are:

Beyond the Antarctic Circle — In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot — sail over 16 days/14 nights, departing Ushuaia return.

Follow in the footsteps of Charcot’s polar expeditions, all the way to the Bellingshausen Sea.

The fares are from $34,900 per person, with departures on December 2 and 28, 2027.

The Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea — is over 14 days/12 nights, Ushuaia to Ushuaia with departures on October 27, November 8 and 20, and December 16, 2027.

Prices start from $34,900 per person, including activities and onboard lecture series hosted by a member of Ponant partner The Explorers Club.

These other expedition voyages between the Antarctic Peninsula and Patagonia operate with Ponant’s luxury Sisterships:

Emblematic Antarctica (Ushuaia to Ushuaia, 12 days/10 nights); The Great Austral Loop (Ushuaia to Ushuaia, 19 days/18 nights); The Best of Chilean Fjords (Valparaiso, Chile to Ushuaia, 15 days/14 nights); Falklands, South Georgia and Valdes Peninsula: in the Heart of the Wilderness (Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, 20 days/18 nights).

The all-inclusive packages include various activities such as Zodiac trips and landing at least once a day, hiking, gourmet dining and free, unlimited internet. Available aboard Le Commandant Charcot also are cross-country skis, snowshoes and sea kayaking.

See au.ponant.com for available details, dates and bookings, or contact a travel agent.

+ Regent Seven Seas Cruises has opened a new collection of 32 voyages aboard ultra-luxury ship Seven Seas Navigator, between November 1, 2026 and November 20, 2027.

These include the brand’s first full winter season in the Mediterranean, in what a spokesperson says, “offers a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most beloved destinations”, when it is cooler and there are fewer crowds.

The Navigate the Seasons collection has cruises ranging from nine to 27 nights, with overnight stays in some ports of call.

Among the highlight voyages are:

Rome to Barcelona (10 nights/departs November 1, 2026) — this journey weaves through Malta, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples and Tuscany, before continuing along the French Riviera and into Spain.

Lisbon to Cape Town, South Africa (25 nights/departs February 12, 2027) — traces the Atlantic coast of Africa, with calls in Madeira and the Canary Islands, and an overnight call in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Sydney to Benoa, Bali (14 nights/September 20, 2027) — visits Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Thursday Island and Darwin, before crossing into Indonesia to call at Komodo Island, home to the legendary Komodo dragons.

Itineraries include: Istanbul to Athens (14 nights/January 15, 2027); Tokyo to Tokyo (12 nights/April 29, 2027); and Lautoka to Lautoka, Fiji (10 nights/August 25, 2027).

The all-suite ship is limited to 496 guests, and has 365 crew for a personalised level of service.

Advertised fares are from $6720 per person. Unlimited shore excursions in every port, specialty restaurant dining, fine wines and premium spirits, wi-fi, and more are all included.

RSSC.com/navigate-the-seasons or a travel agent.

T&C’s apply on all cruises.