Ponant Cruises luxury itinerary

Le Dumont d'Urville December 17-28 2026 EU171226 Cruise & Offers

Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar)

Voyage EU171226 | 12 days DatesDecember 17-28 2026 Duration11 nights ShipLe Dumont d'Urville

Review Madagascar & South Africa, voyage EU171226, with its complete official schedule, accommodation guidance, and current offer assistance.

Request a Quote Suites, Photos & Deck Plans Full 2026 Calendar December Sailings
Official PONANT route map for Madagascar & South Africa aboard Le Dumont d'Urville, Voyage EU171226
Official PONANT route mapMadagascar & South Africa · Voyage EU171226Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar)

December 17, 2026 to December 28, 2026 · Voyage EU171226

Ports & shore experiences

Select a destination to review every published call date, verified timing, an original route-specific overview, and only the shore experiences PONANT associates with this exact voyage and stop.

Day 1
December 17, 2026DurbanIndian Ocean

Destination overview

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and one of Africa's major ports. Between long beaches rocked by the rollers of the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers dominating the avenues lined with jacarandas, in this multicultural city with.

  • Day 1 · December 17, 2026Departure 22:00 · Embarkation: 16:00-17:00

Verified shore experiences

No destination-specific shore experience is published for this exact voyage and call in the verified source data. Deluxe Cruises can confirm current options before reservation.

Days 2 & 3
December 18, 2026 & December 19, 2026Richards BaySouth Africa

Destination overview

A simple fishing village in the past, Richards Bay is now South Africa’s second port. Despite the significant development of industrial activity, particularly in terms of mineral extraction, Richards Bay is one of the country’s cleanest and most environmentally responsible towns.

  • Day 2 · December 18, 2026Arrival 12:00
  • Day 3 · December 19, 2026Departure 18:00

Verified shore experiences

  • iSimangaliso Estuary Safari: Wildlife & Wetland Discovery · 5h30 · Published as included · Must-see Sights · Hiking & Adventure · PONANT difficulty marker 3
  • Dumazulu Cultural Village: Zulu Traditions & Living Heritage · 5h00 · Published as included · Culture & Heritage · PONANT difficulty marker 3
  • Hluhluwe Game Reserve Safari: Iconic Wildlife & Natural Landscapes · 7h30 · Must-see Sights · Hiking & Adventure · PONANT difficulty marker 2
Days 4, 5 & 8
December 20, 2026, December 21, 2026 & December 24, 2026At seaIndian Ocean

Destination overview

These published sea days connect the itinerary without a separate port call. Every applicable date is grouped here, and no arrival or departure time is implied when PONANT leaves it unpublished. Time aboard may include open-water views, wildlife observation, lectures and the ship's scheduled onboard program.

  • Day 4 · December 20, 2026No port clock time published
  • Day 5 · December 21, 2026No port clock time published
  • Day 8 · December 24, 2026No port clock time published

Verified shore experiences

No destination-specific shore experience is published for this exact voyage and call in the verified source data. Deluxe Cruises can confirm current options before reservation.

Day 6
December 22, 2026ToliaraMadagascar

Destination overview

Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar , near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel . Inhabited for several centuries, becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara is a cheerful town with unspoilt.

  • Day 6 · December 22, 2026Arrival 06:00 · Departure 17:00

Verified shore experiences

  • Ifaty Escape: Spiny Forest Discovery & Beach Break · 4h30 · Published as included · PONANT difficulty marker 1
Day 7
December 23, 2026MorondavaMadagascar

Destination overview

To the south-west of Antananarivo lies a peaceful city on the Mozambique Channel : Morondava, capital of the kingdom of Menabe, and departure point for many discoveries in the surrounding area. Bordered by the Mozambique Channel, the city is crossed by two rivers: the Mangoky and the Manambolo.

  • Day 7 · December 23, 2026Arrival 12:00 · Departure 18:00

Verified shore experiences

  • Morondava Baobabs: Iconic Landscapes & Natural Wonders · 3h09 · Published as included · PONANT difficulty marker 1
  • Betania Mangrove Experience: Dhows & Coastal Nature · 3h30 · Published as included · PONANT difficulty marker 1
Day 9
December 25, 2026MajungaMadagascar

Destination overview

A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar , Majunga , also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork.

  • Day 9 · December 25, 2026Arrival 07:30 · Departure 19:00

Verified shore experiences

  • The Red Circus of Majunga: A Natural Wonder · 4h00 · Published as included · Must-see Sights · Hiking & Adventure · PONANT difficulty marker 2
  • Sacred Lake Adventure: 4WD Exploration in Majunga · 3h30 · Published as included · Culture & Heritage · Hiking & Adventure · PONANT difficulty marker 2
Day 10
December 26, 2026Nosy KombaMadagascar

Destination overview

During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba , otherwise known as “ lemur island ”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. The setting adds local character and a distinctive sense of place to the published itinerary.

  • Day 10 · December 26, 2026Arrival 12:00 · Departure 18:00

Verified shore experiences

  • Nosy Komba Discovery: Village Life & Lemur Park Visit · 3h27 · Published as included · Must-see Sights · Culture & Heritage · Hiking & Adventure · PONANT difficulty marker 2
Day 11
December 27, 2026Nosy HaraIndian Ocean

Destination overview

Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognisable. Located to the north-west of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species.

  • Day 11 · December 27, 2026Arrival 07:00 · Departure 16:00

Verified shore experiences

No destination-specific shore experience is published for this exact voyage and call in the verified source data. Deluxe Cruises can confirm current options before reservation.

Day 12
December 28, 2026Nosy BeIndian Ocean

Destination overview

Nosy Be (from the Malagasy: Nosy meaning island and Be meaning large), in the Mozambique Channel, is located near the north-eastern coastlines of Madagascar. A former French protectorate, known under the promising name of “ the scented island” , of volcanic origin, it is located on a maritime route with access to India and Asia.

  • Day 12 · December 28, 2026Arrival 07:00 · Disembarkation: 08:00

Verified shore experiences

No destination-specific shore experience is published for this exact voyage and call in the verified source data. Deluxe Cruises can confirm current options before reservation.

Planning note: Times appear only when published for this sailing. Blank times remain unpublished; a source-system midnight placeholder is never treated as a genuine call time.

A closer look at this sailing

Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) aboard Le Dumont d'Urville

On December 17-28 2026, Le Dumont d'Urville sails 11 nights from Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar). Madagascar & South Africa brings together Richards Bay, At sea, creating a specific progression of ports for travelers comparing destination variety and voyage pace.

This route includes an official day-by-day schedule and published port times. The source lists 12 route entries, including embarkation, disembarkation, scenic passages, and any sea days exactly as published.

Personalized cruise planning with PONANT

Ask Deluxe Cruises about Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226

Considering the December 17-28, 2026 Le Dumont d'Urville sailing, Voyage EU171226? A Deluxe Cruises specialist can verify this itinerary's current status and availability and assist with stateroom or suite selection and deck location, fare and inclusion comparisons, eligible offers, available amenities, and personalized planning.

Eligible group pricing and special offers

We may have access to eligible pricing and amenities that are not displayed online. Before placing a deposit, ask us to compare a current like-for-like offer and review the value we can confirm for your requested sailing with PONANT.

Comparable offers must be current and verifiable for the same ship or program, departure, accommodation category, fare terms, and inclusions. All fares, offers, and amenities are subject to eligibility, availability, and terms set by PONANT.
Le Dumont d'Urville | Voyage EU171226 | December 17-28, 2026 | 11 nights Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar)
Request a Personalized Quote Call +1-702-501-7105 Email a Cruise Specialist Chat on WhatsApp

Luxury cruise planning summary

Le Dumont d'Urville December 17-28 2026: is Voyage EU171226 right for you?

This 12-day voyage aboard Le Dumont d'Urville sails Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar), with calls including Durban, Richards Bay, Toliara, and Morondava and 1 published sea day. Voyage EU171226 matches the latest verified voyage-search dataset used by this website. Before reserving, ask Deluxe Cruises to compare accommodations, deck location, inclusions, current availability, and any family, medical, dietary, or accessibility arrangements for this exact departure.

Best for
Travelers considering a 12-day Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) aboard Le Dumont d'Urville, including Durban, Richards Bay, Toliara, and Morondava.
Why Deluxe Cruises
Personal guidance for Voyage EU171226, including accommodation, deck location, itinerary, inclusion, and special-request comparisons.
Before you book
Confirm current availability, exact itinerary details, accommodation benefits, applicable preferred-rate opportunities, and documented guest requirements.

Questions travelers ask

Why book Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226 with Deluxe Cruises?

Deluxe Cruises provides personal planning for Voyage EU171226, including accommodation and deck-location comparisons, current availability and preferred-rate guidance, and help documenting family, medical, dietary, or accessibility requests before departure.

What should travelers compare for Voyage EU171226?

For the December 17-28 2026 Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar), compare the published schedule, accommodation category and location, included services, current availability, and any special requirements before you reserve.

How do I request a personalized luxury cruise quote?

Email info@deluxecruises.com, call +1-702-501-7105, or use WhatsApp +1-702-900-9975 and mention Voyage EU171226 to request a personalized quote from Deluxe Cruises.

What is included and not included on Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226?

For the December 17-28, 2026 Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) sailing aboard Le Dumont d'Urville: PONANT, its small sailing products and the Aqua Expeditions partner vessels have materially different fare inclusions. The current verified record does not establish one complete inclusion and exclusion schedule for this vessel, so dining, beverages, equipment, laundry and personal services must follow the exact ship, voyage and booking confirmation. The exact fare and booking confirmation control.

What bed is provided for a child or third guest on Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226?

For the December 17-28, 2026 Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) sailing aboard Le Dumont d'Urville: Primary-bed and occupancy arrangements differ between PONANT ships, small yachts and Aqua Expeditions vessels. The current verified record does not name a child or third-guest sleeping surface for this vessel, so no extra bed is assumed without the exact category record. Deluxe Cruises will confirm the exact room and occupancy before booking.

Are shore excursions included on Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226, and can Deluxe Cruises help with alternatives?

For the December 17-28, 2026 Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) sailing aboard Le Dumont d'Urville: Activity availability depends on the vessel, voyage, destination and operating conditions. The current verified record does not establish that every named excursion or expedition activity is fare-included, so the exact program and booking confirmation control. If a preferred shore experience is not included, Deluxe Cruises can compare independent alternatives and check whether a lower price or better value is available than booking through the cruise line. Availability and savings vary and are confirmed before purchase.

How does Internet and Wi-Fi work aboard Le Dumont d'Urville for Voyage EU171226?

For the December 17-28, 2026 Durban (South Africa) to Nosy Be (Madagascar) sailing aboard Le Dumont d'Urville: The current verified record does not establish one Wi-Fi allowance, tier or device rule across the PONANT and Aqua Expeditions fleet. Deluxe Cruises will confirm the exact vessel and booking entitlement. The exact booking confirmation controls.

What are Le Dumont d'Urville's verified headline statistics?
184Guests
92Staterooms
118Crew
131 m / 430 ftLength
What clothes should I bring for this December itinerary?

Deluxe Cruises packing guidance for this December river or warm-region itinerary

  • Pack lightweight, breathable, modest clothing, sun protection, and a light layer for air-conditioned interiors or cooler mornings.
  • Bring comfortable closed walking shoes for touring, plus a compact rain layer and any destination-specific health supplies recommended by your clinician.
  • Respect local dress requirements at religious and cultural sites; the final voyage documents and destination advisories should guide the last check.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS dress guidance

  • The published standard is casual elegance. A cocktail dress or similar evening attire is suggested for gala evenings.
  • PONANT also publishes white or black-and-white attire for the Officers evening. Shorts and Bermuda shorts are not accepted in the gourmet restaurant at dinner.
  • Expedition voyages require practical destination-specific layers and footwear in addition to the onboard evening wardrobe.

Packing suggestions are Deluxe Cruises editorial guidance; the cruise line's final documents and the weather forecast control the last check.

What services and amenities are available aboard Le Dumont d'Urville?
  • Sisterships and PONANT Explorers generally publish lounges, bars, a spa or salon, fitness room, outdoor pool, theater and boutique; Explorers also publish the Blue Eye underwater lounge.

Venues, hours, inclusions, equipment, and operating conditions can vary by ship and sailing. Deluxe Cruises will reconfirm the details for this departure.

What fitness, sports, or wellness facilities does Le Dumont d'Urville have?
  • PONANT publishes a fitness room across its main fleet except Spirit of Ponant; gentle exercise may be scheduled depending on the program.

Class schedules, age rules, treatment access, operating hours, and equipment availability are confirmed for the exact ship and voyage.

What accommodation features and services can Le Dumont d'Urville guests expect?
  • Main-fleet rooms publish air conditioning, a safe, television and Diptyque bath products; Spirit of Ponant is an exception to the television statement.
  • Every accommodation on the PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot has a balcony. Most Sistership rooms have balconies, with seven Deck 3 exceptions; Le Ponant and Spirit of Ponant use different layouts.
  • Room service is published around the clock on the main fleet, with overnight exceptions on Le Ponant and Spirit of Ponant. Butler service is limited to eligible suite categories.

Review the exact room or suite number, category, deck position, layout, and benefits for Voyage EU171226 before reserving.

Can children and babies sail aboard Le Dumont d'Urville?
  • Children under one year old are not accepted.
  • On classic voyages, children age one and older may sail, with a published maximum of five children ages one through six per voyage. Kids Club is for age four and older when offered.
  • Expedition voyages generally require age six or older; Le Commandant Charcot requires age eight or older. Children must be able to board a Zodiac independently where Zodiac operations are part of the program.
  • Parents or guardians remain responsible for children; family programming is not guaranteed on every departure.
  • The current PONANT FAQ accepts pregnancy only when the guest will not be beyond the end of the third month by cruise end.
  • Pregnant guests are not accepted on expedition cruises. These unusually restrictive rules must be reconfirmed before booking.

For Voyage EU171226: do not assume a supervised program, babysitting, crib, or child-specific service unless it is confirmed for this sailing.

How does Le Dumont d'Urville handle special needs, medical arrangements, and accessibility?
  • The FAQ identifies Sisterships, PONANT Explorers, m/s Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot as the fleet products designed for reduced mobility; exact accessible rooms are ship-specific.
  • A guest must be self-sufficient or travel with a capable companion. The captain may prevent a difficult landing, gangway transfer or Zodiac operation for safety.
  • A doctor and nurse are published across the main fleet, with Le Ponant instead using a nurse and telemedicine support; services and medication are charged.
  • Sisterships, PONANT Explorers, m/s Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot publish hospital facilities intended for urgent or minor treatment, not full hospital care.
  • Notify PONANT of treatment needs at reservation, complete required forms and carry an adequate supply of medication. Remote expedition evacuation can be delayed.

Important: access varies by accommodation, gangway, pier, tender, shore transport, and operating conditions. Document needs when requesting the booking and reconfirm them before travel.

What is the smoking policy aboard Le Dumont d'Urville?
  • PONANT ships are non-smoking, including accommodation balconies. Smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas.

Designated locations and onboard rules can change. Follow the policy, posted signs, and crew instructions in force for the voyage.

How can I find the best cruise airfare for Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226?

For flights to Durban (South Africa) before this Le Dumont d'Urville cruise and home from Nosy Be (Madagascar) after Voyage EU171226, compare schedules, fare rules, baggage allowances, connection times, and change options—not airfare alone. Visit the Deluxe Cruises Cruise Airfare page to explore flight options designed around your cruise and potential ways to save money. Airfares and savings vary, and Deluxe Cruises will help confirm suitable travel dates and connection time before booking.

Where can I review cruise travel insurance information?

Visit the Deluxe Cruises Cruise Travel Insurance page to prepare for a quote and compare optional protection with Travel Insured.

You can also search the Deluxe Cruises Cruise-Line Travel Insurance Directory for cruise-line-specific plan companies, insurer or administrator contacts, available policy-document links, and published pre-existing-condition purchase guidance. Plan terms and availability can change; the policy or certificate issued for your state controls.

How do I create a My PONANT account and connect Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226 after booking with Deluxe Cruises?

Before you begin: After Deluxe Cruises confirms Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226, use the guest identity and email recorded by PONANT. The current account can identify an agency booking but does not publish a manual booking-number linking field, so do not substitute a Deluxe Cruises invoice, receipt, or payment reference.

  1. Step 1 — Open My PONANT: Choose Account from PONANT's official website. Sign in with an existing email and password, or select Create account.
  2. Step 2 — Create the account: Enter title, first name, last name, date of birth, and email; complete the security challenge and submit. Marketing consent is optional.
  3. Step 3 — Confirm and sign in: Follow the email instructions to choose a password or activate access, then sign in. Use Forgot Password with the registered email if needed.
  4. Step 4 — Check My bookings: Open My bookings and look for Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226. PONANT does not currently publish a self-service sequence for manually attaching an advisor booking.
  5. Step 5 — Review released information: Use the account for upcoming and past voyages, passenger information, documents, booking or payment status, personal preferences, wishlist, and loyalty benefits currently available.

If Le Dumont d'Urville Voyage EU171226 does not appear, recheck that the account name, date of birth, and email match PONANT's reservation. Do not create duplicate accounts; contact Deluxe Cruises so your advisor can verify the agency booking with PONANT.

My PONANT functions can vary by market, booking status, and system availability. Deluxe Cruises remains your travel advisor for changes and assistance. Keep your password private.

Ask Deluxe CruisesView Suites & Deck PlansEmail a cruise specialist
Ready to reserve Le Dumont d'Urville December 17-28 2026?

Contact Deluxe Cruises for current offers, personal accommodation guidance, and attentive luxury cruise planning.

Request Best Pricing Phone +1-702-501-7105 WhatsApp +1-702-900-9975