PONANT, a luxury yacht cruise and expedition company, is blending the rhythm of the sea with classical music this summer by offering three exclusive musical cruises.
In partnership with the French classical radio station Radio Classique, PONANT will host a series of themed voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Renowned classical artists will perform onboard, including cellist Ophélie Gaillard, bass opera singer and conductor Ruggero Raimondi, and pianist Kathia Buniatishvili.
The first voyage, a North Sea and Baltic cruise sailing May 8–16, follows the theme “Mozart and Company” and travels between Portsmouth and Stockholm. In addition to carefully chosen ports of call and the attentive service expected on a luxury small-ship cruise, guests will be treated to private evening recitals featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
The “Recitals at Sea” itinerary, sailing June 6–13, is presented as a piano festival at sea. This cruise explores the eastern Mediterranean route between Venice and Athens, offering daytime shore excursions and late-afternoon or evening piano performances that highlight both the repertoire and the virtuosity of the featured artists.
The third voyage, titled “The Most Beautiful Ancient Sites,” sails Sept. 26–Oct. 3 from Greece to Italy and includes a call at the island of Santorini. This itinerary will feature Ruggero Raimondi among the onboard performers, adding an operatic dimension to the voyage’s musical program.
Each cruise is designed to appeal to both devoted classical music fans and newcomers who wish to experience live performances in an intimate and relaxed setting. The combination of world-class musicianship, refined dining, attentive onboard service, and thoughtfully selected ports of call creates a cultural and scenic experience that complements the music.
Passengers can expect small-ship comfort and amenities, curated musical programming including private recitals, and the opportunity to enjoy masterpieces from the classical repertoire while visiting historic and picturesque destinations. These voyages present a way to discover celebrated composers and performers in an immersive, travel-centered format, where evenings are devoted to recitals and days offer exploration ashore.
By pairing a luxurious cruising experience with high-quality classical performances, PONANT’s summer sailings offer a distinctive option for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation. Whether guests are drawn by the repertoire, the artists, or the chance to visit iconic coastal cities and islands, the musical cruises aim to deliver memorable moments both onstage and off.