Nosy Be, meaning "large island" in Malagasy, is in the Mozambique Channel near Madagascar's northeastern coast. Once a French protectorate called "the scented island," Nosy Be is of volcanic origin and sits on a maritime route to India and Asia. This island has a diverse, multicultural population that recalls its history as a major trading post. Covering 321 square kilometers, it captivates nature enthusiasts and beach lovers with its beautiful primary forest, home to unique animals and surprising plant life.

During your cruise, your ship stops at Nosy Komba, also known as "Lemur Island." Close to the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island is shaped like a giant turtle shell and covered in dense tropical rainforest. Here, you can see playful black lemurs, which are furry orange-brown and black animals that move swiftly and call to each other from the trees. Nosy Komba's small beaches and emerald-colored waters make it a hidden gem visited by only a few.

A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, can 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. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call provides you with the opportunity to discover Ankarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.

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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call can 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 can 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.

In the southwest of the Menabe Region, in the district of Morondava, you can marvel at the picturesque beauty of Belo sur Mer. This peninsula edged with mangroves alternates fine sandy beaches with rocks plunging into a sea whose shades fall between deep blue and crystal-clear green. This fishing village is renowned for its dhows, the traditional sailing boats of Madagascar, which are built in situ, in the local artisanal boatyard. The choreography of these vessels coming and going on the beach sets the pace of life in the village, bestowing it with a unique charm.

Located to the southwest 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 unspoiled nature and exceptional flora that can certainly appeal to fans of botany. The Antsokay Arboretum botanical garden with nearly 1,000 Madagascar plant species, 90% of which are endemic, is worth a fragrant and charming detour. Cultural heritage can not be outdone, with the interesting museums of Mahafaly ethnology and the Museum of the Sea.

Sarodrano is a small village in the southwest of Madagascar in the province of Atsimo-Andrefana, at the mouth of the Onilahy River. This village of Vezo fishermen possesses the authentic and unspoiled charm of remote places. You can be surprised by the dexterity with which these “nomads of the sea” steer their outrigger canoes to fish, or keep up their ancestral traditions like seaweed cultivation. If the tide allows it, you can also have the possibility of discovering the sacred cave of Sarodrano, a natural freshwater pool separated from the sea by just 10 meters (33 feet) of rocks.

Five kilometers out to sea from the Malagasy village of Anakao, Nosy Ve is an unspoiled paradise of exceptional wild beauty. Located on a two-kilometer (1.2 miles) long coral bank, this island is unique in that it is home to a colony of endemic birds commonly called red-tailed tropicbirds. This nature reserve, a nesting site for rare birds, is unique because it is this species’ only reproduction site. The duckboards installed on the island can enable you to observe the birds hidden from view under the forest of Madagascar jewel. This Eden dotted with natural pools is also a setting for coral, fish, and sea turtles you can discover while snorkeling.

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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call can 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 can 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.

Between its sumptuous landscapes, its legendary mountain ranges, and its idyllic beaches, Fort Dauphin is a kind of paradise on earth. Nestled on the south-east tip of Madagascar, the former fishing village is as fascinating for its rich history, marked by a strong colonial past, as it is for its exceptional natural environment. More commonly known as “Tôlagnaro”, it shelters spectacular biodiversity with the majestic Pic Saint-Louis as a natural sanctuary. Like a sugar loaf standing 529 meters (1,736 feet) high and overlooking the town, this mountain is home to exceptional flora: ravenalas, raffia palms, orchids, and periwinkles all intermingle in a breathtaking setting.

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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call can 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 can 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.

On the northwest coast of Mauritius, discover Port Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market where you can discover all the local flavors and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden reveals to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world.

On the northwest coast of Mauritius, discover Port Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market where you can discover all the local flavors and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden reveals to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark in Port Louis today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.