Namibian & South African Coastlines
PONANTEU071226HOL

Namibian & South African Coastlines

Departure 7 Dec 2026
Duration 10 Nights
Cruise Line PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Ship Le Dumont-d'Urville

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Date of arrival 7 Dec 2026

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Date of arrival 8 Dec 2026

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Walvis Bay

Lüderitz, Namibia

Date of arrival 9 Dec 2026

The reopening of the diamond mine at Elizabeth Bay 20 years ago has brought the development of tourism and fishing back to this small 19th century village on the barren, windswept Namib Desert coast. One of Namibias oddities, it has everything you’d expect from a small German town – delicatessens, coffee shops and a Lutheran church. Here, the icy but clean South Atlantic is home to seals, penguins and other marine life and the desolate beaches support flamingoes. It was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some of the surrounding land on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, a Hanseat from Germany, from the local Nama chief. Lüderitz began its life as a trading post, with other activities in fishing and guano-harvesting. As a sign of Luderitz’s revival, 1996 staged the first traditional German Karneval since 1960.

Lüderitz

At Sea

Date of arrival 10 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 11 Dec 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 12 Dec 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town

At Sea

Date of arrival 13 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 1

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Date of arrival 7 Dec 2026

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Walvis Bay
Day 2

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Date of arrival 8 Dec 2026

Once a whaling station, Walvis Bay provides a gateway to the extraordinary desert landscapes of Namibia and is itself an area of unusual natural beauty. The showpiece of the Walvis Bay area is the natural lagoon where you can see flamingos in their thousands at certain times of the year, along with a variety of other wading birds such as the white pelican. Further inland you will find the stunning Namib Desert, which provides an unlikely home for a diverse array of wildlife. Alternatively, you could venture into the desert of Sossusvlei, whose mountainous ochre sand dunes are said to be the highest in the world, or visit the colonial town of Swakopmund.

Walvis Bay
Day 3

Lüderitz, Namibia

Date of arrival 9 Dec 2026

The reopening of the diamond mine at Elizabeth Bay 20 years ago has brought the development of tourism and fishing back to this small 19th century village on the barren, windswept Namib Desert coast. One of Namibias oddities, it has everything you’d expect from a small German town – delicatessens, coffee shops and a Lutheran church. Here, the icy but clean South Atlantic is home to seals, penguins and other marine life and the desolate beaches support flamingoes. It was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some of the surrounding land on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, a Hanseat from Germany, from the local Nama chief. Lüderitz began its life as a trading post, with other activities in fishing and guano-harvesting. As a sign of Luderitz’s revival, 1996 staged the first traditional German Karneval since 1960.

Lüderitz
Day 4

At Sea

Date of arrival 10 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 5

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 11 Dec 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town
Day 6

Cape Town, South Africa

Date of arrival 12 Dec 2026

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town’s weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Cape Town
Day 7

At Sea

Date of arrival 13 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Mossel Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 14 Dec 2026
Mossel Bay

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth), South Africa

Date of arrival 15 Dec 2026

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

At Sea

Date of arrival 16 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Durban, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 Dec 2026

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Durban
Day 8

Mossel Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 14 Dec 2026
Mossel Bay
Day 9

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth), South Africa

Date of arrival 15 Dec 2026

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)
Day 10

At Sea

Date of arrival 16 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 11

Durban, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 Dec 2026

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Durban

Cabin Options

Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Deluxe Stateroom 1.jpg

Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom

Welcome to the Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 204ft² (19m²)
PONANT, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Prestige Stateroom 1.jpg

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Welcome to the Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 204ft² (19m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Deluxe Stateroom 1.jpg

Deluxe Suite

Welcome to the Deluxe Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 3 persons
Size 290ft² (27m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Prestige Suite 1.jpg

Prestige Suite

Welcome to the Prestige Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 409ft² (38m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Privilege Suite 1.jpg

Privilege Suite

Welcome to the Privilege Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 3 persons
Size 344ft² (32m²)
PONANT, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Grand Deluxe Suite 1.jpg

Grand Suite

Welcome to the Grand Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 484ft² (45m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Owner's Suite 1.jpg

Owner's Suite

Welcome to the Owner's Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 484ft² (45m²)

Ship Facilities

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness
Younger Travellers

About the Ship

Le Dumont d’Urville takes you in style and comfort to the natural and cultural wonders of the world.

Le dumont-d'urville

Le dumont-d'urville Information

Launched 2019
Length 430 ft (131m)
Guest Capacity 184
Cabins 92
Crew Members 118

Deck Plans

Deck 3

  • Theatre
  • Medical Centre
  • Excursion Desk
  • Reception Desk
  • Shop
  • Main Lounge
  • Grill
  • Pool
  • Marina
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

Deck 4

  • Restaurant
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
  • Accessible Staterooms

Deck 5

  • Bridge
  • Owners Suite
  • Prestige Suites
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Privilege Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
  • Accessible Staterooms

Deck 6

  • Observatory Lounge
  • Art Gallery/Studio Ponant
  • Library
  • Privilege Suites
  • Grand Suites
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Prestige Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Deck 7

  • Sun Deck
  • Spa
  • Fitness Centre
  • Hair Salon

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