For a Mediterranean cruise that feels curated rather than crowded, Ponant’s From the Valley of the Gods to the Dalmatian Coast cruise delivers a compelling, proposition – seven days of history and architecture along the Greek Islands, paired with the calm confidence of small-ship luxury. Sailing from Athens to Dubrovnik aboard Le Dumont d’Urville, this is a voyage that leans into cultural immersion and refined onboard living, without the theatre of mass-market cruising.
Le Dumont d’Urville is part of Ponant’s Explorer Class fleet, offering 92 cabins and suites with a maximum capacity of 184 guests. That low guest count changes everything and the ship feels personal, the service feels present, and the overall pace is unmistakably premium. One of the most practical selling points is her shallow 4.7-metre draft, an operational advantage that allows the ship to get closer to shore and reach areas that larger vessels simply can’t.
Onboard flow is straightforward across seven decks, with reception and embarkation on Deck 3. The onboard language mix is French and English, which suits the brand’s heritage while still being comfortably accessible.
The ship sets the tone quickly. Departing Athens, the Observatory Lounge on Deck 6 is the place to be positioned at the front of the ship with a library, a fully stocked bar, and panoramic 180-degree views across the horizon. It’s an elegant, understated space that becomes a natural hub throughout the cruise particularly for sail-away ambience, pre-dinner drinks, and relaxed evening entertainment. This lounge is an easy image to paint: a cocktail in hand, the Mediterranean calm, and an intimate ship gliding into open water.
Ponant’s dining reputation is a key reason many luxury clients book in the first place, and Le Dumont d’Urville backs that up convincingly.
Le Nautilus, the main restaurant, is positioned as a five-star dining room and the centrepiece for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner is where it truly comes alive. French-inspired gastronomy delivered with polish and a sense of occasion. The menus evolve daily, drawing inspiration and produce from the regions visited, while still keeping comforting French favourites available.
Add vintage French wines and Champagne into the mix, and it becomes a nightly ritual your premium clients will talk about long after they’ve returned to New Zealand.
The culinary leadership onboard is clearly defined, with Executive Chef Quentin Bourret and Restaurant Manager Arthur Dequier named as key figures in the dining experience. The level of detail speaks to consistency and standards, particularly important when recommending a product to high-expectation travellers.
For a more relaxed option, Le Grill on Deck 3 offers an outdoor, poolside, al-fresco setting that fits beautifully with the Mediterranean climate. The offering includes contemporary cuisine, a salad bar, daily roasts and themed dinners, ideal for clients who like flexibility without losing quality. It’s also a strong “sundowner” space, easygoing, social, and quietly chic.
Ponant’s Explorer Class differentiator is the Blue Eye, an underwater passenger lounge located beneath the waterline within the hull. It’s designed as a multi-sensory space, with large oval viewing windows shaped like the eye of a blue whale, an immersive concept intended to connect guests with the underwater world.
The onboard events team also runs tailored sessions in the Blue Eye that are described as educational and inspirational, giving this space purpose beyond being simply something to look at. From a sales perspective, the Blue Eye is gold – it’s distinctive, it’s easy to describe, and it adds a sense of discovery that aligns beautifully with Ponant’s expedition-led DNA.
Accommodation spans from 19 sqm balcony cabins on the lower deck through to the Shipowner’s Suite at the top end. The balcony cabins include a private 4m² balcony furnished with two armchairs, ideal for sail-ins and sail-aways.
A panoramic glass door connects the cabin to the balcony (sliding or hinged depending on deck), ensuring strong natural light and open views.
Inside, the cabin is configured with either a king bed (180 x 200 cm) or twin singles (90 x 200 cm), plus a meridian daybed for relaxed lounging. The bathroom features a shower and is stocked with Diptyque Paris amenities, along with a hairdryer.
For in-cabin convenience, guests have a Nespresso machine and kettle, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and a flat-screen TV with international channels and video on demand. Storage is generous, with a dressing area offering both shelving and hanging space.
From a value perspective, the inclusions stand out with a fully stocked minibar replenished daily and included in the cruise fare, unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and the kind of thoughtful, premium touches that resonate strongly with luxury clients.
That range makes the ship versatile whether you’re matching clients to a strong-value balcony category, or pitching the full suite experience for those who want privacy, space, and status.
This itinerary is designed around the “wonders of history and architecture,” and the shore experience reinforces that theme. Excursions are well planned and executed from the outset, including time in Athens with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, then onward to places such as Pylos, Parga and Stari Grad delivering a balance of historic sites, regional culture, and gastronomy. Operationally, the ship tenders in most ports, and the tender rides themselves become part of the experience offering panoramic views en route to shore. Importantly, guests also have extended time ashore, which allows confident travellers to explore independently once the organised touring component ends.
While ships can impress with design and dining, it’s the crew that ultimately defines the emotional memory of a voyage and here, they’re positioned as the “real magic” behind the experience.
Leadership onboard is front and centre, with Captain Thomas Mc Candless bringing seven years with Ponant and more than 22 years at sea. From housekeeping to engineering, there’s a clear sense of a unified service goal: delivering the Ponant experience consistently, every day.