Valletta to Nice with Ponant on Le Dumont-d’Urville

By Sarah Ong Senior Expedition Advisor at Cruise Norway

I recently had the opportunity to join Le Dumont-d'Urville for a Ponant Seminar at Sea. As a trade-only voyage, it brought together travel advisors and Ponant team members from around the world, creating a unique atmosphere on board from the very beginning.

The journey really began the moment I arrived at the harbor in Valletta. While Ponant had arranged shuttle transfers from the airport for embarkation guests, I had decided to arrive in Malta a few days earlier to explore the island before the voyage. As my taxi pulled up to the port, I caught my first glimpse of Le Dumont-d’Urville. I still remember the feeling—instant butterflies in my stomach and pure excitement. After months of looking forward to the trip, seeing the ship in person was a special moment. My very first thought was simply, "What a beautiful ship!"

That excitement stayed with me throughout embarkation and only grew stronger once I stepped on board.

The embarkation itself was seamless and relaxed. After stepping on board, I was welcomed with champagne and refreshments, which immediately set the tone for the voyage ahead. There was none of the stress or rush often associated with travel days. Instead, everything felt calm, organized, and genuinely welcoming.

My stateroom was another pleasant surprise. The cabin felt modern, elegant, and thoughtfully designed, with all the comforts I could have wanted. One of the first things I did was step onto the balcony and take in the views of Valletta harbor. It was the perfect place to unwind and begin settling into life on board.

Then it was straight to the observation deck for me.

Our departure from Valletta was at 6pm. As music played and the ship slowly sailed away from the harbor, many of us gathered on deck to watch Valletta slowly drift into the distance. The sunlight was absolutely beautiful, casting a warm glow across Valletta's honey colored buildings. Standing on the observation deck at the aft, with the music playing, the evening sun shining, and the stunning views all around, felt truly surreal. It was one of those moments where you simply stop, take it all in, and think, "How fortunate I am to be here."

Once settled on board, I began to appreciate just how elegant the ship felt. There is a distinctly European style to Le Dumont-d’Urville, chic, understated, and beautifully maintained. Nothing feels over the top. Instead, it's a clean, modern luxury that makes you feel comfortable the moment you step aboard.

There was a wonderful balance between activities, relaxation, and exploration on board. The food was another highlight. Every meal was beautifully presented and consistently delicious, with great attention paid to both flavor and presentation. Our evenings were filled with entertainment throughout the ship, whether in the theatre, the Blue Eye, or on the Main Deck.

The highlight of the ship for me was the Blue Eye Bar. I'd read about it and watched videos before boarding, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. Sitting there below the waterline, gazing into the sea through the windows, felt almost magical.

What really made the voyage enjoyable was the people on board. The crew were exceptional. Friendly, professional, and genuinely eager to help. Whether it was a simple greeting in the corridor or assistance during meals and excursions, the service always felt warm and sincere rather than scripted. Being part of a seminar also meant sharing the voyage with fellow travel professionals and members of the Ponant team. It was wonderful getting to know people from different parts of the world, sharing stories, experiences, and learning from one another.

This voyage was filled with memorable moments and proved to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Explore Ponant’s Mediterranean sailings here