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Homage to Rostropovitch, the Cellist of the Century Luxury Cruise

Homage to Rostropovitch, the Cellist of the Century Luxury Cruise

From AUD $8,390

Description

Under the Atlantic sun, embark on a musical journey into the heart of the volcanic archipelagos of the Canaries and Cape Verde, a blend of untamed nature and exceptional cultural heritage, accompanied by the melodies of the legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovitch. In partnership with Radio Classique, this cruise will provide an opportunity to discover these volcanic lands, which are home to contrasting, breathtaking panoramas and unspoilt national parks that invite exploration. From vibrant Lanzarote to enchanting Praia, each port of call will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the island’s towns, where colourful markets mingle with colonial architectural treasures, revealing a fascinating history of European and African influences.

Trip Name
Homage to Rostropovitch, the Cellist of the Century Luxury Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Dumont d’Urville is one of PONANT’s state-of-the-art Explorer-class yachts, designed to combine refined French sophistication with immersive expedition travel. Hosting a maximum of 184 guests across 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience defined by comfort, style, and innovation. Expansive lounge areas, a panoramic theatre, and multiple bars create inviting spaces to relax and socialise, while the infinity pool seamlessly blends into the sea views. From the marina platform, guests can easily embark on Zodiac excursions or enjoy water activities in serene surroundings. Every detail aboard Le Dumont d’Urville reflects a celebration of nature and discovery. Guests enjoy world-class gastronomy, a serene spa and fitness area, and advanced technology that supports environmentally responsible exploration. Purpose-built for navigating diverse destinations — from Nordic fjords and Mediterranean coastlines to Caribbean islands and Arctic waterways — this sleek, modern vessel embodies the art of travel at sea: luxurious, sustainable, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
 A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the  Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
The capital city of Tenerife is located on the north-east coast of the island. Close to the port is the monumental Plaza de España, bedecked with a fountain and plant sculptures. Around the plaza, you can admire the white marble Triunfo de la Candelaria obelisk, the historic casino of Santa Cruz and the majestic Guimerà theatre. Not far from here, the picturesque Iglesia de la Concepción church features the characteristic traits of Canaries architecture.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Arrecife de Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands
The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly coloured wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces and its numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers.
Day 5 - Day 5 - La Estaca, Canary Islands
With its particularly pleasant climate, El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, invites you to discover enchanting panoramas in an atmosphere of unrivalled calm and serenity. You will be captivated by the untouched natural environment, featuring a majestic volcano, lush forests, sheer cliffs and natural pools. Besides the treasures on land, you will also have the chance to discover its underwater environment. Teeming with life, it is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, since the island is home to the Punta de La Restinga Marine Reserve, its thousands of colourful fish and stunning underwater volcanic landscapes.
Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 At sea
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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will 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 will be able to 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.
Day 7 - Day 8 - Mindelo
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Day 8 - Day 9 - Praia
The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.
Day 9 - Day 10 - At sea
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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will 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 will be able to 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.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Dakar
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. Far from the effervescence of the city, Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as a place of remembrance, having once been a slave trade outpost. On the other side of the plateau, the wild Madeleine islands are protected by a national park.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $8,390Deluxe Stateroom
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $8,830Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $14,380Privilege Suite Deck 6
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $14,380Privilege Suite Deck 5
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $14,810Grand Deluxe Suite
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $21,460Owner's Suite
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $9,090Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $9,440Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,640Deluxe Suite Deck 4
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,640Deluxe Suite Deck 5
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,640Deluxe Suite Deck 6
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $12,640Deluxe Suite Deck 3
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $13,590Prestige Suite Deck 5
25-11-202705-12-2027AUD $14,030Prestige Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • Every evening, enjoy an exclusive concert on board with our guest artists.
    • UNESCO sites (Cidade Velha, the historic centre of Ribeira Grande, etc.) and unique landscapes (volcanoes, lush valleys, etc.).
    • Here are just some of the included excursions: Santo Antão Island, Teide National Park (UNESCO), Timanfaya National Park.

Map