Marseille · Behind the journeys

A Conversation in Marseille

Newayer Travel’s CEO visits PONANT

The work behind a journey begins long before departure. During a visit to PONANT in Marseille, Newayer Travel’s CEO spent a day meeting teams across the company, sharing feedback and discussing the experience of Chinese travelers.

Newayer Travel’s CEO at PONANT in Marseille.

Time to listen, room to improve

The visit took in PONANT’s former and new offices in Marseille. It was an opportunity to meet colleagues from different departments in person and make time for detailed conversations about the journeys our guests take.

A day of discussions allowed feedback and suggestions to be shared directly with the people involved. PONANT’s teams were receptive to ideas for improvement, with thoughtful service for Chinese travelers at the heart of the exchange.

From conversation to the journey ahead

For Newayer Travel, these conversations are part of the care that goes into planning a cruise. Listening to travelers and maintaining a direct dialogue with the cruise line help us ask better questions and make the details of a journey clearer before guests set off.

The Indian Ocean offers a different setting for that spirit of exploration. Our two Vanilla Islands journeys in January 2028 bring together Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion and Mauritius aboard PONANT’s Le Dumont d’Urville. Each combines a twelve-night charter cruise with two hotel nights, following the islands in opposite directions.

Discover the character of each destination below, then explore the two departures to compare routes and day-by-day plans.

Discover the Vanilla Islands

Four destinations, four different worlds

Across the western Indian Ocean, these journeys connect Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion and Mauritius. Granite-framed beaches give way to tropical forests, volcanic mountains and lively island towns. Each destination brings a different landscape and a different rhythm to the voyage.

01 / Granite shores and palm forests

Seychelles

La Digue brings together sculpted granite boulders, white sand and clear water. On Praslin, the Vallée de Mai shelters coco de mer palms, while Aride offers a closer look at island birdlife and native vegetation. These islands introduce the voyage through a mix of coastlines and nature reserves.

02 / Forest encounters and island life

Madagascar

Along Madagascar’s northern coast, Nosy Be and neighbouring Nosy Komba combine tropical vegetation, coastal villages and the chance to look for black lemurs with a guide. Farther along the route, Île aux Nattes offers footpaths between village homes, coconut palms and beaches.

03 / A volcanic island with dramatic relief

Réunion

Réunion rises from the ocean in steep green mountains, deep valleys and volcanic landscapes. The island is known for Piton de la Fournaise and the mountain cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate. The call at Pointe des Galets provides a gateway to this strikingly different side of the Indian Ocean.

04 / Lagoon colours and a lively port city

Mauritius

Mauritius pairs bright lagoons and palm-lined shores with the daily life of Port Louis. The planned land programme includes the Central Market, views from Fort Adelaide and the tropical collections of Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, bringing the journey from island scenery into the streets and gardens of the capital region.

The places above introduce the destinations. Actual landings and excursions follow the selected itinerary and the cruise line’s final arrangements; weather and local conditions may affect plans. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Continue the journey

Vanilla Islands. One island, one world.

Two January 2028 departures, four Indian Ocean islands. Discover the route and itinerary for each journey.

15 January – 31 January 2028

Indian Ocean New Year Journey

Seychelles → Madagascar → Réunion → Mauritius

17 days · 14 nights
PONANT · Le Dumont d’Urville
12 cruise nights + 2 hotel nights

Explore this journey

27 January – 12 February 2028

Indian Ocean Spring Journey

Mauritius → Réunion → Madagascar → Seychelles

17 days · 14 nights
PONANT · Le Dumont d’Urville
12 cruise nights + 2 hotel nights

Explore this journey