Study Voyage: Morocco, Andalusia & Portugal
French elegance and the spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Casablanca → Lisbon
Seven days along the Strait of Gibraltar, from the Moroccan coast via Andalusia to Lisbon. Your Ponant Classic sister ship for 184 guests links three cultural worlds at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Premium all-inclusive service, a marina platform and Zodiacs open up white villages, sherry ports and Moorish heritage towns. Between Tangier, Málaga and Cádiz you experience the Andalusian-Maghrebi cultural landscape. In Lisbon the voyage ends on the Tagus, in sight of the monuments of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
Route highlights
- Casablanca: Morocco's economic metropolis with the monumental Hassan II Mosque facing the Atlantic.
- Tangier: Meeting of Europe and Africa at the Strait of Gibraltar, with its medina and Cape Spartel.
- Málaga: Andalusian port with the Moorish Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum.
- Marbella: Elegant resort on the Costa del Sol with a whitewashed old town and orange-tree square.
- Cádiz: One of the oldest cities in western Europe on an Atlantic peninsula, with its cathedral skyline.
- Portimão: Algarve port on the Rio Arade, gateway to the rock-cut beaches of Praia da Rocha.
- Lisbon: Port on the Tagus with the UNESCO Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Casablanca
7 nights
Lisbon
-
Casablanca · Embarkation
Casablanca is Morocco's economic heart. The Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic (one of the tallest minarets in the world at 210 m), the Art Deco architecture of the city centre and the charm of the Quartier Habous make Casablanca North Africa's most modern city.
-
Tanger
Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. The medina with its narrow lanes, the kasbah above the harbour and the unique play of light between two continents drew painters such as Henri Matisse here.
-
Málaga
On the Costa del Sol in Andalusia on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast lies Málaga at the foot of the El Torcal mountains. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the city is today a major cultural hub with the Picasso Museum, the Moorish Alcazaba from the 11th century, the Roman theatre ruins and a lively harbour quarter around the Muelle Uno.
-
Marbella
Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol combines the luxury marina of Puerto Banús, a Mediterranean old town with orange-tree squares, and the hinterland of the white villages (Pueblos Blancos) such as Ronda and Mijas.
-
Cádiz
Cádiz is regarded as the longest continuously inhabited city in western Europe (founded by the Phoenicians around 1,100 BC). The "tacita de plata" (silver cup) lies on a peninsula in the Atlantic - golden La Caleta beach, old city walls and the largest cathedral in Andalusia.
-
Portimão
Portimão on the Algarve was a Phoenician settlement and is today one of Portugal's best-known sardine-grilling spots. Praia da Rocha, the spectacular cliffs of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos and the hinterland of cork oak forests define the region.
-
Lissabon · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Casablanca
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 17 |
| Sea °C | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 108 | 96 | 72 | 60 | 30 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 66 | 110 | 120 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Strait of Gibraltar (Tarifa)
Disembarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Destination
Le Boréal
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Boréal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 5.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 5.440 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 5.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 6.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 6.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 8.940 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 12.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 16.620 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 4.570 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Casablanca the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Lissabon it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
