Study Cruise: Morocco, Andalusia & Portugal · Apr 2028
Sailing with French elegance and an explorer's spirit aboard Le Champlain
What makes the voyage of the Le Champlain to the Strait of Gibraltar special?
Aboard Le Champlain, a 184-guest Ponant Explorer-class vessel, this seven-night voyage runs from Casablanca to the Andalusian coast and concludes in Lisbon. Morocco's Atlantic shore meets Moorish-influenced harbours of Andalusia and the Algarve. The Blue Eye underwater lounge offers a glimpse of marine life, while sixteen Zodiacs open up smaller landings. Smithsonian Journeys accompanies the cruise with expert speakers on board. Premium all-inclusive comfort and the onboard marina complete the experience.
Route highlights
- Casablanca: Morocco's economic hub, home to the monumental Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic.
- Tanger: Port city at the gateway to the Strait of Gibraltar, long a magnet for artists and writers.
- Malaga: Andalusian gateway with the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
- Marbella: Elegant Costa del Sol resort with a charming historic old town.
- Cádiz: One of Europe's oldest cities, set on a narrow peninsula in the Atlantic.
- Portimao: Algarve harbour near the region's sandstone cliffs and hidden coves.
- Lisbon: Portugal's capital with Alfama, Belém and sweeping views over the Tagus estuary.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 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.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to the Strait of Gibraltar?
7 nights from Casablanca to Lisbon, including Tangier, Málaga, Marbella.
Casablanca
7 nights
Lisbon
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to the Strait of Gibraltar?
Highlights of this route: Casablanca · Tanger · Malaga
Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco's economic heart.
Tanger
Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet.
Malaga
Málaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with over 2,800 years of history.
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).
Portimao
Portimão on the Algarve was a Phoenician settlement and is today one of Portugal's best-known sardine-grilling spots.
Destination
What does the Le Champlain offer?
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
Impressions of the Le Champlain
What cabins does the Le Champlain offer?
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
What does the deck plan of the Le Champlain look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Champlain to the Strait of Gibraltar cost?
From € 5,180 p.p., 7 nights, departure 03.04.2028.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 5.440 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 5.980 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 6.240 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 6.560 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 8.900 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.900 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.900 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.900 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 11.810 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 12.400 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.980 | Available | Book |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.980 | Available | Book |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 14.190 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 20.880 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Champlain?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Le Champlain to the Strait of Gibraltar?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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 5.180 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 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 for a cruise to the Strait of Gibraltar?
For embarkation in Casablanca the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Lissabon it is May to October.
