When I was first called and asked, “Would you like to enjoy a luxury cruise aboard Ponant’s Le Lapérouse?”- it was an instant yes from me.
But when I looked over the itinerary and saw it was in partnership with the Paris Opera Ballet, my excitement soared.
A luxury voyage through Scandinavia, accompanied by some of the world’s most talented dancers…it sounded like pure magic.
Before this journey, I had never been to the ballet and honestly didn’t know what to expect.
A little research revealed that seven incredible dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet would be joining us onboard, performing at sea and in concert halls along our route from Oslo to Copenhagen.
Upon arrival in Oslo, we were warmly greeted with “Bonjour, Madame. Welcome to Le Lapérouse. May we offer you a glass of champagne?” It set the tone for what would be an elegant, French-infused adventure from the very first moment.
My stateroom – complete with a private balcony – was beautifully appointed, the kind of space that instantly makes you exhale and think, ‘how lucky am I to be here?’.
That evening, the Captain’s cocktail reception officially marked the start of our voyage. Guests mingled over champagne and canapés as the Paris Opera Ballet dancers gave us a stunning preview performance, a graceful hint of what was to come.
Ballet on a cruise ship – or should I say, a super-luxury yacht – was something I’d never imagined witnessing.
Over the following 10 days we sailed through some of Scandinavia’s most charming and historic towns. Fredrikstad, Aalborg, Helsingborg, Karlskrona, Kalmar, Stockholm, Visby and finally, Copenhagen.
Each destination offered its own story: medieval castles, cobblestone streets, tales of knights and kings, and a deep sense of Nordic heritage that stretches back to the 14th century.
In Aalborg and Stockholm, we were treated to the highlight of the journey – exclusive ballet performances ashore. Guests dressed in their finest attire to attend these elegant evenings, where the Paris Opera Ballet performed with breathtaking precision and emotion.
Two hours of sheer artistry – controlled, expressive and deeply moving. It was an experience I’ll never forget and one that completely changed how I think about ballet.
One of the many things I loved about sailing with PONANT was the intimate size of Le Lapérouse. With a maximum of 184 guests, it felt more like a private yacht than a cruise ship.
The onboard atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, with attentive service and a distinctly French flair.
Days began with croissants and coffee as the Scandinavian coastline drifted by and ended with fine dining – beautifully plated dishes crafted from local produce.
The chef sourced Norwegian salmon and tuna, berries from local markets and of course, an irresistible selection of French breads, cheeses and butter.
French rosé or champagne quickly became the unofficial “house beverage”, a fitting match for the mood of the voyage.
This famil was a truly luxurious experience. Elegant, cultural and inspiring. It has given me not only a deeper appreciation for ballet but also complete confidence in recommending PONANT to my clients.
Sailing through the Scandinavian summer aboard Le Lapérouse is something every traveller should experience at least once – a seamless blend of art, culture and adventure upon the most beautiful seas.
