Cultural Cruises: discover astronomy

Every evening, as night falls, we meet under the sky for a description of the celestial vault: the constellations and planets visible (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn...), the main stars (the red giants, the blue giants) and a few remarkable objects depending on the season (the Pleiades, the Andromeda nebula...).

• Sometimes (depending on your latitude) you'll be able to admire constellations and stars that are impossible to see from home: the Southern Cross, the Carina, the brilliant Canopus and Alpha Centauri, the Magellanic Clouds...
• Using a green laser, the presenter points out the stars. It's spectacular and helps everyone to spot them clearly.
• Astronomical binoculars are passed around to help make out the moon, double stars, planets and nebulae.
• Questions fly and a friendly discussion ensues.

An unforgettable experience at sea!

Independent astronomy lectures throughout the cruise: planets, stars, the Milky Way and exoplanets, galaxies, the history of the universe and life on Earth. All these virtual journeys among the stars are made possible by superb photos taken by telescopes or space probes and small, spectacular videos (flybys of Mars, Pluto, etc.).
The commentary is lively and simple. The beauty of the images is enough to captivate the audience.
For example, for the planets :

• sulphuric acid rain on Venus,
• polar caps on Mars,
• large red spot on Jupiter,
• active volcanoes on Io,
• rings of rocks and ice around Saturn...

 
"Does life exist elsewhere? Are we trying to communicate with extraterrestrials? Is the universe finite or infinite? What do you think of astrology?"
The subject is fascinating, and there's never a shortage of questions!

Science journalist and physicist.
Former lecturer at the Palais de la découverte planetarium.

See the cruises below: take advantage on board of conferences linked to the port of call or the geographical area, to find out more about the sites and monuments nearby / in the country.

Family cruises >
Parents and children (from 8 years upwards), take the time to be together and, thanks to our attentive G.O®s, take time out to explore the wonders of life on board and ashore on their own.
On family themed cruises, your children will be looked after and entertained by the G.O.® throughout the day with games, on-board activities and water sports.
Please note: no child supervision outside these cruises.

Mini cruises >
A few days cruising on the Mediterranean: Italy, Corsica, the Côte d'Azur...
Cast off for a long weekend or a week's getaway on the world's largest sailing ship. On the programme: relaxation, sport, wellbeing* and excursions* for discoveries ashore... not forgetting the joys of the nautical hall (depending on the anchorage/port).
*A la carte excursions and spa packages at extra charge.

Transatlantic cruises >
Sail with the trade winds: cross the Atlantic along the route of the great explorers. Absolute calm, no land in sight, only the deep blue of the ocean on the horizon. A legendary crossing, punctuated by many pleasures.
Transatlantic in Spring: from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.
Autumn transatlantic: from Europe to the Caribbean.