Ponant has opened bookings for its 2020 Quintessential Collection, featuring a number of itineraries exploring Europe and Asia.

This follows last year’s successful launch of the series of cruises dedicated to English-speaking passengers. Sailings are scheduled between January and September 2020.

The collection explores themes including wildlife, music and culture, history and politics, and gastronomy. The cruises all feature famous American speakers, artists and experts, and include shore excursions tailored to highlight the local cultures and histories.

Ponant’s international sales director Stephen Winter said: “We were very happy with the success of the Quintessential Collection this year and are looking forward to welcoming even more passengers from the UK in 2020.

“We have also just started to accept payment in pounds sterling for travel agents and operators in the UK and Northern Ireland and we will continue to adapt our product to cater for the needs of the wider English-speaking market.”

Highlights include:

• An exploration of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, departing 6 January 2020 from Puerto Caldera. Prices from £4,533pp
• An immersion in Japanese Culture, departing 30 May 2020 from Osaka. Prices from £5,426pp
• A world affairs cruise in the Baltic, departing 5 August 2020 from Stockholm. Prices from £6,054pp
• A musical odyssey in Northern Europe, departing 8 September 2020 from Stockholm. Prices from £4,879pp
• Epicurean delights of Southern Italy & Sicily, departing 18 October 2020 from Civitavecchia. Prices from £4,160pp

Ponant also recently announced the acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises.