Such An Exquisite All-Gay Cruise Adventure
Join Gay Travel Destinations and Travelpride as we take you to some of the mysterious and most magical places in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, you'll explore the wealth of treasures in incredibly beautiful Istanbul. Be transported into the past by Nessebur's Medieval atmosphere. Walk in the footsteps of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin in Yalta, where the famous Yalta Conference was held at Livadia Palace. And be surrounded by the endless natural beauty all around you.
Discover a very special part of the world in a way that very few will ever experience. Once you've cruised in the intimate and gracious style offered by Ponant Cruises, you may just find it impossible to imagine cruising any other way.
Do as much or as little as you please.
On-board you'll have the time of your life with a themed on board Tea Dances, DJ mixed music and videos, and a first-class nightly lineup of live entertainment. Everything is perfectly balanced so that you can enjoy your cruise and never feel exhausted.
Luxury small ship cruising in the heart of the Black Sea free of crowds and lines... this is what all-gay cruising should be and it's all yours when you join Gay Travel Destinations and Travelpride in August 2010!
For more information call Toll Free: (877) 394-8130 and mention offer: 1079. OR, click a button below for quick, convenient online assistance.
Your Black Sea cruise adventure begins the moment you board the brand new Le Boreal, a warm and intimate ship that welcomes you as a treasured guest. Over 100 light and airy cabins offer the ultimate in modern amenities with over 95% featuring private balconies. Her numerous nooks and inviting corners -- such as the Panoramic Lounge and Terrace -- offer privacy and invite exploration.
As you stroll her open decks, you'll rediscover the pleasures of taking life slowly. Uprooting you from the common cruise routine, your cruise aboard Le Boreal brings you the secrets of remote Black Sea moorings...the pleasures of French gastronomy...the warmth of being more a guest than a passenger.
Mysteries of the Black Sea Cruise
Enjoy some of the mysterious and most magical places in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, you'll explore the wealth of treasures in incredibly beautiful Istanbul. Be transported into the past by Nessebur's Medieval atmosphere. Walk in the footsteps of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin in Yalta, where the famous Yalta Conference was held at Livadia Palace.
Highlights: Embarkation begins at 2pm. Later, join us at sail away tea dance as we sail from the beautiful port city of Istanbul. Historically wearing many names such as Byzantium and Constantinople, Istanbul is the largest city proper and second largest metropolitan area in Europe after Moscow. Extending both on the Europe and Asian side of the Bosphorus, it is the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 while it's financial districts add punch and flair with amazing skylines. Must sees in the city include the Ayasofya, built in 537A.D.; the Blue Mosque; the splendid mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent, several museums filled with Byzantine frescoes and mosaics, and of course, the Grand Bazaar.
6:00PM
Aug 17
Tue
2
Nessebur, Bulgaria
Highlights: The ancient city of Nessebur is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea" and "Bulgaria's Dubrovnik" as it is considered a major seaside resort in the Black Sea. Defined by more than three millennia of ever-changing history, it is a town with a rich history. The ancient part of the town is situated on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made isthmus, and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilisations over the course of its existence. Its abundance of historic buildings prompted UNESCO to include Nesebar in its list of World Heritage Sites in 1983. Must sees include: Church of Christ Pantocrator; ruins of the walled city, and the traditional wooden houses that define tradition.
7:00AM
3:30PM
Aug 18
Wed
3
Constanta, Romania
Highlights: Constanta is the oldest living city in Romania, founded around 600 B.C. and the Port of Constanta is the biggest on the Black Sea and one of the largest in Europe. A number of inscriptions found in the town and its vicinity show that Constanta lies where Tomis once stood. Tomis (also called Tomi) was a Greek colony in the province of Scythia Minor on the Black Sea's shore, founded around 600 B.C. for commercial exchanges with local Daco-Getic populations. An important cultural and economic center, Constanta is worth exploring for its archaeological treasures and the atmosphere of the old town center. Its historical monuments, ancient ruins, grand Casino, museums and shops, and proximity to beach resorts make it the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Must sees include: the Constanta Lighthouse; the House with Lions; St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral; and The Great Mahmudiye Mosque.
7:00AM
5:30PM
Aug 19
Thu
4
Odessa, Ukraine
Highlights: In 19th century Imperial Russia, Odessa was the fourth largest city after Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Warsaw. Its historical architecture is more Mediterranean than Russian, having been heavily influenced by French and Italian styles. Odessa's historical ties to the old U.S.S.R. serve as a reminder of a country which strives to preserve and somewhat reinforce its unique cosmopolitan mix of Russian, Ukrainian, and Mediterranean culture. The city's industries include shipbuilding, oil refining, chemicals, metalworking and food processing. Odessa is also a Ukrainian naval base and home to a fishing fleet. It is also known for its huge outdoor market, the Seventh-Kilometer Market, the biggest market of the kind in Europe. Must sees include: The Potemkin Steps made famous by a workers uprising supported by the crew of the Battleship Potemkin and the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre.
7:00AM
6:00PM
Aug 20
Fri
5
Sevastopol, Ukrane
Highlights: Formerly the home of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol is now a Ukrainian naval base mutually used by the Ukrainian Navy and Russian Navy. Completely rebuilt after World War II, the downtown core is situated on a peninsula between two narrow inlets, South Bay and Artillery Bay, and features mostly Mediterranean-style, three-story residential buildings with columned balconies and Venetian-style arches. Some carefully restored landmarks date back to the early 20th century. As a seaside resort and tourist destination, visitors mainly come from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Must sees include: the Art Nouveau Main Post Office on Bolshaya Morskaya Street and the Art Museum on Nakhimovsky Prospect.
8:00AM
11:30PM
Aug 21
Sat
6
Yalta, Ukraine
Highlights: Yalta is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony, said to have been founded by Greek sailors who were looking for a safe shore on which to land. It is situated on a deep bay facing south towards the Black Sea, surrounded by wooded mountains with many vineyards and orchards in the vicinity. In the 19th century, the town became a fashionable resort for the Russian aristocracy and gentry. Leo Tolstoy spent summers here and Anton Chekhov bought Belaya Dacha or "The White Mansion" in 1898. Yalta also has strong ties to figures such as Lenin and Stalin. In 1920, Lenin issued a decree which endorsed the region's transformation from a fairly exclusive resort area into a recreation facility for tired proletarians and Soviet dictator Stalin used Massandra Palace as his summer residence during his reign. Today, Yalta has a beautiful embankment along the Black Sea and there are several beaches where people relax and go swimming. Must sees include: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; Yalta's Sea Promenade; and of course Livadia Palace, used for the Yalta Conference.
7:00AM
8:00PM
Aug 22
Sun
7
At Sea
Highlights: After a wonderful tour of the best of the Black Sea, take some time to unwind until our final port of call. Stroll the open decks, sip a cocktail by the pool, get in a workout, or take in a relaxing spa treatment in the spa.
Highlights: Disembarkation begins at 7 AM. Guests are asked to disembark by 8 AM. Enjoy breakfast on board before you arrive at the Istanbul International Airport for your flight home or your post-cruise hotel stay in Istanbul.
August 16. 2010 Deluxe Suite - Deck 5 or 6 with Verandah
$11,500.00
August 16. 2010 Prestige Suite - Deck 5 with Verandah
$9,000.00
August 16. 2010 Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 6 with Verandah
$6,000.00
August 16. 2010 Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 5 with Verandah
$5,500.00
August 16. 2010 Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 4 with Verandah
$5,000.00
August 16. 2010 Classic Stateroom - Deck 3 with Veranda
$4,500.00
August 16. 2010 Standard Stateroom - Deck 3 with picture window
$4,000.00
Click a button above or call (877) 394-8130 to get additional information. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!
Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all meals aboard the ship; all beverages including, sodas, bottled water, select beer, select wines and spirits in all bars and restaurants; all entertainment and port and gratuities charges. Shore excursions available at an additional cost.
A limited number of single cabins are available at supplemental rates. On limited availability, a roommate share program is offered in Classic and Standard Staterooms only. Please inquire for Third Person in cabin rate and availability.
Sold Out - This category is no longer available on this date and no further reservations are being taken.
Wait List - This category is no longer available on this date. However you may join a waitlist where you'll be offered this category/price as previous confirmed reservations are cancelled or changed. To guarantee travel on this date, you must reserve an available category AND waitlist your preferred category.
NOTE: All shore excursions are optional. Costs vary based on the shore excursion chosen.
VISA REQUIREMENTS: For U.S. Citizens a visa for Turkey is required. For NON U.S. Citizens, additional visas may be required. Please check with us, or the Embassies of Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine in your country of residence.
*Itinerary subject to change.
Due to new security requirements, for arrivals in and out of Istanbul International Airport it is recommended that guests allow adequate time for transfers between the airport and the pier, customs inspection, and airport security checks. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Disembarkation by 8 AM.
Your Black Sea cruise adventure begins the moment you board the brand new Le Boreal, a warm and intimate ship that welcomes you as a treasured guest. Over 100 light and airy cabins offer the ultimate in modern amenities with over 95% featuring private balconies. Her numerous nooks and inviting corners -- such as the Panoramic Lounge and Terrace -- offer privacy and invite exploration. 
