Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys

Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights: Cruising Southern Italy and Sicily – with Smithsonian Journeys

About This Cruise

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This 9-day voyage through Southern Italy, Sicily, and Malta visits some of the Mediterranean's most compelling ancient, medieval, and Renaissance sites while also offering extensive opportunities to sample the local foods and wines that have made this part of the world famous for its cuisine. Because there is so much to see and do, the itinerary is designed to allow for maximum time ashore.

From Civitavecchia, you’ll arrive in Gaeta, where you may choose between visiting the National Archaeological Museum and the remains of Emperor Tiberius’s seaside villa, or making a pilgrimage to the dramatic Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata (“Split Mountain”), perched above the sea.

No visit to Naples is complete without the opportunity to explore Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and frozen in time. No other site so acutely captures everyday life in the early Roman Empire. Other excursions include Herculaneum, which shared Pompeii’s fate, and a working farm near Sorrento, where you can make your own version of what is perhaps the region’s most famous food, Neapolitan style pizza.

A call at Salerno offers a choice between visiting the magnificent ruins of Paestum, with Doric temples that are among the best-preserved ancient monuments in the Mediterranean, or discovering Salerno’s own layered history, cuisine, and seaside charm.

From the port of Agropoli, about 30 miles south of the Amalfi peninsula, travel again to Paestum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. The region around Agropoli is famous for the production of Campania mozzarella, and you will have the opportunity to see it being made and to sample the end product.

Reggio di Calabria, just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia and the world-famous Riace Bronzes. The surrounding area, both along the coast and in the interior mountains, boasts a number of intriguing castles and many wineries. During your time here, you may visit the hilltop Norman Castle in Vibo Valentia, the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Messina Strait, or the Aragonese Castle in the village of Pizzo, enjoying a variety of local food specialties whichever excursion you choose, including the native citrus bergamot and the ice cream and fruit delight called tartufo.

The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.

From Syracuse, you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city’s extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions that combine exploration of historical sites with samplings of Sicilian arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.

Your voyage concludes in Valletta, Malta, where the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers baroque architecture, winding streets, and sweeping harbor views.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Lapérouse is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Lapérouse

Departure Date

7 October 2027

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

8 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Italy

Civitavecchia

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

Italy

Gaeta

No summary for this day yet.

Italy

Naples

Naples, in the Campania region, is Italy's third largest city. Its claim to fame is the spectacular location along one of the world's most splendid bays, backed by the perfect cone of Mount Vesuvius. In addition to its beautiful setting, Naples' surprises with other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Palace, San Carlos Opera House, the impressive National Archaeological Museum and the Castel Nuovo, dating from the 13th-century. The city's central area is best explored on foot. Chaotic traffic conditions make driving around the city a very frustrating experience. Naples provides a convenient starting point for trips to such favored destinations as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius. The Isle of Capri can be reached via a 45-minute hydrofoil service. The region of Campania was home to Greeks settlers some 300 years before Rome was founded. Pompeii, too, was a Greek town before being conquered by the Romans during the 5th century BC. It was under the Romans that Pompeii flourished and grew prosperous. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the population of 20,000 was wiped out, but dozens of buildings were preserved under layers of cinder more than 20 feet deep. The most important finds from Pompeii are displayed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. A visit here will no doubt enhance a visit to ancient Pompeii.

Italy

Salerno

Salerno is an Italian city located on the Gulf of Salerno. Famous for being home to the first medical university, Salerno is a great destination for anyone looking for gorgeous sea views filled with sunshine and Italian food.

Italy

Agropoli

No summary for this day yet.

Italy

Reggio di Calabria

No summary for this day yet.

Italy

Taormina

The medieval cliff-hanging town of Taormina is overrun with tourists, yet its natural beauty is still hard to dispute. The view of the sea and Mt. Etna from its jagged cactus-covered cliffs is as close to perfection as a panorama can get—especially on clear days, when the snowcapped volcano's white puffs of smoke rise against the blue sky. Writers have extolled Taormina's beauty almost since it was founded in the 6th century BC by Greeks from nearby Naxos; Goethe and D. H. Lawrence were among its well-known enthusiasts. The town's boutique-lined main streets get old pretty quickly, but the many hiking paths that wind through the beautiful hills surrounding Taormina promise a timeless alternative. A trip up to stunning Castelmola (whether on foot or by car) should also be on your itinerary.

Italy

Siracuse, Sicily

Siracusa, known to English speakers as Syracuse, is a wonder to behold. One of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization, the city was founded in 734 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth and soon grew to rival, and even surpass, Athens in splendor and power. It became the largest, wealthiest city-state in the West and a bulwark of Greek civilization. Although Siracusa lived under tyranny, rulers such as Dionysius filled their courts with Greeks of the highest cultural stature—among them the playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, and the philosopher Plato. The Athenians, who didn't welcome Siracusa's rise, set out to conquer Sicily, but the natives outsmarted them in what was one of the greatest military campaigns in ancient history (413 BC). The city continued to prosper until it was conquered two centuries later by the Romans.Present-day Siracusa still has some of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture; dramatic Greek and Roman ruins; and a Duomo that's the stuff of legend—a microcosm of the city's entire history in one building. The modern city also has a wonderful, lively, Baroque old town worthy of extensive exploration, as well as pleasant piazzas, outdoor cafés and bars, and a wide assortment of excellent seafood. There are essentially two areas to explore in Siracusa: the Parco Archeologico (Archaeological Zone), on the mainland; and the island of Ortygia, the ancient city first inhabited by the Greeks, which juts out into the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by two small bridges. Ortygia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and is starting to lose its old-fashioned charm in favor of modern boutiques.Siracusa's old nucleus of Ortygia, a compact area, is a pleasure to amble around without getting unduly tired. In contrast, mainland Siracusa is a grid of wider avenues. At the northern end of Corso Gelone, above Viale Paolo Orsi, the orderly grid gives way to the ancient quarter of Neapolis, where the sprawling Parco Archeologico is accessible from Viale Teracati (an extension of Corso Gelone). East of Viale Teracati, about a 10-minute walk from the Parco Archeologico, the district of Tyche holds the archaeological museum and the church and catacombs of San Giovanni, both off Viale Teocrito (drive or take a taxi or city bus from Ortygia). Coming from the train station, it's a 15-minute trudge to Ortygia along Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto. If you're not up for that, take one of the free electric buses leaving every 10 minutes from the bus station around the corner.

Malta

Valletta

Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Overview

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This 9-day voyage through Southern Italy, Sicily, and Malta visits some of the Mediterranean's most compelling ancient, medieval, and Renaissance sites while also offering extensive opportunities to sample the local foods and wines that have made this part of the world famous for its cuisine. Because there is so much to see and do, the itinerary is designed to allow for maximum time ashore.

From Civitavecchia, you’ll arrive in Gaeta, where you may choose between visiting the National Archaeological Museum and the remains of Emperor Tiberius’s seaside villa, or making a pilgrimage to the dramatic Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata (“Split Mountain”), perched above the sea.

No visit to Naples is complete without the opportunity to explore Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and frozen in time. No other site so acutely captures everyday life in the early Roman Empire. Other excursions include Herculaneum, which shared Pompeii’s fate, and a working farm near Sorrento, where you can make your own version of what is perhaps the region’s most famous food, Neapolitan style pizza.

A call at Salerno offers a choice between visiting the magnificent ruins of Paestum, with Doric temples that are among the best-preserved ancient monuments in the Mediterranean, or discovering Salerno’s own layered history, cuisine, and seaside charm.

From the port of Agropoli, about 30 miles south of the Amalfi peninsula, travel again to Paestum, one of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. The region around Agropoli is famous for the production of Campania mozzarella, and you will have the opportunity to see it being made and to sample the end product.

Reggio di Calabria, just across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia and the world-famous Riace Bronzes. The surrounding area, both along the coast and in the interior mountains, boasts a number of intriguing castles and many wineries. During your time here, you may visit the hilltop Norman Castle in Vibo Valentia, the Ruffo Castle overlooking the Messina Strait, or the Aragonese Castle in the village of Pizzo, enjoying a variety of local food specialties whichever excursion you choose, including the native citrus bergamot and the ice cream and fruit delight called tartufo.

The beautiful resort town of Taormina, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is home to a stunning Greek theater, an Odeon from Roman times, buildings blending Arab and Norman cultures, and villas built by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also your gateway to Mt. Etna and the vineyards that thrive in the rich volcanic soils of its slopes.

From Syracuse, you may choose to focus on Ortygia, the ancient center of this once-powerful Greek colony, and on the city’s extensive archaeological park; enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery; or join excursions that combine exploration of historical sites with samplings of Sicilian arancini, cheeses, salamis, breads, and desserts.

Your voyage concludes in Valletta, Malta, where the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers baroque architecture, winding streets, and sweeping harbor views.

Suite

Owner's Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
  • Butler service
  • A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
  • A private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Grand Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
  • Butler service
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Privilege Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
  • A panoramic sliding bay window

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Prestige Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival (Suite Prestige deck 6)
  • Priority boarding (Suite Prestige deck 6)
  • Butler service (Suite Prestige deck 6)
  • A fruit basket every day (Suite Prestige deck 6)
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
  • Two bathrooms with showers

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Deluxe Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • On Decks 3, 4, and 6, a private 6m² balcony with two armchairs; on Deck 5, a private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
  • On Deck 3, a panoramic glass door and porthole; on Decks 4, 5, and 6, a sliding panoramic window
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • An armchair and sofa
  • A bathroom with shower
  • Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Balcony

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Details

  • In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
  • A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
  • Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A chaise lounge
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Balcony

Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
  • Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • A chaise lounge
  • A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • Minibar
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Direct line telephone
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • 2 ADA stateroom
  • Electronic safe
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

varies

Le Nautilus

At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a menu crafted by the Ducasse Conseil teams at the gourmet restaurant. At Nautilus as well as Céleste, the freedom of a generous buffet blends with the elegance of table service: your chef offers you a selection of expertly prepared hot dishes, accompanied by carefully chosen fine wines by your sommelier.

varies

Grill Restaurant- Le Nemo

In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.

room

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Lounge

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Sun Deck, Pool Deck

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.

Bar, Lounge

The Main Lounge Room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Theatre

The Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.

Art and literature

Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.

Bar, Lounge

The Blue Eye

Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.

Shop

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Photographers, Studio

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Reception

Excursion Reception and Office

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.


Bar

Open Bar

From the moment of boarding, unlimited drinks are included at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, a refreshment upon returning from an excursion, or quietly on the balcony of your cabin: enjoy a wide selection of beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).

The offer does not include premium alcoholic beverages listed on the bar menu.

Spa

The Spa

Onboard our ships, in the heart of an intimate and privileged environment with the ocean as your backdrop, discover a new way to enjoy the Spa experience.

In association with SOTHYS™ Paris, we are offering you a selection of expert face and body treatments. The “savoir-faire” and expertise of our hair professional partner DAVINES® will be able to satisfy all your expectations. 

Gym

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

The Kids Explorers Club

During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.

A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.

Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.

This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)

To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.

The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.

A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.