Ponant : Our cruise deals 2025 - 2026

The history of Ponant

Launched in 1988 in Nantes, France, Ponant is a benchmark in the luxury cruise market. From the launch of its first sailing ship, Le Ponant, in 1991, the company has demonstrated its aspiration to offer intimate, luxurious cruises focused on exploration and enriched by the expertise of tour guides. Over the years, Ponant has steadily expanded its fleet with ships featuring the latest technological advances and unrivalled comfort, capable of exploring unique locations not easily accessible to larger cruise ships. Ponant has been pioneering the use of state-of-the-art equipment to reduce the environmental impact of its cruises. In 2020, the launch of the polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot, the first LNG-powered hybrid electric vessel, marks a further step in this ambition.

Ponant’s fleet

Le Ponant

Le Ponant is a three-masted yacht from the French company Ponant, accommodating 32 passengers in 16 spacious suites. Renovated in 2022, this luxury sailing yacht of French tradition offers an exceptional ratio of one crew member for each cruiser. Le Ponant features a sun deck, a marina with 2 clear-bottom kayaks and a natural swimming pool, as well as a wellness and fitness area. It also boasts a refined lounge and a panoramic restaurant serving exceptional gourmet cuisine blending local and international flavors, using fresh ingredients purchased directly in the ports of call.

Sisterships

Ponant's Sisterships, Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, commissioned between 2010 and 2013, offer an intimate, luxurious setting. Each vessel can accommodate 264 passengers and features a marina with direct access to the sea, equipped to facilitate kayaking and swimming. Other facilities include a swimming pool with outdoor bar, hammam, fitness room, main salon with dance floor for festivities, panoramic lounge and theater. The sister-ships feature a gourmet restaurant offering refined cuisine combining French traditions and world flavors, as well as a terrace grill.

Ponant Explorers ships

Ponant's Explorers class, launched in 2018, features 6 yachts specially designed for expedition, Le Champlain, Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier. Their modern design offers exceptional navigation in the most remote regions. Each ship can accommodate 184 passengers, has an aft marina for easy access to nautical activities, and carries 9 Zodiacs for sea excursions. Each ship features a gourmet restaurant serving refined cuisine, a grill for more casual dining, a theater, a spa and a fitness room. In terms of bars and lounges, Ponant Explorers ships are distinguished by the Blue Eye Lounge, an innovative underwater lounge offering passengers an immersive experience at the heart of marine life.

Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot, commissioned in 2020, is a luxury polar exploration vessel specially designed for polar cruises, with PC2 (Polar Class 2) ice classification, enabling her to reach remote polar destinations. With a capacity of 245 passengers, she offers two refined restaurants, three lounges, a theater, two swimming pools, one of which is heated, and a wellness area with spa and fitness room. The Commandant Charcot carries 16 zodiacs for sea excursions. Its hybrid propulsion uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and electric batteries, reducing the environmental footprint while ensuring efficient, sustainable navigation in the most isolated regions of the planet.

Le Paul Gauguin

Le Paul Gauguin is a luxury cruise ship specializing in cruises to French Polynesia, offering an immersive experience to its passengers. Launched in 1998, this 332-passenger vessel is specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters of the South Pacific islands, enabling it to access destinations less accessible to larger cruise ships. Onboard facilities include a marina for water-based activities such as kayaking and diving, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa offering treatments inspired by local traditions, a fitness room, as well as five bars and lounges and three gourmet restaurants.

Top 10 cruise destinations with Ponant

Antarctica:

A land of legend that has attracted the greatest explorers, Antarctica continues to fascinate. Ponant expedition cruises to Antarctica offer the opportunity to sail through the mythical Drake Passage and observe exceptional wildlife in its natural environment, from king penguins to whales, under the expert guidance of naturalist guides.

Arctic :

Ponant's Arctic cruises take you on a voyage of discovery through grandiose polar landscapes. With itineraries far off the beaten track, from Iceland to Svalbard, Greenland to the mythical Northwest Passage, Ponant offers Zodiac® excursions or shore visits with experienced naturalist guides to discover the imposing Arctic landscapes, meet the indigenous peoples and observe the rich local wildlife.

Northern Europe :

Ponant cruises in Northern Europe invite you to discover the Hanseatic cities along the North and Baltic Seas, and to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish highlands and Norwegian fjords. Let yourself be captivated by the spectacle of the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, promising memorable moments in breathtaking landscapes.

Mediterranean:

Ponant's Mediterranean cruises offer a unique immersion in a blend of cultures, histories and breathtaking landscapes. From the Iberian Peninsula to the Turkish Riviera and Malta, you'll discover picturesque ports, ancient cities and remarkable UNESCO sites. Enjoy the Mediterranean way of life, gourmet markets, beaches and iconic landscapes.

Greek Islands:

Ponant cruises to the Greek islands offer a fascinating exploration of idyllic landscapes, ancient history and unique island cultures. Explore iconic destinations such as Patmos, Symi, Amorgos, Mykonos and Santorini. Discover Patmos, nicknamed "the Jerusalem of the Aegean", Symi with its cypress forests and olive groves, Amorgos for its raw charm, Mykonos for its nightlife and Santorini to admire its famous caldera.

Canada:

Ponant cruises to Canada reveal the country's natural splendor and dynamic metropolises. Key ports of call include the discovery of Montreal and Quebec City, fascinating whale-watching encounters in Tadoussac and exploration of the breathtaking scenery of Vancouver Island on the West Coast. Enriching cultural tours highlight the traditions of aboriginal peoples.

Polynesia:

Discover Polynesia aboard the Paul Gauguin, a ship designed specifically to navigate these islands and atolls. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Polynesia, with its sacred marae and tiki statues of the Marquesas Islands. Admire ancestral art through the mysterious petroglyphs of Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva. Be dazzled by Tahiti and Bora Bora with its emblematic lagoon. Admire Moorea with its green peaks and pineapple fields.

Australia:

Ponant offers cruises exploring the northwest coast of Australia, in the wild Kimberley region. The Kimberley is characterized by ancient landscapes shaped by immense tidal movements. These itineraries explore the world's largest coastal reef system at Montgomery Reef and the impressive horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay.

Papua New Guinea:

Ponant's Papua New Guinea cruises invite you to discover the indigenous cultures of this fascinating land. From Cairns, discover Alotau and its Second World War historical significance, the volcanic islands of Ferguson and Dobu and the fjords of the Tufi region, nicknamed the "Scandinavia of the Tropics".

Japan:

Ponant's Japan cruises take you to discover the subtropical islands of the Okinawa, Yaeyama and Sakishima archipelagos, with stopovers in traditional villages, fascinating landscapes and UNESCO sites. Itineraries include such iconic places as Ishigaki, Kabira Bay and the village of Taketomijima, offering a unique blend of culture, history and nature.

The most popular departure ports for a Ponant cruise

Ushuaïa in Argentina is the main port of departure for Ponant Antarctic cruises, with the option for passengers to be picked up in Buenos Aires and flown to Ushuaïa. For Arctic cruises, departures are from Reykjavik in Iceland, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland and Longyearbyen for Svalbard. Northern Europe cruises depart from Tromsø in Norway, Copenhagen in Denmark, and Glasgow in Scotland. For Mediterranean cruises, the main departure ports are Nice in France and Valletta in Malta. Athens-Piraeus is the main departure port for Ponant cruises to the Greek islands.

Why choose a Ponant cruise?

Ponant stands out for its luxurious, intimate ships, its five-star service in French and English, and its refined gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Conseil. Ponant cruises are all-inclusive. You'll enjoy full board, a wide selection of unlimited beverages and unlimited free Wi-Fi. The company offers a wide range of excursions, including Zodiac® trips to explore inaccessible coves and wildlife observation in preserved ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic. Ponant expedition cruise fares include all Zodiac® excursions and land explorations. Ponant cruises are also distinguished by the presence of renowned experts on board. These specialists deliver captivating lectures and guide passengers on excursions, offering a deep and unique immersion in each destination visited. Ponant is committed to eco-responsible tourism, with ships equipped with cutting-edge technologies to minimize their environmental impact.

What services are offered on board Ponant vessels?

Eating on board Ponant vessels

On board Ponant ships, gastronomy celebrates French excellence, with a menu developed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil. This partnership guarantees an exceptional culinary experience, where the menu features exceptional products such as caviar, foie gras and gravlax salmon. Inspired by the ports of call and destinations visited, the menus subtly blend local flavors with French gastronomic elegance, creating sophisticated dishes that combine the delights of land and sea.

Most ships feature a gourmet restaurant for a refined experience and a more conventional grill, ideal for enjoying food in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Le Commandant Charcot takes culinary ambition to new heights through an exclusive partnership with celebrated chef Alain Ducasse, one of the most prestigious icons in gastronomy, for an unprecedented experience.

Ponant pays particular attention to special diets, offering adapted dishes at the request of passengers.

Beverages during your Ponant cruise

Ponant cruises are all-inclusive and include the Open Bar, allowing unlimited enjoyment throughout the day of mineral waters, teas, coffees, soft drinks, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and champagnes. Ponant also offers, at an additional cost, a range of premium alcoholic beverages, which are not included in the Open Bar.

Rooms and activities

The staterooms and suites on Ponant ships ensure a personalized, luxurious experience for every passenger. The vast majority of staterooms and all suites on Ponant ships have a private balcony or terrace with sea view, providing an exceptional setting for enjoying the seascape. Comfort is at the heart of the Ponant experience. All cabins and suites are en suite with bath or shower, and are fully equipped with espresso machines, Bose speakers, bathrobes, slippers, towels and Hermès toiletries. Room service is included in all accommodations. Guests in the most refined suites also benefit from a dedicated butler service. The Ponant Explorers, the Sisterships, Le Commandant Charcot and Le Paul Gauguin ships are equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, with dedicated cabins.

On board, passengers can relax in the spa, exercise in the fitness room and attend exciting lectures. Ponant invites you to explore with exciting, expertly guided excursions, such as kayak and zodiac expeditions, guided hikes and scuba diving with a professional instructor, allowing you to observe both terrestrial and marine wildlife. Ponant also offers activities to discover the local terroir and crafts, encouraging authentic, respectful interaction with local cultures.

When should you cruise with Ponant?

During winter in the Northern Hemisphere (austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere), climatic conditions are favorable for expedition cruises to Antarctica, the "White Continent". In spring and autumn, the mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for discovering Spain and the Balearic Islands, Italy and its islands, Malta and the Greek Islands. The Mediterranean and the Greek islands are also popular summer destinations. Another option for the summer season is Northern Europe and the Arctic, with destinations such as Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland.

Ponant's social and environmental commitment

Committed to preserving the environment, Ponant is the first cruise line to abandon the use of heavy fuel oil. In order to further reduce atmospheric emissions from its ships, the company is reducing the speed of its vessels, resulting in a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions. This measure is accompanied by the installation of shore-side power systems, enabling ships to draw electricity from port infrastructures during port calls.

Waste management on board is another Ponant priority. The company applies a strict policy aimed at minimizing waste production, encouraging sorting and recycling, and ensuring responsible disposal. Particular attention is paid to plastic waste, which is particularly harmful to marine environments, with initiatives to eliminate its use on board. Ponant is also committed to advanced wastewater treatment, implementing state-of-the-art purification and recycling systems to prevent contamination of the oceans.

Since 2020, Ponant's fleet has been enriched by the Commandant Charcot, its first LNG-powered hybrid electric ship. Ponant has received the Cleanship label from Bureau Véritas, attesting to the minimal environmental impact of its cruise ships, and was also the first European cruise line to receive the Green Alliance certificate.

Frequently asked questions about Ponant cruises

How to dress for a Ponant cruise?

Ponant recommends that passengers wear comfortable, stylish clothes. We also recommend formal attire for the Captain's evening: long dresses for ladies and tuxedos for gentlemen.

For expedition cruises, opt for practical clothing. If you're going on an expedition cruise to the Arctic or Antarctic, Ponant offers you a fleece parka in your size and lends you a pair of suitable boots. Be sure to pack several layers of comfortable, hard-wearing clothing, such as thick socks, thermal leggings, a jacket, a parka, waterproof pants and a hat.

What is the official currency on board Ponant cruises?

The official currency aboard Ponant cruises is the euro, although the U.S. dollar is also accepted.

Are pets accepted by Ponant?

Ponant ships do not accept pets.

What is the minimum age for a Ponant cruise?

Ponant cruises are open to children aged 1 and over. Children aged 1 to 8 require prior authorization from the company to embark, obtained via a written request from their parents.

On classic ("yachting") cruises, up to 5 children aged 1 to 6 are allowed. On expedition cruises, the minimum age is 6, with the exception of cruises aboard Commandant Charcot, where it is 8.

Does the company offer a children's fare?

Children and teenagers up to the age of 17 travel free of charge (except port taxes) when sharing a triple cabin with two adults. If this condition is not met, they travel at the same fare as adult passengers.