Ponant Cruises
THE FINEST IN LUXURY YACHT AND EXPEDITION CRUISES
About Ponant Cruises
Embark on a spellbinding journey of opulence and discovery, as Ponant Cruises takes you to the ends of the Earth in unrivaled style. Explore the seven continents, surrendering to the allure of luxury yacht and expedition cruises like no other. From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the icy wonders of Antarctica, let Ponant redefine your concept of indulgence as you unravel the mysteries of our awe-inspiring world. Immerse yourself in lavish comfort, impeccable French service, and the finest amenities, creating unforgettable moments that inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for our planet. Experience the epitome of luxury with Ponant Cruises – where every voyage is a true masterpiece.
⚓ Discover Exquisite Luxury with Ponant
Ponant’s modern fleet is comprised of small-sized vessels specially crafted for expedition cruises and yachting escapades. With a maximum capacity of 165 staterooms and suites, their fleet offers a unique blend of luxury and intimacy.
Ever since the remarkable renovation of their flagship vessel, Le Ponant, in 2022, the cruise line has consistently enhanced the range and quality of offerings for its valued guests. With a splendid selection of 13 ships available, including the six extraordinary vessels of the Explorer fleet, guests can expect an enchanting blend of intimate luxury akin to a private yacht experience, together with the versatility and amenities of an expedition ship. Purposefully designed for environmental preservation, every ship in the fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology that enables Ponant to prioritise guest safety, whilst maintaining the utmost respect for the pristine regions in which they explore.
⚓ Set Sail on Unforgettable Journeys
From the tranquil beauty of untouched polar landscapes to the vibrant energy of bustling cities, Ponant’s small-capacity ships grant you exclusive access to mesmerising destinations. With the ability to dock in small and exclusive ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations, Ponant unlocks the world’s wonders, all while making you feel as though you’re on your own private yacht.
⚓ Alaska, North America and Canada
⚓ Antarctica and the Arctic
⚓ Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean
⚓ Oceania and the Pacific Islands
⚓ The Red Sea, Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean
⚓ Europe and The Mediterranean
⚓ North America and Central America
⚓ The Caribbean, South America and Central America
⚓ Transatlantic and Ocean Voyages
Exceptional Comfort, Always
Onboard Experience
Stateroom and Suites
Ponant’s fleet of small-capacity luxury ships – ranging from 16 to a maximum of 165 staterooms and suites onboard – strive to create a rare and exceptional ambience for every passenger on board, reminiscent of sailing on a private yacht. From the stylish Deluxe or Prestige Staterooms, to the opulent Owners Suites, you will be able to indulge in ultimate comfort and relaxation. Enjoy boutique bathroom amenities, unlimited Wi-Fi, a complimentary minibar, and 24-hour room service. Retreat to plush bedding and spacious beds after a big day of exploration, and savor breathtaking views from your private balcony. Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with Ponant.
Dining, Bars and Lounges
Experience the epitome of French excellence with Ponant’s extraordinary menus, expertly curated by renowned chefs. Indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic journey, from French brasserie-inspired lunches to the timeless grandeur of fine dining dinners. Accompanied by a sommelier’s selection of exquisite wines, each bite is a celebration of French culinary mastery. Additionally, Ponant’s grill restaurant offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a tempting buffet menu, catering to all palates. Complete your meals with freshly baked organic breads, and enjoy the Open Bar concept in an array of inviting bars and lounges. Immerse yourself in luxury and let Ponant transport you to the heart of the French way of life.
Le Ponant’s Dining Room
Entertainment
The possibilities for relaxation and entertainment are endless with Ponant Cruises. Each and every onboard space has been thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of connection and unparalleled relaxation. Unwind in the main lounge with a refreshing drink, or partake in engaging activities like dance classes, enchanting themed evenings, and karaoke. Surrender to the breathtaking panoramic views at the cosy piano bar, or experience ultimate bliss at the tranquil swimming pool and solarium. The Theatre will entertain and educate, showcasing shows, presentations, and National Geographic films. And for an exclusive and unprecedented experience, dive into The Blue Eye, only onboard the Ponant Explorer series of ships. This mesmerising underwater lounge, where you’ll be captivated by the wonders of marine life, is equiped with state-of-the-art digital screens, hydrophones and Body Listening Sofas, offering a multi-sensory experience like no other.
Facilities and Amenities
A myriad of other facilities and amenities are available on every ship in the Ponant fleet. From onboard shops brimming with exquisite souvenirs to a rejuvenating spa curated by renowned French brands, the possibilities are endless. Discover pure bliss as you lounge by the pristine swimming pool or embark on unforgettable excursions arranged by Ponant’s expert team. With a 24-hour reception desk and state-of-the-art amenities, your every whim is attended to with impeccable service. Unleash your creativity at the PONANT Studio or relax in the tranquil library while your little ones explore the engaging Kids Club activities. Savour the convenience of butler service and room service, indulge in decadent treats from your stateroom’s pillow menu, and stay connected with free and unlimited Wi-Fi. Your voyage with Ponant is more than a journey, it is a true celebration of luxury.
What's Included?
Ponant Cruises are not entirely all inclusive, but you’ll still find every detail has been carefully curated to ensure the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. With a wide range inclusions, from culinary delights and luxurious accommodation, to complimentary Wi-Fi access, your every need will be surpassed. Immerse yourself in the open bar, where a refined selection of drinks awaits you at any time of the day. Explore the wonders of the world with access to all common areas, including fitness rooms, lounges, and boutique shops. As an added bonus, guests on Ponant’s exquisite Explorer Class ships will receive a complimentary Polar Parka and the opportunity to embark on captivating tours led by your knowledgeable bilingual Expedition Team. Unleash your sense of adventure and embark on a truly lavish journey with Ponant Cruises.
Insider Tip
Ponant is the world’s only French cruise line, and onboard, the “French touch” is everywhere, starting with the language. All of the crew are bilingual in French and English, but French is the main language spoken on board no matter your destination. All signage and announcements made are in French and English, but you may want to brush up on some French phrases before you cruise.
More Information
Cruising with Children
Children are welcome on Ponant “classic cruises” (or yachting) from the age of one. However, please note that a maximum of five children between the ages of one and six are allowed onboard. For “expedition” cruises, children aged six and older (except on cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot, where the minimum age is eight years old) are permitted. However, it is important that these children are self-sufficient during all outdoor activities, as well as when embarking or disembarking in rubber boats.
Additionally, they should be of a height that allows them to sit comfortably on the inflatable sides of the boats and possess the maturity to understand and promptly follow the crew’s instructions. If your little ones are aged four years or older, they are most welcome to join the Kid’s Club when the service is available on board. Ponant wants to ensure that all children have a safe and enjoyable experience, so their participation in activities should align with their age group.
On Shore Experiences
Hidden creeks, ancient cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites… on a Ponant cruise or expedition, the world unveils its hidden gems as you follow in the footsteps of history’s explorers. Embracing Ponant’s core philosophy of “Accessing the world’s treasures by sea,” the cruise line has curated an extensive range of land excursions for all of their cruises (except for expeditions). Meticulously handpicked by Ponant experts for their remarkable cultural significance and historical allure, these excursions can span from a few hours to several days. Ponant’s extended excursions enable you to delve into the wonders of the regions you visit, such as the captivating city of Cuzco in Peru or the enchanting Mekong Delta in Vietnam. To participate in these remarkable journeys, pre-booking is available two months prior to your departure date.
Accessibility
Ponant’s Sisterships, Ponant Explorer and Le Commandant Charcot have all been designed with accessibility in mind, offering specially designed staterooms and accessibility ramps throughout the ship to aid people with reduced mobility. You can also find Braille translations of onboard posters, signage and staterooms for those with vision impairments. Please speak with your cruise consultant for any other specific requirements you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Le Commandant Charcot is an icebreaker?
Le Commandant Charcot is a cutting-edge polar exploration vessel, featuring a reinforced PC 2 hull (icebreaker), that has been designed to move and navigate through ice-covered waters and provide safe waterways for other boats and ships. For a ship to be considered an icebreaker, it requires three traits most normal ships don’t have – a strengthened hull, an ice-clearing shape, and the power to push through sea ice. While Le Commandant Charcot is a cruise ship designed for exploration and not just an icebreaker, one of her functions as an icebreaker is to assist other ships if their safety is at risk.
What should I pack for an expedition cruise? Is there a dress code on board the ships?
On an expedition cruise, guests are encouraged to bring practical clothes as well as comfortable shoes for travelling in zodiacs and disembarking on beaches or mud flats. On tropical expeditions, guests should make sure they pack a hat, sunglasses and sun-safe clothing. For cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, guests will be given a polar parka and suitable boots will be available for use when on shore. On board, passengers should wear casual and elegant outfits at their convenience, and more formal attire for the Captain’s dinner.
How do the meals work?
Breakfast is a buffet that can be eated at the restaurant or brought to your stateroom. Lunch is also a buffet, and a French-style a la carte dinner will be served in the evening. Room service is available 24/7 (except of Le Ponant). Outside of these meal times, tea and small pastries are on offer.