Ponant?

Ponant cruises or expeditions are for the open-minded, young-at-heart travellers who desire a luxurious small-ship experience to idyllic, less-frequented locales. Adventurers seek to explore the undiscovered whilst affording themselves to the sophisticated elegance that Ponant provide.

Those that revel in the French refined style of service should definitely consider a Ponant cruise. From their exciting cuisine and selection of exclusive wines, to the understated service, Ponant strives to ensure your journey is authentic, stress-free and sophisticated.

Ponant's inclusive fare incorporates:

• All meals onboard
• Open bar, though premium beverages incur a surcharge
• Free 24-hour Wi-Fi
• Access to all common areas (i.e. fitness room, swimming pool, boutique & leisure area)
• Room service
• Shore excursions on expedition cruises
• Arctic & Antarctic expeditions include a complimentary parka to take with you and boot rental

• Visit typically hard-to-reach locations and awe-inspiring expeditions across the world
• Savour impeccable French-style service and attentive dining and room staff
• Enjoy a beautiful, elegantly designed fleet of luxury ships

Escape the bustle of the city with a Solo Cruise

While travelling with your friends and family can be highly enjoyable, solo travel frees you to explore awe-inspiring destinations and take part in immersive excursions or tours without the need to worry about others. A rapidly growing market, Ponant have made solo travelling immensely more tempting by abolishing single supplements on a plethora of cruises over the coming years. Start planning your next solo adventure today and embark on an astounding Ponant cruise!

The Antarctica Expedition is a must-see!

Journey to the edge of the earth, Antarctica. A Ponant expedition down to the polar cap is often considered the gold standard for cruising in the region. Passengers often describe their journey with Ponant as unforgettable and breathtaking, noting how the incredibly caring staff ensured their journey was as safe and comfortable as possible. For those who seek to explore the icy region, a Ponant luxury expedition is an unforgettably great adventure.

Aside from Le Ponant, cabins on the Ponant ships are split into two clear categories known as staterooms and suites, each then being further divided into different types to suit every type of traveller.

Please note that Le Ponant is split into two types of cabin, the Antigua and the Marie Galante. While both styles of cabin have many of the same amenities, the Antigua has slightly more space and a desk with stationery available, perfect for those who need to send off a quick email or access their laptop.

Staterooms:

For L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal, staterooms are separated into Superior and Deluxe. The Superior stateroom holds some additional space, great for travellers who appreciate a commodious area to relax. The Deluxe staterooms however come with an amazing private balcony, allowing guests to feel the ocean spray and have a closer connection to the exotic destination.

For the Ponant Explorer ships, all staterooms – Deluxe and Prestige – come with the same amenities and features no matter where you decide to call home, including a private balcony, minibar, and Wi-Fi. The key difference is the location of the staterooms, with Prestige staterooms being located on higher decks with an expansive ocean view and easier access amenities such as the Panoramic Lounge and Art Gallery.

Suites:

The staterooms on Ponant’s L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal have a selection of expansive and comfortable suites for explorers who wish to travel in luxury. The Owner’s Suite in particular, with a massive 45m² of room and a panoramic sea view, is essential for those who want a space that can often feel like a second home.

The Explorer fleet of ships have an extensive selection of wonderful suites appropriate for all types of traveller. Whether you wish to relax and unwind on a king-sized bed in the Privilege suite or enjoy a panoramic 40m² private balcony in the Grand Deluxe suite, Ponant have you covered.

Ponant specialise in meticulously crafting a French dining experience unmatched by other cruise lines. Sourcing fresh produce and considered ingredients, Ponant has a selection of outstanding French cuisine prepared by experienced and passionate chefs.

With an open seating policy for their dining options, you have the choice to dine whenever you wish, wherever you desire, and with anyone you meet along the way. While only a small ship, Ponant cruises offer two ver different dining options - an intimate dining experience in the Gastronomic Restaurant or the more laid-back setting of the Grill Restaurant.

For those who wish to stay in their rooms for a meal, room service is available free of charge 24/7, with a number of cold and hot food options being available.

Ponant recommends for informal evenings to wear smart casual clothing when dining at any of their restaurants, with t-shirts and shorts being strictly prohibited. Travellers do occasionally dress up to semi-formal even on these informal nights so be sure to pack some extra outfits so you do not feel underdressed!

Depending on the length of the cruise you can expect to experience one or two Gala dinners where guests tend to dress up in a cocktail outfit, and on most Ponant cruises there is also a non-compulsory white-dress night.

During the day, casual dress is acceptable, but make sure to dress correctly depending on the destination you are heading to.

Due to their ability to reach lesser-known and fairly untouched regions of the world such as Antarctica, Ponant travellers regularly plan their cruise around completely exploring their destination. As such, shore excursions and tours are often the focal points of most passengers. On certain sailings, you may find locals and experts of the region coming aboard and hosting lectures or presentations teaching those who attend the wonders of the destination and what to look out for.

Whilst on the ship, passengers are usually found using one of the fantastic luxury and wellness services provided on every Ponant cruise. Guests might head into the wellness centre for a relaxing massage or facial treatment, the fitness room to maintain their physical health, or lounge and soak in the breathtaking views at the panoramic lounge.