What truly sets a luxury cruise line apart from the rest? With Ponant, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to several aspects. Intimate, yacht-style ships, French excellence, meaningful journeys, refined service and sophisticated onboard entertainment is what takes Ponant to that next level.
Ponant hosts a range of yacht-like sailing ships, alongside expedition ships, ocean ships and also an innovative Icebreaker. The cruise line has voyages to all seven continents, offering over 400 itineraries per year to remote locations. The nature of their small-ships mean they can access one-of-a-kind destinations. Whether you’re after something closer to home, like a cruise through the Kimberleys, or maybe want to experience the magic of Antarctica… Ponant will have a destination and ship to suit you. See all of our Ponant offers here, and read on to discover why Ponant is the best luxury cruise line for you.
1. Intimate, Yacht-Style Ships
Let yourself be surprised during a journey on what Ponant calls their ‘human-sized ships’. Enjoy off-the-beaten-track routes and special moments with crew and guests, due to the intimacy of Ponant ships. There are 13 vessels designed for intimate, yacht-like exploration.
- Ponant Explorers (6 ships): 92 cabins, 184 passengers, features a multi-sensory underwater lounge and a hydraulic marina deck.
- Sisterships (4 ships): These offer 122-135 cabins with a 5-star personalised service.
- Le Commandant Charcot: A luxury polar exploration vessel, specifically designed for voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic, powered by hybrid electricity and LNG.
- Le Ponant: A historic 3-mast sailing yacht with only 17 cabins and 32 passengers.
- Le Paul Gauguin: Specialised for navigating the waters of French Polynesia, accommodating 330 passengers.
Ponant operates one of the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly fleets of luxury small ships and yachts there is. With other cruise lines carrying less than 1,000 passengers being deemed as ‘small’, Ponant ships take intimacy really seriously. The diminutive size of their luxury ships and yachts make them a stand out luxury cruise line.
2. French Hospitality and All-Inclusive Luxury
The sense of hospitality, haute cuisine, and prestigious partners come together to offer an unforgettable experience, blending the French touch with the discovery of new horizons. You’ll enjoy exceptional service and remarkable collaborations with prestigious chefs, such as Amaury Bouhours, Executive Chef of Le Meurice in Paris. When the art of travelling merges with the art of French living, magic comes to life on board. So, what’s included?
- Gourmet meals and dining
- The Open Bar: from boarding and throughout the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served freely and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
- Free 24/7 Wi-Fi Internet access
- An activity at each stopover (excluding sailings on board the ship, Paul Gauguin) to be chosen from a selection: the final program will be communicated approximately two months before the cruise departure,
- Access to the spa, fitness room and the snow cabin on Le Commandment Charcot
- Port taxes
Some expedition cruises have extra inclusions, such as small group Zodiac landings, onboard lectures and guided tours, plus a complimentary parka and special boot hire for Polar voyages. Chat to one of our Tour + Cruise specialists to learn more about the inclusions.
3. Expert-led Journeys
Explore all seven continents with Ponant, in a way that boasts unforgettable moments and unique exchanges. There are many ways to see the world. But to truly discover it? Unexplored shores, authentic encounters, iconic wildlife… Ponant experts craft the most beautiful encounters for you. Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the worlds of art, science, culture, and gastronomy… experts share their passions with you onboard and on land. Each trip is an opportunity to build long-lasting friendships and connections with communities in the regions you visit.
Plus, each season Ponant designs meaningful journeys filled with unique, immersive experiences. Gain new perspectives through enriching events, guided by Ponant’s esteemed guests and speakers, and enhanced by the expertise of their renowned partners. Whether you’re into art and literature, gastronomy, wellness or music and dance…there are experts onboard to learn with.
4. Refined, French-Inspired Dining
A luxury cruise is incomplete without refined, elegant dining. With Ponant, enjoy exceptional culinary experiences, inspired by its French roots. Enjoy enhanced meals thanks to the company’s excellent chefs, accompanied by the teams of Alain Ducasse and Ducasee Conseil. Caviar from Maison Kaviari, Pata Negra from Berman Ibéricos, macarons from Pierre Hermé, butter and cheeses from Bordier, olive oil from Château Virant, Valrhona chocolate, pastries and bread prepared on board, gourmet afternoon tea, and culinary demonstrations. Every day, let yourself be delighted by these gourmet moments.
Equally as important, the dining spaces onboard are absolutely pristine. From intimate atmospheres to panoramic views, enjoy your meal in top notch luxury. Most ships feature a main dining room and a more casual grill. Le Commandant Charcot, for example, features the Nuna gastronomic restaurant (first Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea). With a variety of indoor/outdoor seating, tantalise your palate with authentic French classics, or with international dishes.
5. Sophisticated Onboard Entertainment
Life onboard a Ponant cruise ship is a balance between luxury, sophistication, leisure and of course fun! From conferences and lectures, to shows and concerts, every night passengers will have something to look forward to. The theatre onboard is one of the more unique meeting spaces, and generally the largest space on the ship that regularly accommodates all passengers.
Each season, Ponant designs themed cruises to provide guests with a new experience. 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 internationally renowned artists.
If these five reasons haven’t convinced you of a Ponant cruise yet, see our latest offers and itineraries. For more information, contact one of our Tour + Cruise specialists.
