Remote destinations, small ships and a distinctly French approach to life on board. From navigating polar ice to exploring tropical coastlines by Zodiac, PONANT offers a wide range of expedition voyages.
Wondering whether PONANT is the right choice for you? Here we look at its ships, destinations, expedition activities and what to expect on board, with insights from our own ship visits.
PONANT combines expedition cruising with French-inspired hospitality. You can spend the day exploring remote shores with an expedition team, then return to comfortable lounges, fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere on board.
Its fleet includes different styles of ship, so the experience can vary considerably between voyages. Some focus on the polar regions, while others explore remote islands and coastlines in warmer parts of the world.
PONANT's purpose-built polar icebreaker is in a class of its own. With a PC2 ice-class rating, it can navigate ice conditions beyond the capabilities of conventional ice-strengthened expedition ships, opening up extraordinary polar itineraries, subject to conditions.
It accommodates guests in approximately 123 suites and staterooms and offers a particularly spacious onboard experience, with restaurants, lounges and facilities designed for long voyages in remote regions.
Dreaming of reaching the North Pole? Discover what it's like to journey to 90° North aboard Le Commandant Charcot, with expedition highlights, ship videos and example itineraries.
Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier each carry approximately 184 guests.
These contemporary small ships feature the unusual Blue Eye underwater lounge, designed to bring guests closer to the marine environment through underwater views, sound and vibrations.
Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial carry approximately 244–264 guests, depending on the ship. They offer comfortable accommodation, inviting public spaces and a small-ship atmosphere.
Found on all six Explorer-class ships, Blue Eye sits around two metres below the waterline. Whale-eye-shaped windows, underwater cameras and microphones help reveal the marine environment outside the ship, while subtle vibrations add to the experience.
Our visit aboard Le Bellot in Penzance.
A look around one of PONANT's Explorer-class ships.
Our firsthand ship visit in Svalbard.
Enjoy French-inspired fine dining, with menus developed in collaboration with the team behind Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.
Food and wine are an important part of PONANT's French identity. Dining venues and menus vary by ship, but there's always an emphasis on quality ingredients and attentive service.
Special dietary requirements: PONANT caters for a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free and low-fat diets, with special menus available on request. Let us know of any allergies or intolerances when enquiring, and we'll check the arrangements with PONANT before you travel.
Expect well-appointed cabins and suites, although layouts, sizes and facilities differ across the fleet. We'll help you compare the stateroom options on your chosen voyage.
Between excursions, there are plenty of places to sit back and relax. PONANT's ships have comfortable lounges and bars where you can enjoy a drink, catch up with fellow travellers or simply watch the scenery go by. Tea, coffee, cakes and pastries are also available in selected lounges during the morning and afternoon.
PONANT's expedition ships have a theatre where guests can enjoy talks from expedition experts, film screenings, concerts and occasional live performances. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the wildlife, history and cultures of the places you're visiting.
PONANT has French and international guests, and language arrangements can differ by sailing. Some departures are specifically designed for English-speaking travellers. If that's important to you, we'll check the arrangements before you book.
PONANT is known for its polar voyages, but the fleet also explores warm-water destinations where small ships and Zodiac excursions can make a real difference to what you experience.
Icebergs, penguin colonies and dramatic landscapes, with expedition activities shaped by the weather, ice and wildlife conditions.
Voyages may explore Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, with opportunities to experience remote coastlines and polar wildlife.
Some itineraries take in spectacular fjords, isolated islands and communities that are difficult to visit on larger ships.
Explore places such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, Seychelles and Madagascar, with an emphasis on nature, culture and Zodiac-based exploration where offered.
Depending on the itinerary, activities can include Zodiac cruising, guided shore landings, wildlife watching and walks. There are also opportunities to attend talks led by naturalists and other destination experts. Some voyages may offer kayaking, snorkelling or other specialist experiences, sometimes at an additional cost.
Expedition programmes are always subject to local conditions, permissions and safety decisions. This flexibility is part of the experience: the expedition team adapts plans to make the most of the places you're visiting.
PONANT can be a good fit if you're curious about the places you visit and enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides. It offers the opportunity to explore remote destinations without giving up comfortable accommodation and good food.
It's particularly worth considering if you like the idea of small-ship cruising with a more refined onboard atmosphere.
PONANT is a French cruise line, and its French heritage is very much part of the onboard experience. Expect fine French-inspired cuisine, carefully selected wines and often a mix of French and international guests.
If you prefer a predominantly English-speaking atmosphere, it's worth considering the departure carefully. PONANT offers selected English-speaking sailings, which may be a better fit.
We'll help you understand what to expect on board and choose the right voyage for you.
PONANT supports environmental research and conservation initiatives, including work through the PONANT Foundation. Scientific partnerships and onboard programmes vary by voyage. We can help you understand the specific conservation and research elements associated with your chosen sailing.
We've been aboard Le Bellot in Penzance and Le Lyrial in Svalbard, so we can share some of what these ships are like from our own visits.
You can also explore our Svalbard ship finder for more expedition ship inspiration.
We've completed specialist expedition cruise training, and Sarah holds a PONANT Explorer Diploma. As an independent travel agency, we can compare PONANT with other expedition cruise lines rather than recommending one operator for everyone.
There are no consultation or booking fees for using Mapping Your Travel. We'll help you choose the right voyage, explain what's included and check the details that matter to you.
Whether you've already spotted a PONANT voyage or are still comparing expedition cruise lines, we'd love to help you find the right fit.
Still comparing operators? Explore our expedition cruises guide for more inspiration.
