Adventure. Luxury. French. The three words that come to mind when I think of the luxury cruise brand PONANT EXPLORATIONS. They are world leaders in exploration, focusing on sleek small ships that deliver incredible personalized experiences, both onboard and ashore, in all parts of the world: from refined Mediterranean journeys to polar expeditions.

If you are new to PONANT EXPLORATIONS, I hope you find this introduction valuable. If you are already familiar, perhaps this will ignite memories of a special cruising destination. In any case, please do reach out if you'd like information on this unique experience. I highly recommend it!

Why Choose PONANT EXPLORATIONS?

Explore to Inspire. PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been committed to more responsible tourism, and purposeful voyages for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 12 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic, and inspiring. Leader in luxury expedition, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers voyages through the seven continents, infused with the vibrant art de vivre, the great art of French fine dining, and attentive service.

The Fleet

SISTERSHIPS

With 122 to 132 staterooms and suites, these four distinguished SISTERSHIPS remain true to PONANT's philosophy: traveling on small-capacity vessels with a unique atmosphere: a subtle blend of intimacy and well-being. Decorated with furnishings in high-quality materials, with soft and soothing tones, they express the French way of life, its understated sophistication, combining chic and natural refinement. Launched between 2010 and 2015, they are part of the youngest fleet at sea.

Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, Le Lyrial

PONANT EXPLORERS

Created in 2018, the PONANT EXPLORERS series consists of small-sized ships, which combine respect for the environment, elegant design and cutting-edge technology. They feature the Blue Eye lounge, which sits in the hull below the water line and allows guests to relax in a unique environment as they watch the underwater world come to life. These six exceptional yachts, with just 92 staterooms and suites, bear the names of French explorers who went in search of previously unknown territories.

Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d’Urville, Le Jacques-Cartier, Le Bellot

SAILING SHIP

The emblematic three-master
Le Ponant, a splendid traditional French sailing ship, has only 16 cabins and suites. As though on a private yacht, you will set sail with a small group of others who also love the sea and sailing. Completely revamped in 2021, it redefines the notion of yachting and has evolved into a truly exquisite space.

LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

The world's only luxury icebreaker
Reach the Geographic and Magnetic North Poles, cross the Arctic Ocean, or discover the rarely visited corners of Northeastern Greenland... Le Commandant Charcot has been designed to take you in the footsteps of the great polar explorers, in an elegant setting with amenities which, until now, have never been offered in the furthermost areas of the northern and southern hemispheres. More than just conventional cruises, these are true polar odysseys made possible onboard this new electric hybrid vessel powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Le Commandant Charcot Brochure

Close your eyes and you can almost hear it… the crunch of snowshoes on ice that has been around for millennia, the creaking and calving of glaciers as they retreat and advance into the sea. The roar of a polar bear trekking ice floes in... Check out Le Commandant Charcot Brochure for more travel inspirations.

Destinations to Get Inspired

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The St. Lawrence at the rhythm of the currents

The river that turns into an ocean, sublime scenery inhabited by wild fauna, the echo of history that reverberates on the bend of a shore, during an all-new cruise up the Saint Lawrence River aboard PONANT EXPLORATIONS.

Europe

Malta, Sicily and Sardinia... These three large Mediterranean islands offer the best of Greek and Roman influences. Theatres, relics and archaeological sites like Pompeii are just some of the highlights of a cruise between Malta and Sardinia. The entire route is imbued with a taste of la dolce vita, appreciated by locals and travelers alike.

Central America

Both above and below sea level, Central America abounds in wildlife: sharks, rays, colorful fish, toucans, herons... Jade Ann, expedition guide on board PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships, tells us in a few words what awaits our passengers on a cruise in this region of rich biodiversity.

The Arctic

Close-ups of wildlife in this video were filmed with long lenses, making them appear closer than they were. At all times AECO guidelines and local regulations were adhered to in the making of this film. In Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago near to the Arctic Ocean, Spitzberg is part of the inhabited land where humans have had to adapt to an extreme environment. Glaciers, icebergs and impressive fjords plunge the traveller into the surrealist atmosphere of this preserved region, home to polar bears, arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and whales.

The PONANT EXPLORATIONS Experience