For more than 30 years, PONANT has been sailing the world’s oceans, creating its own brand of modern luxurious travel. It has pushed the envelope with incredible innovations, like the Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, as well as a commitment to sustainability through its Blue Horizons programme. 

The company has evolved a lot since it was founded in 1988. It is now regarded as one of the pre-eminent companies in the world of ultra-luxury cruising - and, with its expedition fleet, is able to take guests to virtually every corner of the world. The company also acquired the French Polynesia specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2019, spreading its expertise even further. 

Five facts about PONANT

• PONANT has a range of different ships in its fleet including a sailing ship, yachts, expedition ships and an ice-breaker.
• Le Commandant Charcot, is the world’s only icebreaker powered by liquified natural gas, the cleanest burning fossil fuel, they can decide to be on full electric mode with 0 carbon emission and minimum sound nuisance.
• Le Ponant, PONANT's sailing ship, was the first ship in the world to be awarded the Relais & Châteaux label in 2023. With 16 suites, it caters perfectly for larger groups.
• PONANT's more traditional fleet - L’Austral, Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal - are all intimate vessels, with the largest ships only accommodating a maximum of 264 guests.
• All of PONANT's explorer ships have the Blue Eye underwater lounge onboard. Located on Deck 0, the lounge has highly reinforced windows looking out into the ocean. 

Who is PONANT for? 

PONANT is for those who want to see the world, and want to do it in as chic a way as possible. The French operator is known for its sense of style and the fine dining is certainly inspired by the company’s gallic routes. The company also has some of the most intimate ships sailing on the world’s oceans, with nothing above 264 guests - and many of them much smaller than that. It all makes for an extremely luxurious affair for those who like to travel well. 

Where can you sail to with PONANT? 

PONANT is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds. The company sails around the world. From cruises around Australia, to the Adriatic on a yacht - and pretty much everywhere in-between. With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT's icebreaker, the company can take guests deep into the heart of the polar regions, including the geographic north pole and also the magnetic north pole (both poles in one trip) 

With the acquisition of Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2019, guests can also sail to the paradise islands of French Polynesia with PONANT. From its base in Tahiti, guests can see first-hand the charms of its paradise islands and atolls. If paradise does exist, then this could well be it. 

What’s included onboard? 

• All Meals, 24 hour room service and Drinks
• Wifi
• Reusable water bottle
• Activities
• Lectures
• Shore excursions (Except Paul Gauguin)

Loyalty Programme: 

*terms and conditions apply, see their website for details.