An Arctic cruise is much more than just a journey; it is the promise of an Exceptional destination. With PONANT access to the grandiose landscapes of the Far North where each day is full of unexpected surprises.
Since its founding by Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée over a quarter of a century ago, PONANT has been France's only cruise company. With French crews, and the expertise, personal service, and cuisine that they bring with them, we offer luxury cruises to help you discover truly exceptional destinations. Whether you are embarking on a nature voyage in northern Europe, a cultural voyage to South America, an idyllic Caribbean cruise or a sophisticated expedition through the icy waters of the Antarctic, PONANT crosses the world's oceans in search of exclusive itineraries that are rich in fresh discoveries and encounters.
Do you dream of experiencing a voyage on the sea that combines authenticity with sophistication? We will welcome you on board our luxurious boats, yachts and sailing ships to offer an unforgettable cruise in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication on a human scale.
If you need to organize expeditions such as this one, don't hesitate to contact travel agents who are knowledgeable on organizing tour packages making sure you are in good hands.
Don't hesitate to contact Global Tours contact person :
Here is all you need to know why you should go PONANT expedition cruises. This video explains to expect when you are on board PONANT Expedition cruises and what makes it worth the journey.
For more than 30 years, PONANT has been been offering marvellous ways of getting away from it all. Sailing on board one of our ships means enjoying exceptional experiences as close as possible to nature, in the heart of virgin territory and in sites that combine dreams and history. It means discovering other cultures and traditions, and sharing memorable moments with tribes from the other side of the world. It means enjoying the magic of the Ponant Moment...
Since its founding by Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée over a quarter of a century ago, PONANT has been France's only cruise company. With French crews, and the expertise, personal service, and cuisine that they bring with them, we offer luxury cruises to help you discover truly exceptional destinations.
Whether you are embarking on a nature voyage in northern Europe, a cultural voyage to South America, an idyllic Caribbean cruise or a sophisticated expedition through the icy waters of the Antarctic, PONANT crosses the world's oceans in search of exclusive itineraries that are rich in fresh discoveries and encounters.
Do you dream of experiencing a voyage on the sea that combines authenticity with sophistication? We will welcome you on board our luxurious boats, yachts and sailing ships to offer an unforgettable cruise in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication on a human scale.
If you need to organize expeditions such as this one, don't hesitate to contact travel agents who are knowledgeable on organizing tour packages making sure you are in good hands.
Don't hesitate to contact Global Tours contact person :
A vast territory, a cultural heritage dating back thousands of years and unspoiled Nature, the South American continent with its multi-coloured cultures will amaze you by the diversity of its immense landscapes: waterfalls, arid deserts, volcanoes, tropical forests, and a truly extraordinary flora and fauna: sea lions, parrots, Pink dolphins, guava trees, rubber plants and mangrove swamps.
To learn more about our cruises in Latin America, visit www.ponant.com.
Since its founding by Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée over a quarter of a century ago, PONANT has been France's only cruise company. With French crews, and the expertise, personal service, and cuisine that they bring with them, we offer luxury cruises to help you discover truly exceptional destinations.
Whether you are embarking on a nature voyage in northern Europe, a cultural voyage to South America, an idyllic Caribbean cruise or a sophisticated expedition through the icy waters of the Antarctic, PONANT crosses the world's oceans in search of exclusive itineraries that are rich in fresh discoveries and encounters.
Do you dream of experiencing a voyage on the sea that combines authenticity with sophistication? We will welcome you on board our luxurious boats, yachts and sailing ships to offer an unforgettable cruise in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication on a human scale.
Your clients’ tailored voyage, created for tranquility.
PONANT offers a range of personalized services that allow guest to fully discover the countries visited during each cruise.
Land-Based Programs
We go to great lengths to offer excursions that represent the most interesting, historical and culturally significant aspects of each region we visit and to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are met.
Cultural Visits: The cities of Ancient Greece, the pre-Columbian heritage of Latin America, art museums, Asian temples—there are many stimulating visits that will delight fans of culture and historic civilizations.
Encounter Local Populations: Discover a people, a culture or an ethnic group and their unique traditions, like the Inuit in Greenland, the Asmat in Agats or the Embera Indians in Panama.
*See the Discovery of an Asmat village encounter video in the Resource Center.
Hikes and Walks: Led by our experienced Guides, our passengers can journey a walk through the Saguenay National Park in Canada, in the footsteps of Shackleton in South Georgia or on the slopes of volcanoes in the Kuril Islands in the Russian Arctic.
Observing the Flora and Wildlife: When the destination allows, our guides and naturalists will invite passengers to observe the plant and wildlife on land or from our Zodiacs®.
Adventure Activities: To meet the needs of our more adventure-seeking passengers, we offer excursions by bikes, 4-wheel drive vehicles, kayaks, helicopters, seaplanes, rafts and schooners.
SAMPLE PROGRAM
Moorea (French Polynesia)
Duration: 6 Hours
Highlights
- A scenic drive through the Bay of Moorea, pass by the Main Island view point “The Belvedere”
- Toatea View Point to admire the panoramic view of the island of Tahiti in the distance
- Temae point where you’ll discover the Polynesian lifestyle and have lunch on a private estate
- Your day will continue with an initiation to pareo tying and flower lei making before driving back to the ship
Pre- & Post-Cruise Programs
Ranging from a half-day to several days, our pre- and post-cruise programs allow guests to discover more of the region and enjoy fascinating visits without having to worry about additional planning, such as meals, hotels and guides. PONANT can organize a package at the passenger’s request before departure.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
See the 2019 summer and winter brochures for both complimentary and fee-based shore excursions.
Bali, Indonesia - Discover Bali
(2 days/1 night; price per person from $470)
Spend two days discovering the treasures of Balinese culture, while enjoying a relaxing interlude by the ocean in an idyllic resort, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. Travel across lush vegetation to reach the village of Batuan. Visit the most remarkable temple there, called Pura Puseh—one of the oldest structures in Bali dating back to the 11th century and decorated with elaborate carvings. Continue to Tegallalang, where your clients can take great photos from the rice terraces on the slopes and across the valley.
From Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - La Antigua, Outstanding Colonial Architecture
(2 days/1 night; price per person from $450)
Discover the colonial city of Antigua with its superb monuments inspired by the Spanish Renaissance. Check-in to the Camino Real La Antigua hotel and depart the next day for a walking tour of one of the best-preserved cities in Latin America. Visit La Merced Church, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral Metropolitana (built in 1543). Tour Casa Santo Domingo Museum, the convent of Santo Domingo, and Santo Tomas de Aquino College, host to the beautiful Archaeological Museum.
Flights & Transfers
Scheduled flights, as well as the transfers corresponding to your clients’ cruise, are available. For destinations that are less accessible on scheduled flights, PONANT can charter flights for guests, allowing a more direct or advantageous connection while ensuring a high-quality service. PONANT can also organize transfers between airport and embarkation/disembarkation port before and after your clients’ cruise.
Insurance
PONANT partners with Allianz Global Assistance, the gold standard in travel insurance, so you can earn sales commissions while helping passengers plan their cruises with confidence. Allianz Travel Insurance plans provide benefits for trip cancellation and interruption; travel delays; emergency medical and dental; emergency transportation; and 24/7, award-winning assistance by phone–anytime, anywhere. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
WHY TAKE AN ASIA & OCEANIA CRUISE WITH PONANT?
15 cruises spanning the Pacific from Australia to Japan, including 10 expedition voyages.
Discover Australia’s Kimberley coast, one of the world’s last pristine environments.
Zodiac® outings and shore visits with our specialist team of naturalists on expeditions.
UNESCO World Heritage sites: Komodo National Park, the temple of Borobudur from Semarang, the subterranean river of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines, the Miyajima sanctuary and its vermillion torii gate, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Halong Bay.
PONANT’s first musical cruise in Asia explores Japan in the company of five extraordinary classical musicians.
Discover medieval Japan in Sakaiminato and Matsue, at former homes of the Samurais, and in Tamano, a former feudal domain.
Marvel at the most unspoiled places on the planet.
Choosing a PONANT Expedition means truly connecting to your environment. Our expeditions provide a blend of luxury and immersive experiences, exploration and comfort, and adventure and refinement—even in the world’s most remote regions.
Expedition Team
Members of the PONANT Expedition team, led by Nicolas Dubreuil and Mick Fogg, are internationally renowned for their precise and accurate knowledge of extreme environments. By conducting preliminary exploratory trips and preparing carefully for each itinerary, providing expert supervision and leading discussions and informal chats, our expedition leaders and naturalists forge ties and turn PONANT guests into true ambassadors of the shores visited.
To learn more about our seasoned Expedition professionals, see the 2019 Polar & Tropical Expeditions brochure in the Resource Center. Polar Expeditions
The leader in expeditions to polar regions and an expert for over 20 years in the Arctic, Antarctic and Subantarctic Islands, PONANT lets your clients live their dream of adventure with an ecological conscience. In the Antarctic, set off to discover the icy vastness and the endemic fauna, including whales, seals and penguins. In the Arctic regions, fjords, glaciers and luminescent icebergs alongside polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, orcas and whales await your clients.
PONANT’s latest-generation fleet has the most modern technologies and equipment to assure your clients’ safety and to protect the regions we visit. Our silent ice-certified ships meet the most stringent international standards: 3D seabed visualization using a dual sonar system, satellite weather station and GPS trackers on the Zodiac® landing craft.
FEATURED CRUISE
Emblematic Antarctica 11 days/10 nights Multiple dates starting in November
Departure Port/Arrival Port: Ushuaia Ship: Le Boréal
PONANT invites your clients on a polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula. On this uninhabited land, their encounters with the wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of their experience. The Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins, humpback whales, seals and seabirds will provide them with cherished lifelong memories.
5 reasons to travel to the Antarctic with PONANT
To discover extraordinary landscapes—glaciers, icebergs, ice floes, mountain ranges and much more.
Outings, hiking and shore visits in Zodiac®inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Encounters with exceptional wildlife: humpback whales, various penguins, various seals, albatrosses and other seabirds.
Included flights from/to Buenos Aires, transfers, exceptional accommodations, open bar on board, all landings and conferences, free parka and boot rental.
For a unique adventure sailing in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton—great explorers of these uninhabited land Tropical Expeditions
PONANT transports guests to remote destinations to discover the ancient customs of people who continue the rituals of their forefathers. During visits to isolated villages, such as Papuan, Polynesian or Māori, your clients can interact with warm and friendly locals and build priceless memories.
Interacting with nature is an essential aspect of a tropical expedition.
Use local means of transport, such as dugout canoes and bush taxis, to reach a volcano or a nature reserve.
Our small ships disembark guests directly onto idyllic white-sand beaches for snorkeling or diving.
FEATURED CRUISE
The Essential Seychelles 9 days/8 nights Multiple dates starting in December (check website)
Departure Port/Arrival Port: Victoria, Mahé Ship: Le Bougainville
On this brand-new itinerary, PONANT invites your clients to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles. On Mahé, they will board Le Bougainville for a 9-day expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s Inner Islands to discover 8 islands on a single cruise.
Highlights
Landing in Zodiac®inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
UNESCO site: the Vallée de Mai nature reserve in Praslin.
The Aride nature reserve, a treasure of the Seychelles with some 180 acres of colorful vegetation and more than one million birds.
The bare red earth of Curieuse, a granite island in the Seychelles.
Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
Encounters with the locals.
Our Zero-Impact Disembarkation Protocol
PONANT applies a strict protocol to all disembarkations. A dedicated team ensures our ambitious goal: to make zero impact on the ecosystem when disembarking, thus preserving the ecosystem. This initiative has garnered international recognition for our company’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
WHY TAKE AN EXPEDITION VOYAGE WITH PONANT?
For an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To escape civilization and learn about the flora, fauna and landscapes of some of the most remote places on our planet.
For exclusive opportunities to meet local people who live according to their ancestors’ customs and traditions.
For the thrill of Zodiac® outings and shore visits.
To cruise with a team of expert naturalists, who will share their knowledge and experience.
To experience the most isolated corners of the world in the total comfort afforded by luxury amenities and services.
For a worry-free trip—all expedition outings are conveniently included.
Launched in 2018, PONANT EXPLORERS Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain will navigate Northern Europe, Iceland, the Mediterranean, South America, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville will join the fleet summer 2019, with expedition cruises to Asia, Australia’s Kimberley & Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Panama, Cape Verde, Bissago Island, the Great Lakes, the Seychelles and beyond. Finally, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier will enter service in 2020, sailing the exquisite ports of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and the Baltics.
This new series of luxury expedition ships combine limited capacity, exceptional design, cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment. Each vessel bears the name of a French explorer who set off on adventures beyond the boundaries of the known world in search of new lands.
A Luxurious, Intimate and Refined Atmosphere
Measuring 420 feet long with just 88 cabins (each with a private balcony) and four suites (each with a plate-glass window and private terrace), the smaller capacity of the new PONANT EXPLORERS offers an intimate atmosphere, while the 110 crew members provide professional and attentive service.
Our new yachts meet the same demanding international criteria of environmental protections, equipment and safety as our original fleet.
Exceptional Comfort in Remote Regions
The PONANT EXPLORERS are innovative, designed for polar and tropical expeditions and easy to maneuver. All EXPLORERS are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a movable marina platform.
Modular Marina (Transforms to Three Positions)
1. Sun deck (when sailing)
2. Immersed connector port for disembarkation into Zodiacs, SCUBA diving, or deep-sea fishing
3. Sea level for water sports including kayaking, water skiing and standup paddle boarding
Blue Eye, The Multi-Sensory Underwater Space
In keeping with its pioneering spirit, PONANT launched a world first: each of the PONANT EXPLORERS is equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, located within the hull, beneath the water line and accessible to all guests. The design was entrusted to Jacques Rougerie, an architect and academic who is deeply passionate about the sea. This major innovation focuses on three concepts:
Biomimetic
Rougerie drew inspiration from his observation of nature to determine the design of the underwater lounge. All focus is drawn toward two portholes, shaped like the eye of a cetacean, that look out to the subaquatic world. Integrated digital screens project the images filmed live by three underwater cameras.
Innovative Underwater Vision
The non-intrusive underwater projectors developed expressly for the Blue Eye allow for the observation of the seabed and photoluminescent organisms, from under water as well as from the outside decks, balconies and the marina—without any risk to the marine biosphere.
Global Listening
Comfortably ensconced, guests can listen to the underwater world thanks to hydrophones. An immersive sound experience that can be felt in the Body Listening sofas, discreetly vibrating in unison while offering unique sensory listening through corporal resonance.
Accommodations
Amenities
The cabin amenities on all PONANT ships are the same as covered in lesson three.
Respect for the Environment
The environmental commitment continues with our PONANT EXPLORERS:
A wastewater processing and recycling system in compliance with the most exacting standards.
A catalytic filter on exhaust gases enabling NOX (nitrogen oxides) reduction.
The GREENPILOT system: an extremely precise fuel-measuring and -monitoring system enabling better energy management and savings
Your clients are invited to enrich their mind and awaken their sense of wonder.
At PONANT we believe that travel is by its very nature a form of discovery and transformation. With this belief as our guiding principle, we’ve embarked on a new chapter in our voyages of discovery: The Quintessential Collection.
The Quintessential Collection is a selection of themed voyages that immerse likeminded guests in a specific topic of interest including fine art, music, gastronomy, and history, to name a few. These special cruises include activities related to the theme both on board and ashore such as excursions, lectures and enrichment, and even cuisine.
For no additional fees, your clients’ total cruise package will include a pre- or post-cruise stay with excursions relevant to the theme, as well as lectures and performances aboard ship by world class experts and musicians. Plus, one or two exceptional activities ashore that encourage guests to embrace the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the local culture. In 2020, pre- or post-cruise stays are optional which will decrease the cruise cost in some cases.
Program Inclusions
Airport/hotel/pier transfers and handling of luggage
Cruise aboard one of PONANT’s deluxe ships
Roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on Antarctica & Climate Change sailings
Lectures, discussions and performances by featured guests; shore excursions
All meals aboard ship, including 24-hour room service
French-inspired gourmet cuisine, with menu creation and chef training by Ducasse Conseil
Complimentary open bar aboard ship, including select wines and spirits
Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
Complimentary unlimited WiFi on board
Gratuities to shipboard personnel, porters, guides and drivers
Port taxes and charges and pre-departure materials
Not Included: Airfare (other than specified above); airport taxes; passport and visa fees and/or immigration reciprocity taxes (if applicable); transfers other than stated above; luggage handling; trip cancellation and baggage insurance; medical and repatriation insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; optional excursions; overland excursions; personal expenses (such as telephone, laundry service, hair salon services, à la carte spa treatments, etc.).
Distinguished Guests
Whether they hail from the worlds of theater, literature, cinema or music, our speakers all share their passions through workshops, conferences or shows.WHY PONANT?
Rated among "The World's Best Cruise Lines – Small Ships”—Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2018 and more than 97% of our clients said they would recommend us.
An ultra-modern and young fleet: our superb series of four Sisterships.
Our Sisterships—Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial—epitomize our philosophy: small-capacity yachts perfect for fostering camaraderie, a unique atmosphere, and a subtle combination of luxury, privacy and well-being. Designed in France and built in Italy, each ship has its own color palette and motif, but all share in an elegantly understated aesthetic and European sensibility and craftsmanship.
Exceptional Design
Launched between 2010 and 2015, our Sisterships were built on an intimate scale, perfectly adapted to extreme destinations and designed for guests to make the most of the breathtaking ocean and shore views. All of the staterooms and suites feature panoramic sea views, 100% with a sea view and 95% have a balcony.
The décor of the staterooms and suites is designed by French architect/designer Jean-Philippe Nuel and the fabrics were created by renowned French fabrics company Pierre Frey.
Small with Sizable Appeal
132 staterooms and suites on Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal and 122 on Le Lyrial
200 to 264 guests maximum for 140 crew members
Two restaurants, a gym, hair salon, spa, pool and theater on every ship
Family-friendly adjoining suites available
Clean Ships
PONANT is committed to protecting the environment every day. Our state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we:
Cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric propulsion system.
Hold a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor with a sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning.
Conserve, filter, treat and recycle all water we use.
Keep our distance from marine animals via advanced sonar that provides the ridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs and ice floes.
Safety
The fleet is monitored by the PACA Corsica CSN (Centre de Sécurité des Navires).
All safety equipment is checked and certified every year by the French administration and Bureau Veritas.
Each ship has the ISM (International Safety Management) certification, a very strict international regulation.
On board, each passenger has their own lifejacket both in the cabin and near to the lifeboats.
The ships are equipped with fire extinguishing systems and fireproof, watertight doors.
The company’s first ship, Le Ponant, a magical three-mast sailing yacht, has just 32 cabins, all decorated in a harmonious palette of maritime shades. The ship can welcome 64 passengers for 32 crew members. This casually chic yacht is appreciated for her small size and a design evoking the sea—including a sun deck, outdoor restaurant and direct access to the water from the marina platform. Just as on a private yacht, your clients will sail with only a limited number of fellow guests who truly love the sea.
Cabin Amenities for all Ships, including the SISITERSHIPS and EXPLORERS
Individually controlled air-conditioning in each cabin
Queen-size bed or twin beds
Adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
Minibar and electronic safe
Flat screen satellite TV and iPod™ station
Desk with writing paper
Dressing table, Hermès toiletries, bath robes and hairdryer
WiFi internet access and direct-line telephone
110V American outlets & 220V European outlets
24-hour room service
WHY PONANT?
PONANT currently has the youngest expedition fleet afloat—Le Boréal (2010),L’Austral (2011), Le Soléal (2013), Le Lyrial (2015), Le Champlain and Le Laperouse (2018). Plus, with five more brand new ships entering service between 2019-2021, PONANT will continue to offer guests the most elegant, most comfortable and most eco-friendly small vessels in the world.
As PONANT celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the company announces an order for two additional ships in the PONANT EXPLORER series.
The only French cruise ship owner is consolidating its position as the world leader of luxury expeditions with a fleet that will consist of 12 ships by 2021.
Designed specifically to explore the extreme regions of the northern and southern hemispheres, its technology will allow it to sail in total safety and comfort through an ice floe that is more than 8 feet thick and compression ridges of more than 33 feet.
Thanks to its own energy supply, it will also be able to sail Earth’s most extreme regions.
Discover the absolute pinnacle of luxury exploration: https://en.ponant.com/ponant-icebreaker Since its founding by Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée over a quarter of a century ago, PONANT has been France's only cruise company.
With French crews, and the expertise, personal service, and cuisine that they bring with them, we offer luxury cruises to help you discover truly exceptional destinations. Whether you are embarking on a nature voyage in northern Europe, a cultural voyage to South America, an idyllic Caribbean cruise or a sophisticated expedition through the icy waters of the Antarctic, PONANT crosses the world's oceans in search of exclusive itineraries that are rich in fresh discoveries and encounters.
Do you dream of experiencing a voyage on the sea that combines authenticity with sophistication? We will welcome you on board our luxurious boats, yachts and sailing ships to offer an unforgettable cruise in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication on a human scale.
Polar Expeditions
Tropical Expeditions
