Introduction
Ponant Cruises is a French luxury cruise line renowned for combining elegant yacht-style travel with a strong commitment to exploration, sustainability, and cultural discovery. Founded in 1988, Ponant offers intimate voyages aboard its modern fleet of small ships—each designed to provide a refined, personalized experience while accessing remote destinations that larger vessels cannot reach. From polar expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic to tropical journeys through the Caribbean, Asia, and the Mediterranean, Ponant immerses guests in the natural beauty and cultural richness of each region, all while upholding the highest standards of French hospitality, gastronomy, and environmental responsibility.
Fleet
Ponant’s fleet is composed of 15 state-of-the-art small ships designed to deliver an exclusive and immersive cruising experience while maintaining a strong focus on environmental sustainability. The fleet includes the elegant Sisterships—Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial—as well as six innovative Ponant Explorers series, featuring expedition yachts such as Le Bellot, Le Bougainville, Le Champlain, Le Demont d’Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Lapérouse, named after famous French explorers. Each vessel blends sleek, contemporary design with advanced technology, offering spacious staterooms, world-class dining, and personalized service. Ponant also operates the legendary three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant and the hybrid-powered icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, the first of its kind designed to reach the North and South Poles in exceptional comfort. Together, these ships embody Ponant’s dedication to refined adventure and responsible travel.
In January 2025 PONANT Explorations Group acquired a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, making Aqua a brand-under-the-PONANT umbrella while continuing to operate under its own name.
Aqua Expeditions is a luxury river and ocean cruise company known for offering intimate, immersive travel experiences in some of the world’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Founded in 2007 by Francesco Galli Zugaro, the company operates a fleet of elegantly designed small ships that combine five-star comfort with a strong focus on sustainability and local culture. Aqua Expeditions’ itineraries explore destinations such as the Amazon River in Peru, the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, the Galápagos Islands, and coastal Indonesia. Each voyage is led by expert naturalist guides and features curated excursions—like wildlife spotting, cultural visits, and kayaking—designed to connect guests deeply with the surrounding environment and communities. The brand has become synonymous with personalized service, gourmet cuisine crafted by renowned chefs, and a commitment to responsible travel.
Destinations
Ponant Cruises offers an extraordinary range of destinations that span every corner of the globe, inviting travelers to explore both iconic ports and remote, rarely visited regions. Its itineraries cover all seven continents—from the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic to the sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean, the cultural treasures of the Mediterranean, and the vibrant coastlines of Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Ponant’s small-ship design allows guests to access secluded bays, hidden harbors, and pristine natural sites inaccessible to larger vessels. Many voyages are enriched by expert-led excursions focused on wildlife, history, and local cultures, providing a deeper understanding of each destination. Whether sailing through the fjords of Norway, the coral reefs of the South Pacific, or the polar landscapes of Greenland, Ponant combines exploration and elegance to create truly unforgettable journeys.
The Experience
The Ponant experience, both onboard and ashore, is defined by a seamless blend of luxury, discovery, and authentic connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. Onboard, guests enjoy the ambiance of a private yacht, with elegant accommodations, fine French-inspired cuisine, attentive service, and sophisticated spaces designed for relaxation and enrichment. Enrichment programs—such as expert lectures, photography workshops, and cultural performances—enhance the sense of exploration. Ashore, Ponant’s carefully curated excursions offer meaningful encounters with local communities, wildlife, and natural wonders, often led by passionate guides and specialists. Whether kayaking among Antarctic icebergs, exploring ancient Mediterranean ruins, or sharing traditions with Indigenous peoples, guests experience each destination in depth and with respect for its environment and culture—embodying Ponant’s ethos of “exploration refined.”
Inclusive Features
A Ponant cruise offers an all-inclusive experience designed to provide comfort, elegance, and peace of mind from the moment guests step aboard. Fares typically include luxurious accommodation, all meals crafted by talented chefs with a focus on French and international cuisine, and a selection of fine wines, spirits, and beverages served throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access, and unlimited use of onboard facilities such as lounges, fitness areas, and pools. On expedition voyages, a team of expert naturalists and guides lead included shore excursions, zodiac outings, and onboard lectures to deepen guests’ understanding of each destination. Gratuities, port taxes, and airport transfers are also generally included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free journey that reflects Ponant’s signature blend of refinement, adventure, and personalized service.
Relationships/Alliances
In July 2023, Ponant’s three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant officially joined the Relais & Châteaux portfolio (making it the first sailing yacht ever to do so). The partnership includes specially branded voyages (for example, gastronomic voyages) aboard Le Ponant and other Ponant's ships, with enhanced culinary and hospitality touches aligned with the Relais & Châteaux brand. For travellers, this means you get a cruise product that leans heavily into gastronomic excellence, fine hospitality, and refined experiences.
Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys (the travel arm of the Smithsonian Institution) have an ongoing, multi-year relationship offering “co-branded” voyages under the theme of exploration, culture, history and environment. Ponant brings its ship / voyage capabilities (small-ship access to remote destinations, high-end service) and Smithsonian Journeys brings “educational/experiential credibility” via its museum/research heritage.
Two or more onboard experts in fields such as geology, astrophysics, ecology, cultural studies, politics, art history etc., a shore excursion/activity included at each port of call, designed to deepen engagement with the destination (culture, environment, wildlife, language) and other inclusions highlight each of these co-branded voyages. While the experience on board is upscale, the emphasis is less on ultra-luxury (compared to the Relais & Châteaux oriented ones) and more on “luxury + learning/discovery”.
Solo Travellers
Solo travel on Ponant Cruises offers an ideal balance of independence, comfort, and connection, making it an excellent choice for travellers exploring the world on their own. With the intimate size of Ponant’s ships—typically carrying fewer than 250 guests—solo travellers enjoy a welcoming, social atmosphere where it’s easy to meet like-minded adventurers while still having plenty of space for personal relaxation. Ponant often provides special offers for solo guests, including reduced or waived single supplements on select voyages. Onboard, attentive crew members deliver personalized service, while shared dining, enrichment lectures, and small-group excursions create natural opportunities for camaraderie. Whether mingling with fellow guests over fine French cuisine, joining guided zodiac outings in remote destinations, or simply savoring the serenity of a private balcony at sea, solo travellers with Ponant experience both the freedom of solo exploration and the warmth of an inclusive, sophisticated community.
Contact your Travel Professional or visit us.ponant.com for complete details.