Whether you choose a tropical cruise or a voyage into the heart of the Antarctic ice, you will always travel on board the exceptional PONANT fleet, offering excellent service, outstanding French gastronomy and an intimate atmosphere.
PONANT’s state-of-the-art fleet of environmentally responsible ships is designed to navigate through diverse environments and small enough to be able to take our guests to the most exceptional sites, discovering places that larger vessels are unable to reach.
Discover the earth’s treasures on board a luxurious ship built on an intimate scale. Set sail in a relaxed, stylish environment and enjoy a travel experience that is both engaging and sophisticated. Once aboard, enjoy the adventure in total peace of mind as everything is included: Zodiac® outings and shore visits, excursions, open bar from water to champagne, lectures, parkas and boot hire for polar expeditions, etc.
We go above and beyond environmental regulations, using research and innovation to help us minimise our impact on the places we visit. Thanks to our efforts, every one of the PONANT ships has been awarded the international ‘Clean Ship’ label, which certifies that we have reduced our environmental impact. Read more about our Commitment to Sustainable Cruising.
TECHNOLOGY AT THE HEART OF PONANT SHIP DESIGNS
- Refrigerant gas (R407C) used for air conditioning and for refrigeration units. This has no impact on the ozone layer and a very low impact on the greenhouse gas effect
- Low energy and low heat emitting lighting system (LED and fibre optic based)
- dynamic positioning system (when necessary) helps maintain a vessel’s position without having to drop the anchor, thereby protecting the seabed
- Tin-free antifouling paint to protect marine ecosystems as much as possible
PONANT, A MEMBER OF IAATO AND AECO
PONANT is a full and proud member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). IAATO is an industry group organisation that sets the highest possible tourism operating standards in an effort to ensure appropriate, safe and environmentally sound travel to Antarctica. Its rules include guidelines about the maximum number of guests during shore landings, alongside further specific guidelines for interaction with wildlife, visitor briefings and key safety obligations for operators). In the Arctic, PONANT is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise
Operators (AECO). AECO is dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic.
A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Approaching seldom-visited places by sea promises a privileged discovery of little-known cultures and populations, who continue their traditional ways of life, often on the lands of their ancestors. Without a profound respect for these people who welcome us, PONANT would not be accepted. When planning every single one of our expedition cruises, we build a close working relationship with our host community. People themselves decide what they wish to share from their culture and environment. Involved in this way, a local community becomes an active participant in – and beneficiary of – low impact, ecologically sensitive tourism. PONANT is also committed to preserving and maintaining traditional cultures and practices, for example by supporting the work of the Upernavik “FabLab” organisation in Greenland, which trains members of the Inuit community in traditional skills and crafts.
THE PONANT EXPLORERS
LE LAPÉROUSE, LE CHAMPLAIN, LE BOUGAINVILLE, LE DUMONT-D’URVILLE, LE BELLOT & LE JACQUES CARTIER
The PONANT Explorers are a major expansion of the PONANT fleet that enable our guests to enjoy a broader range of new adventures, including tropical and subtropical expeditions. Our hallmark remains unchanged: to offer a unique blend of discovery and exceptional comfort, even in the most remote corners of the world.
These six new stars of our fleet are named in tribute to great French explorers and will carry guests in the wake of these courageous, pioneering men who, long ago, set off for adventure in search of new lands. Taking inspiration from history’s great navigators was a natural choice for PONANT, the only French cruise line to sail to little-known, remote lands that are inaccessible to larger ships. In keeping with our standards, each ship offers a carefully limited guest capacity, sleek design, cutting-edge technology and passionate respect for the environment, allowing PONANT to access an ever-widening range of destinations.
More information about the PONANT Explorers
See Ponant deck plans for the PONANT Explorers
THE SISTERSHIPS
L’AUSTRAL, LE BORÉAL, LE SOLÉAL & LE LYRIAL
These four elegant ships with 122 to 132 cabins and suites reflect PONANT´s philosophy: they boast a limited capacity, a unique atmosphere and a subtle combination of luxury, privacy and well-being.
All of the staterooms and suites offer sea views and 95% of them have balconies. With large windows and exterior decks, guests can enjoy breath-taking views of the horizon.
On board, there are no more than 260 guests, attentively looked after by 132 staff members.
The atmosphere aboard the ship is refined yet convivial; unique in the cruise industry, the Captain may choose to invite guests to join him on the Bridge for the chance to spend a few moments experiencing what it’s like to navigate the ship by his side and to meet the officers.
More information about the PONANT Sisterships
See deck plans and cabins for the PONANT Sisterships
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
Le Commandant-Charcot PONANTSTIRLING DESIGN INTERNATIONAL
The Le Commandant Charcot is a remarkable hybrid electric polar exploration vessel propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). As the first-ever PC2 Polar Class luxury cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot will sail further into remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Le Commandant-Charcot has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the furthest latitudes whilst simultaneously allowing guests to experience the most breathtaking landscapes.
Boasting a limited capacity, luxurious furnishings and state of the art amenities there are just 135 cabins including 31 suites. With 170 guests onboard looked after by 187 staff members, an expedition onboard Le Commandant Charcot in an intimate and exceptional experience.
More information about the Le Commandant Charcot
See Ponant deck plans for the Le Commandant Charcot
