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Ponant Cruises is a world-renowned luxury expedition cruise line offering sophisticated, small-ship voyages to some of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. Blending French elegance, cutting-edge ship design, and immersive exploration, Ponant delivers a refined cruising experience focused on discovery, sustainability, and cultural enrichment. With a fleet of innovative, environmentally advanced vessels, including the Explorer-class ships and the world’s first luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant sails to destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, the Galápagos, Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Each voyage is guided by expert naturalists, scientists, and expedition leaders, ensuring meaningful exploration without sacrificing comfort.

Top deals

Ocean Cruise

Up To $1,000 Shipboard Credit On 2026 Voyages

Ponant Explorations Offer

  • Destinations: Ocean Destination
  • Travel Dates: 1/1/2026 ⁠–⁠ 12/31/2026
  • Expires on 5/31/2026
Ocean Cruise

Up To 25% Off 2027 Europe, Asia & Fjords Voyages + $1,000 Credit

PONANT Explorations + Smithsonian Journeys Spring 2027 Collection

  • Destinations: Asia, Europe, Ocean Destination
  • Travel Dates: 5/1/2027 ⁠–⁠ 6/7/2027
  • Expires on 5/31/2026

Highlights

Children's Activities

Ponant cruises are designed primarily for adults and mature travelers seeking enrichment and exploration. While select sailings welcome children, there are no dedicated kids’ clubs or supervised children’s programs, making Ponant best suited for families with older, well-traveled children who enjoy educational experiences.

Dining

Ponant offers elevated French-inspired cuisine created in partnership with world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Dining is open-seating and included in the cruise fare, featuring gourmet menus, regional flavors, fresh ingredients, and elegant service across refined dining venues and casual onboard restaurants.

Family Cruising

Ponant is not a traditional family cruise line. It caters to travelers seeking luxury expedition experiences, cultural enrichment, and destination-focused itineraries. Families with older children may enjoy select voyages, but the overall atmosphere is quiet, refined, and discovery-driven.

Night Life

Evenings onboard Ponant ships are relaxed and sophisticated, with enrichment lectures, live music, panoramic lounges, and elegant bars. There are no casinos or large-scale entertainment venues, creating a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reflection and conversation after a day of exploration.

Accommodations

Ponant ships feature luxurious staterooms and suites, most with private balconies, plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. Spacious public areas and high staff-to-guest ratios ensure a comfortable, personalized onboard experience.

Onboard Activities

Onboard programming focuses on education, discovery, and wellness, including expert-led lectures, cultural presentations, guided shore briefings, spa services, fitness centers, and observation lounges designed for wildlife viewing and scenic cruising.

Know before you go

Age Policy

Ponant voyages are primarily designed for adults. Children may be permitted on select itineraries; however, minimum age requirements vary by destination and expedition type. Polar and expedition cruises often require guests to be at least 6 to 8 years old. Guests under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian.

Dining Information

All meals are included in the cruise fare, with open seating and flexible dining times. Guests can enjoy fine dining, casual meals, and room service without assigned tables or formal dining schedules. Dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Fuel Surcharge Policy

Ponant does not routinely charge fuel surcharges. However, the cruise line reserves the right to implement a fuel supplement should global fuel prices significantly increase. Any such charges will be communicated in advance in accordance with the Guest Ticket Contract.

Payments / Refunds

To confirm a Ponant cruise reservation, guests are required to pay 25% of the total cruise fare at the time of booking. The remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure. All Ponant cruise reservations are subject to cancellation and modification fees.

All cancellations or booking changes must be submitted in writing. Guests who fail to embark, are unable to travel, or voluntarily waive any portion of the cruise services for any reason are not eligible for a refund. Additionally, Compagnie du Ponant is not obligated to refund any portion of the cruise fare for guests who leave the voyage early. Any costs, transportation expenses, or related charges resulting from an early departure are the sole responsibility of the guest.

  • Ponant Cruise Cancellation Fees
    Cancellation penalties apply to all deposited or fully paid bookings and to all services booked directly with Compagnie du Ponant. Fees are assessed based on the number of days prior to sailing when the written cancellation is received.
    From the date of booking confirmation up to 91 days before departure, a cancellation fee of 10% of the total cruise fare applies.
    Cancellations made 90 to 61 days prior to departure incur a 25% cancellation fee.
    Cancellations made 60 to 46 days prior to departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
    Cancellations made 45 to 31 days prior to departure incur a 75% cancellation fee.
    Cancellations made within 30 days of departure result in a 100% cancellation fee, with no refund provided.
    These policies ensure fairness while allowing Ponant Cruises to maintain the high standards of luxury expedition travel and operational excellence for every voyage.

Smoking Policy

For the safety and comfort of all guests, smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. Smoking including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is strictly prohibited in staterooms, suites, balconies, and indoor public spaces. Violations may result in cleaning fees or disembarkation.

Travel Protection

Ponant strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, and baggage protection. This is especially important for expedition cruises to remote regions where medical services and transportation options are limited.

Tipping Policy

Ponant operates with a no-obligation gratuity policy. Gratuities are generally included in the cruise fare, reflecting Ponant’s all-inclusive luxury experience. Guests who wish to recognize exceptional service may do so at their discretion.

Why Ponant?

  • Ponant Cruises stands out as a leader in luxury expedition travel, blending elegant French-style cruising with immersive exploration of the world’s most remarkable destinations. Whether you seek breathtaking polar landscapes, cultural discoveries, or gourmet cuisine at sea, a Ponant journey delivers refined comfort and unforgettable experiences.
  • One of the most compelling reasons to choose Ponant is its intimate small-ship design, allowing access to exclusive ports and remote destinations that larger ships cannot reach, giving you a truly unique travel experience. The cruise line’s ships are modern, environmentally advanced, and designed to provide both luxury and expedition capability in settings from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galápagos and Southeast Asia.
  • Ponant places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainable travel. The fleet incorporates cutting-edge technology and green practices to minimize impact on the ecosystems guests explore. Its ships hold major eco-certifications, reflecting a deep commitment to responsible cruising that enhances the experience for explorers who value sustainability.
  • Dining onboard Ponant is an experience in itself, with menus influenced by the rich traditions of French cuisine and the flavors of the regions visited, often curated in partnership with world-class culinary teams.
  • The service aboard Ponant Cruises is attentive and personalized, with an expert crew, naturalists, and expedition leaders enhancing both onboard life and shore activities. Smaller guest counts promote a refined, relaxed environment with ample opportunities to engage with onboard lecturers and local cultures.
  • From the serene elegance of onboard lounges to Zodiac landings and expert-led

FAQ

What is included in a Ponant cruise fare?
Ponant cruises typically include accommodations, all meals, most beverages under an “open bar” service, selected excursions, onboard enrichment, and Wi-Fi. Exact inclusions vary by itinerary and fare category.
Are Ponant Cruises all-inclusive?
Many elements such as onboard meals, beverages, and certain excursions are included, though premium alcoholic drinks or select activities may incur extra charges.
What kinds of destinations do Ponant Cruises visit?
Ponant sails to an extraordinary range of destinations, including polar regions like Antarctica and the Arctic, exotic locations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, Africa, Asia, Alaska, and numerous cultural hotspots in Europe and the Americas.
Is Ponant suitable for first-time cruisers?
While Ponant is welcoming to all cruisers, its expedition focus and sophisticated atmosphere are especially well-suited to travelers who enjoy discovery, culture, and immersive experiences.
Are Ponant cruises family-friendly?
Select sailings may accommodate children, but Ponant’s programming is primarily designed for adults and mature travelers seeking in-depth exploration rather than traditional kids’ entertainment.
Do Ponant ships offer Michelin-style or gourmet dining?
Yes. Dining aboard Ponant is known for its French culinary influence and refined cuisine that reflects the regions visited, often created with fresh local ingredients.
Can I expect expert-led excursions on Ponant expedition cruises?
Absolutely. Expedition voyages include guided shore landings, expert briefings, and opportunities to learn from naturalists, scientists, and historians.
What is the ship size and atmosphere like on Ponant Cruises?
Ponant’s fleet consists of smaller vessels designed for comfort and expedition access, creating an intimate and elegant cruising atmosphere compared to large mainstream ships.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Wi-Fi is generally available on Ponant ships, but connectivity may vary by region and satellite coverage, especially in remote expedition areas.
How do I book Ponant Cruises?
Ponant Cruises can be booked directly through the official site or through reputable travel advisors like AffordableTours.com, offering expert support and tailored travel planning.

Ponant Cruises cruise ships

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