Age Policy
Ponant’s age policy varies significantly depending on the type of ship and the itinerary. Because expedition cruises involve disembarking in rubber boats (Zodiacs), they have stricter requirements than their classic yachting cruises.
Minimum Age Requirements
The absolute minimum age to board any Ponant ship is 1 year old.
| Cruise Type | Minimum Age | Specific Conditions |
| Classic (“Yachting”) | 1 year | Only 5 children between ages 1 and 6 are allowed per ship. |
| Expedition Cruises | 6 years | Children must be fully independent during Zodiac activities. |
| Le Commandant Charcot | 8 years | This icebreaker has a higher age limit due to extreme conditions. |
Key Policies & Requirements
Mandatory Paperwork
For any child between 1 and 8 years old, you must:
- Obtain written authorization from Ponant to board.
- Complete and return a liability waiver to validate the registration.
Physical & Gear Requirements
- Zodiac Independence: On expedition cruises, children must be old enough to understand safety instructions, tall enough to sit on the inflatable sides of the boat, and able to disembark independently.
- Parkas: While Ponant often provides parkas for adults on polar cruises, they do not carry children’s sizes. Parents are responsible for bringing a suitable polar parka for their child.
- Captain’s Discretion: The Captain and Expedition Head have the final say on whether a child can participate in specific Zodiac outings based on sea conditions and landing difficulty.
Supervision & Kid’s Club
- Responsibility: Guests under 18 remain the full responsibility of their parents/guardians at all times, both on board and on land.
- Kid’s Club: On select sailings, a Kid’s Club is available for children aged 4 and up.
- Accommodations: No guest under 21 may stay in a stateroom alone; they must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Discounts
Ponant typically offers family discounts, such as a 5% discount starting from the fifth paying person in a group booking. There are also specific Young Explorer rates for children and teenagers sharing a cabin with one or two adults.
Note: Policies can change based on specific itineraries (like Smithsonian Journeys collaborations). It is always recommended to verify the specific requirements for your chosen sail date with your travel agent or Ponant directly.
Dining Information
Dining on Ponant is a centerpiece of the experience, heavily influenced by French culinary traditions. They maintain a high-profile partnership with Ducasse Conseil (led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse) to design menus and train their onboard chefs.
Dining Venues
Most Ponant ships (the Explorer and Sistership series) offer two main dining options:
- Gastronomic Restaurant: The main formal dining room. It offers a sophisticated, 5-star table service for dinner with French and international haute cuisine.
- Grill Restaurant: A more relaxed, often alfresco venue. It serves buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, with themed dinners or grilled specialties in the evening.
- Le Commandant Charcot Exclusive: This ship features Nuna, the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, focused on high-end gourmet exploration.
The Open Bar Policy
Ponant operates on an all-inclusive beverage basis. From the moment you board:
- Included: Mineral water, soft drinks, house wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, and tea are served freely at any time.
- Excluded: Certain premium top-shelf alcoholic beverages on the menu are available for an extra charge.
Dress Code
The vibe is Casual Elegance—think French Riviera chic rather than stuffy gala.
- Daytime: Casual and comfortable. On expedition cruises, this is dominated by your excursion gear.
- Evening: Smart Casual is the standard. Men typically wear chinos and collared shirts (blazers optional); women wear sundresses, skirts, or elegant trousers.
- Gala Nights: Most cruises have one or two gala evenings. While tuxedos aren’t required, many guests opt for a dark suit or a cocktail dress.
- Prohibited: Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are not permitted in the Gastronomic Restaurant for dinner.
Dietary Requirements
Ponant is generally very accommodating, but notice is required for specific needs:
- Standard Options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and pescatarian dishes are available as standard.
- Allergies: Must be reported at least 28 days before departure.
- Kosher/Halal/Baby Food: Requires a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice to ensure the specific supplies are loaded onto the ship.
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
Ponant maintains a strict smoking policy to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests. Generally, their ships are considered non-smoking environments, with very specific exceptions.
Prohibited Areas
Smoking (including electronic cigarettes and vaping) is strictly forbidden in the following areas:
- All Indoor Spaces: This includes staterooms, suites, lounges, restaurants, corridors, and the reception area.
- Private Balconies: Unlike some other cruise lines, Ponant does not allow smoking on cabin balconies or verandas.
Designated Smoking Areas
Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas of the ship. These are typically located on the Sun Deck or specific sections of the open decks. These areas are clearly marked with signage and equipped with ashtrays.
The Cigar Lounge (Le Commandant Charcot)
If you are sailing on the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, there is a specialized Cigar Lounge on Deck 5.
- Permitted: High-quality cigars and pipes.
- Prohibited: Cigarette smoking is typically not allowed in this lounge; it is reserved specifically for cigar aficionados and is paired with a selection of premium spirits.
Safety and Etiquette
- Electronic Cigarettes: The same rules apply to vaping and e-cigarettes as they do to traditional tobacco; they must only be used in designated outdoor zones.
- Fire Safety: Never throw cigarette butts or matches overboard, as the wind can blow them back onto the ship and create a significant fire hazard.
- Compliance: Because Ponant ships are smaller and more intimate, these rules are closely monitored to maintain air quality for all passengers.
Travel Protection
Ponant offers a comprehensive travel protection plan designed to cover risks specific to high-end expedition cruising. Because their itineraries often visit remote areas (like the Arctic or Antarctica), having a plan that includes high-limit medical evacuation is highly recommended.
Multi-Risk Insurance Options
Ponant typically offers a Tailor-Made insurance policy with three main levels of coverage. You must usually purchase this on the day of booking or within two working days of your deposit.
| Plan Type | Key Coverage | Limit Highlights |
| Premium Comprehensive | Cancellation, Baggage, Medical, Repatriation, & Personal Accident | Cancellation up to €50,000 per person; Medical up to €300,000. |
| Comprehensive | Cancellation, Baggage, Medical, & Repatriation | Cancellation up to €25,000 per person; Medical up to €200,000. |
| Cancellation & Baggage | Trip cancellation and lost/damaged luggage only | Ideal if you already have primary medical/evacuation coverage. |
Medical & Repatriation
This is the most critical component for expedition travelers.
- Emergency Medical: Covers hospital costs up to €200,000 (or €300,000 for USA/Canada sailings).
- Repatriation: In the event of a serious injury or illness, the policy covers the cost of transporting you home or to a better-equipped medical facility.
- Onboard Care: While there is a doctor and nurse on most ships, their services are not free. The insurance helps you reclaim these costs (consultation and medication) from your provider later.
Serenity Policy (Flexible Booking)
- Change for Free: You can often change or postpone your cruise without penalty if done within a specific timeframe (usually up to 90 days before departure).
- Grand Admiral/Commodore Status: High-tier loyalty members get one free voyage modification every 12 months as a built-in perk.
Important Limitations
- Pre-existing Conditions: Like most plans, standard coverage may exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless you meet specific waiver criteria (such as booking the insurance immediately after your initial deposit).
- The 2-Day Rule: To be eligible for the cancellation portion of Ponant’s own insurance, you must generally subscribe at the time of booking or within 48 hours.
- Deductibles: Most claims carry a small excess fee (roughly €30 to €150 depending on the type of claim).
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.