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.
Classic (“Yachting”) Cruises
- Minimum Age: 1 year
- Conditions: Only five children between the ages of 1 and 6 are permitted per ship.
Expedition Cruises
- Minimum Age: 6 years
- Conditions: Children must be fully independent during Zodiac activities.
Le Commandant Charcot
- Minimum Age: 8 years
- Conditions: The higher age requirement reflects the extreme conditions associated with this icebreaker.
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
Deposits & Payments
Standard reservations require a deposit of 25% of the total cruise fare, due within 72 hours of booking. Smithsonian Journeys or joint programs may require flat deposits of $1,500-$2,000 per person. Final payment is strictly due exactly 90 days prior to departure, and reservations made within 90 days of sailing require immediate full payment on the same day. Ponant applies two distinct progressive penalty schedules depending on whether the voyage is an Expedition Style Cruise or a standard Classic Yachting Cruise. Pre-sales and land extensions must be cancelled 30 to 60 days in advance to avoid 100% penalties, while standard onboard shore excursions can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours prior.
Cancellation & Refunds
Ponant enforces two separate cancellation penalty schedules based on cruise style.
91 or More Days
- Expedition Style: 25% of Full Cruise Fare (forfeits deposit)
- All Other Cruises: 10% of Full Cruise Fare
90 to 76 Days
- Expedition Style: 50% of Full Cruise Fare
- All Other Cruises: 25% of Full Cruise Fare
75 to 61 Days
- Expedition Style: 75% of Full Cruise Fare
- All Other Cruises: 25% of Full Cruise Fare
60 to 46 Days
- Expedition Style: 100% of Full Cruise Fare
- All Other Cruises: 50% of Full Cruise Fare
45 to 31 Days
- Expedition Style: 100% of Full Cruise Fare
- All Other Cruises: 75% of Full Cruise Fare
30 Days or Less / No-Show
- Expedition Style: 100% of Full Cruise Fare
- All Other Cruises: 100% of Full Cruise Fare
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 recommends purchasing travel protection and partners with Allianz Global Assistance to offer a custom multi-risk travel protection plan (including the Allianz Expedition plan). For expedition voyages (such as Le Commandant Charcot), Allianz plans cover up to $250,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation and up to $50,000 in Accident & Sickness Medical Expense. The cost of the plan is calculated dynamically as a percentage of the total vacation cost and the age of the travelers. To qualify for a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver, the policy must be purchased within 14 days of making the initial trip deposit.
Tipping Policy
Tipping policies differ by booking currency. For bookings made in US Dollars through Ponant’s Americas office, crew gratuities are fully included in the cruise fare (covers stateroom attendants, butlers, bar staff, and dining servers), and daily automatic charges are exactly $0. Tipping is discretionary, and an anonymous envelope is left in staterooms on the final evening for collective crew contributions. For international bookings or unbundled promotional fares, Ponant suggests a recommended tipping rate of €10 to €12 per person, per day, which can be adjusted onboard. A standard gratuity of 15% to 18% is automatically added to optional premium purchases (vintage wines, spa, personal training).
Dress Code
Ponant recommends elegant, casual clothing. Shorts and Bermudas are strictly prohibited in the evenings in the gastronomic restaurants.
Formal Nights
- Ponant features “Gala Evenings” (usually one or two per cruise) where a cocktail dress is recommended for ladies, and a shirt and tie (or jacket) is recommended for gentlemen. There is also an Officers’ evening where white or black-and-white attire is suggested.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
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.
