Ponant Cruises

One of the first things you’ll notice about Ponant is the difference between the ships. The four sister ships offer a more traditional small-ship cruise experience, while the Explorer Class vessels are more intimate and best suited to warm-weather cruising. Then there are Le Ponant and Le Charcot, two truly distinctive ships that couldn’t be more different. Choosing the right Ponant ship is an important part of your voyage, and The Cruise Line’s Voyage Consultants are here to help you understand what each offers.

Ponant’s four sisters – Le Boreal, L’Austral, Le Soleal, and Le Lyrial – are the vessels that helped establish Ponant’s reputation for combining French luxury with itineraries venturing far from the beaten path. With a maximum capacity of just 260 guests, they offer a balance of hotel-style accommodation, inviting lounges, and spacious outdoor decks. Their versatility is a big plus, with the fleet offering itineraries that range from Mediterranean favourites to expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic. If you enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional cruise ship, they’re an excellent choice, albeit on a smaller scale.

Offering accommodations for up to 184 guests, Ponant’s Explorer Class is particularly appealing for those seeking a smaller vessel. Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d’Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier share a contemporary design, with private balconies throughout and the remarkable Blue Eye underwater lounge. They’re well-suited to itineraries where exploring ashore is a key part of the experience, while retaining the comfortable surroundings and attentive service you expect from Ponant.

At opposite ends of the fleet, these two ships offer Ponant’s most extraordinary experiences. Le Commandant Charcot is a luxury icebreaker designed to venture deep into the polar regions, including the geographic North Pole and Arctic Canada. With just 245 guests, its accommodation and facilities are exceptionally impressive and a far cry from what you’d usually expect from an icebreaker. Meanwhile, Le Ponant is a beautiful three-masted sailing yacht carrying on 22 guests and offering curated coastline-intensive itineraries – it’s about as close to sailing aboard a private yacht as you can get without chartering the whole vessel.

The accommodation reflects the different characters of Ponant’s ships, so it’s worth looking beyond the suite category when making your choice. Across the fleet, you’ll find French-inspired interiors, sophisticated furnishings and no shortage of little touches that make returning to your accommodation a pleasure. While most staterooms have a private balcony, layouts and sizes vary considerably between ship classes.

The four Sister Ships offer a range of staterooms and suites, from entry-level accommodation with picture windows to larger suites with separate living areas. Whichever you choose, you’ll find comfortable furnishings and thoughtful amenities, with the understated elegance that characterises Ponant’s approach to luxury. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, we’d particularly recommend considering one of the balcony categories, especially on longer sailings.

Despite their smaller size, the Explorer Class ships offer impressive accommodation, with beautifully finished contemporary interiors and a private balcony in every category. There’s a wide choice of options, from comfortable Deluxe Staterooms to larger suites offering additional living space. Understandably, many of our clients are drawn to the combination of a private balcony and a ship carrying fewer than 200 guests.

Le Commandant Charcot offers some of Ponant’s most impressive suites, with generous proportions, private balconies and beautifully appointed interiors that feel particularly indulgent when you’re exploring the polar regions. Le Ponant takes a more intimate approach, with just 16 staterooms reflecting the proportions and character of a traditional sailing yacht. Both are appealing in their own way, so the real decision comes down to your preferred destination and style of cruising.

Dining is one of the pleasures of a Ponant cruise, with the operator’s French heritage evident throughout. Menus combine classic French cuisine with international dishes and regionally inspired creations from the destinations you visit. The approach is relaxed, with open-seating arrangements and a choice of dining venues depending on your ship. Meals are included in your fare, along with a selection of beverages, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about additional charges.

While French gastronomy is an important part of the Ponant experience, not every meal needs to be elaborate. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy everything from multi-course dinners to lighter lunches and snacks, all with an emphasis on good ingredients, careful preparation and attentive service. It’s a particularly appealing combination if you enjoy fine dining but prefer a less formal atmosphere.

Ponant’s culinary credentials are strengthened by its partnership with Ducasse Conseil, the consultancy associated with celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. Rather than introducing a single speciality restaurant, the collaboration influences the broader dining experience, from menu development to culinary techniques and presentation. It reflects how seriously Ponant takes its food and helps distinguish the operator from many expedition-focused cruise lines, where the destinations understandably receive most of the attention.

Sometimes, particularly after a busy day exploring ashore, the prospect of a quiet meal in your suite or stateroom is something to be relished. Likewise, nothing beats enjoying a leisurely breakfast on your private balcony as the sun rises. Room service is available across the Ponant fleet, though menus and arrangements vary by vessel and accommodation category. Our Voyage Consultants can advise on what’s available aboard your preferred ship.

Life aboard a Ponant ship is relaxed, with inviting lounges, spacious outdoor areas and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the passing scenery between ports of call. Facilities vary considerably between ships, especially when comparing the more traditional Sister Ships with the smaller Explorer Class vessels. On expedition voyages, much of the excitement comes from the destinations themselves, with Zodiac outings, wildlife encounters and presentations from the expedition team often providing the day’s highlights.

For many Ponant voyages, the most memorable experiences begin when you leave the ship. On expedition itineraries, Zodiac boats allow guests to explore coastlines, approach wildlife and land in places without conventional port facilities. Activities are led by experienced expedition teams, with the programme adapting to local conditions. Selected ships and itineraries also offer opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, although availability and any additional charges depend on the voyage. It’s worth checking what’s offered before booking.

One of Ponant’s most unusual features is the Blue Eye Lounge, found aboard all six Explorer Class ships. Located below the waterline, this remarkable space features underwater windows and a specially designed sound system that allows guests to listen to the surrounding marine environment. With comfortable sofas, loungers and bar service, it’s a fascinating place to spend time, particularly when sailing through waters rich in marine life.

When night falls, Ponant’s ships tend to be sociable rather than extravagant. You can enjoy a drink in one of the lounges, listen to live music or attend a presentation about the places you’re visiting. Some itineraries feature performances and special events, although you shouldn’t expect the large theatres and glitzy productions found aboard bigger ships. The atmosphere is particularly appealing if you enjoy good conversation in elegant surroundings, with the freedom to spend your evening as you please.

There’s plenty to enjoy aboard Ponant when you’re not exploring ashore, particularly if you appreciate having time to unwind. Most ships offer dedicated spa and fitness facilities, with treatments and amenities varying across the fleet. The larger vessels naturally provide more extensive spaces, while smaller ships take a simpler approach. Whether you’re treating yourself to a massage after an excursion or enjoying a morning workout, it’s reassuring to have these facilities available during your voyage.

Ponant’s spas offer a selection of massages, facials and body treatments, providing a welcome opportunity to relax between excursions. Depending on your chosen ship, you may also find facilities such as a hammam, sauna or dedicated relaxation area. The experience is particularly appealing on longer expedition voyages, when a little indulgence after a day spent exploring can be very welcome. We’d recommend reserving treatments in advance if there’s something specific you’d like to enjoy.

If you like to maintain your fitness routine while travelling, Ponant’s ships offer exercise facilities with equipment for cardio and strength training. The size and selection vary between vessels, so it’s worth checking the arrangements if the gym is particularly important to you. Of course, staying active doesn’t necessarily mean spending time indoors. Between guided walks, Zodiac excursions and other activities ashore, many Ponant itineraries provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy a more active holiday.

Ponant can be a wonderful choice for families, particularly those with older children who share an interest in wildlife, history and exploring unfamiliar destinations. It’s worth remembering, however, that these are intimate luxury ships rather than conventional family cruise vessels, so facilities and activities for younger guests are more limited. Selected itineraries are particularly well suited to multigenerational travel, and our Voyage Consultants can help identify the ships, accommodation and destinations that work best for your family.

Ponant offers dedicated family-friendly voyages on selected departures, with activities designed to introduce younger guests to the destinations they’re visiting. Depending on the itinerary, these might include educational workshops, outdoor activities and opportunities to learn from the expedition team. For older children and teenagers, the prospect of exploring by Zodiac or encountering wildlife in its natural habitat can be especially exciting. Programme availability and minimum ages vary, so we’d recommend discussing your family’s requirements before choosing a sailing.