French Luxury,
Bold Exploration.
Ponant
French Elegance in Luxury Expedition Cruising
Ponant is a world leader in luxury expedition cruising, offering a seamless blend of French sophistication, small-ship intimacy, and sustainable exploration. Founded in 1988, Ponant has established itself as a premier cruise line for travelers seeking refined, culturally immersive voyages to the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations.
With a fleet of intimate, eco-conscious ships, Ponant delivers unparalleled experiences in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean, the Galápagos, and beyond. Guests enjoy luxuriously appointed accommodations, Michelin-inspired cuisine, personalized service, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, making every voyage a unique and enriching journey.
Perfect for discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury and meaningful exploration, Ponant offers a sophisticated yachting experience with a French touch.
Fleet and Ships
Modern, Boutique-Style Expedition Ships
Ponant’s fleet consists of small-sized ships and luxury yachts, designed for intimate cruising, off-the-beaten-path itineraries, and environmentally friendly travel.
Current Ships
Every Ponant ship is designed for comfort, sustainability, and immersive exploration, offering personalized service and access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels.
Exploration Yachts
- Le Ponant – A three-masted sailing yacht accommodating only 32 guests, providing an exclusive and private yacht experience.
- Le Commandant Charcot – The world’s first luxury icebreaker, a hybrid electric LNG-powered vessel, designed for polar exploration with an ultra-luxury atmosphere.
Ponant Explorers (Expedition Series Ships)
Ponant’s six state-of-the-art expedition ships, each accommodating 184 guests, feature a sleek, modern design, reinforced hulls, and advanced eco-friendly technology:
- Le Champlain
- Le Lapérouse
- Le Bougainville
- Le Dumont-d’Urville
- Le Bellot
- Le Jacques Cartier
Each of these ships is equipped with the revolutionary Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, allowing guests to observe marine life through submerged glass panels while enjoying the soundscape of the ocean.
Luxury Small Ships (Sister Ships)
These four mid-sized luxury ships, accommodating up to 264 guests, provide a refined yacht-like ambiance with world-class amenities:
- Le Boréal
- L’Austral
- Le Soléal
- Le Lyrial
Suites & Staterooms
Contemporary French Luxury
Ponant’s accommodations reflect French elegance and modern comfort, featuring contemporary designs, ocean views, and high-end amenities.
Stateroom Categories:
- Deluxe Staterooms – Elegantly designed cabins with private balconies, fine furnishings, and refined décor inspired by the ship’s destinations.
- Prestige Staterooms – Offering spacious interiors, larger balconies, and enhanced amenities for an upgraded level of comfort.
- Suites – Expansive accommodations featuring separate living areas, large terraces, and exclusive butler service, perfect for guests seeking the highest level of luxury.
All accommodations include:
- Private balconies with panoramic ocean views
- Luxury bath amenities by Hermès
- Plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium linens
- Flat-screen TVs with international channels and on-demand movies
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service
With a focus on understated elegance, high-end materials, and sophisticated design, Ponant ensures that every stateroom is a peaceful retreat at sea.
Culinary Experiences
Michelin-Inspired Dining at Sea
Ponant’s onboard dining experience is a celebration of French gastronomy, featuring Michelin-inspired menus crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Venues Onboard:
- Gastronomic Restaurant – The ship’s main fine dining venue, offering seasonally inspired French and international dishes in an elegant, open-seating setting.
- Grill Restaurant – A casual, al fresco dining option, serving grilled specialties, seafood, salads, and gourmet desserts.
- Panoramic Lounge & Bar – A sophisticated space for wine tastings, cocktails, and light refreshments, featuring curated selections of French wines and champagnes.
- 24-Hour In-Suite Dining – Guests can enjoy a la carte dining in the privacy of their suite, with a selection of gourmet options available at any time.
Ponant is committed to sustainability in its culinary program, emphasizing organic produce, responsibly sourced seafood, and reduced food waste initiatives.
Service & Amenities
Unparalleled Service & Exclusive Onboard Amenities
Ponant is known for its exceptional service, personalized attention, and luxurious onboard amenities, creating a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Signature Onboard Experiences:
- Expedition Team & Enrichment Lectures – Every voyage is led by world-class naturalists, marine biologists, and historians, providing in-depth insights and expert-led excursions.
- Zodiac Landings & Guided Hikes – Guests can explore hidden islands, remote beaches, and untouched landscapes, with small-group excursions tailored to the destination.
- Blue Eye Underwater Lounge – A multi-sensory underwater observation space, offering views of marine life through glass portholes and an immersive sound experience.
- Spa & Wellness Center – Featuring luxurious treatment rooms, a sauna, a fitness center, and a relaxation area, inspired by French wellness traditions.
- Infinity Pool & Sun Deck – A serene outdoor retreat with a heated seawater pool and panoramic views, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
With a high guest-to-crew ratio and personalized service, Ponant ensures that every moment onboard is indulgent and stress-free.
Destinations
Exploring the World’s Hidden Gems
Ponant offers handcrafted itineraries to some of the world’s most extraordinary and culturally rich destinations.
Signature Destinations:
- Antarctica – Experience towering icebergs, pristine glaciers, and colonies of penguins, with expert-led Zodiac excursions.
- Arctic & Greenland – Explore the northernmost reaches of the planet, searching for polar bears, Arctic foxes, and the breathtaking Northern Lights.
- Mediterranean & Greek Isles – Discover hidden coastal gems, UNESCO sites, and stunning beaches, with exclusive access to lesser-visited ports.
- Galápagos Islands – Witness rare wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and untouched ecosystems, with a small-group, eco-conscious approach.
- Asia & Indonesia – Navigate through the Spice Islands, Komodo National Park, and the remote atolls of the Pacific.
- The Kimberley (Australia) – Journey through ancient Aboriginal lands, stunning waterfalls, and rugged coastal cliffs.
Each itinerary is curated for cultural immersion and adventure, offering privileged access to unique, off-the-beaten-path locations.
Why Book with Maxim Travel?
At Maxim Travel, we specialize in luxury and expedition cruising, ensuring that our clients receive exclusive perks and VIP service when booking a Ponant voyage.
Our Clients Receive:
- Expert Luxury Cruise Specialists – We ensure you select the perfect suite, itinerary, and onboard experiences.
- VIP Access & Exclusive Offers – Access to exclusive promotions, pre-launch sailings, and onboard credits.
- Seamless, Stress-Free Planning – From flights and transfers to pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, we handle every detail.
- Personalized Concierge Service – We go beyond booking—we tailor your entire journey to match your lifestyle and travel preferences.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable voyage? Contact Maxim Travel today!
Experience Expedition Cruising Like Never Before
Contact Maxim Travel today to reserve your Ponant voyage.
📞 Call us at +1-256-850-1010
💬 Text us at +1-256-850-1010
📧 Email: [email protected]