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Awaken Your Sense of Wonder – with PONANT Cultural Cruises & Expeditions

The world’s only French-flagged cruise line and top cruise line worldwide in polar expeditions, PONANT Cultural Cruises & Expeditions currently has five distinctive and intimate vessels, embodying the essence of a private luxury yacht: the three-masted LE PONANT, an elegant sailing yacht accommodating 64 guests and four identically designed ‘sister ships’ with no more than 264-guests LE BORÉAL, L’AUSTRAL, LE SOLÉAL and LE LYRIAL. These luxurious ships, with a fleet of 12 zodiacs and 95% staterooms with full private balconies, sail to the remote corners of the world touching all 7 continents including regions such as: Antarctica, Northern Europe & Baltics, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Asia, Australia , New Zealand, South Africa & the Arctic North on cruises ranging from three to 21 nights and including many ports and islands not accessible to large cruise ships. PONANT offers a casual luxury ambience aboard ship. From Five Star Expeditions to themed cruises, the engaging itineraries offer a wealth of fascinating shore excursion programs to ensure that every voyage is a unique and exceptional experience. The latest eco-friendly technologies, attentive service, bilingual crew, luxurious staterooms and suites, an elegant, sophisticated cuisine and a chic, yet informal atmosphere offer a cruise experience unlike any other. In addition to the best available shore excursions, the 1:2 staff to guest ratio also guarantees the best in personalized service. Ships also provide a gastronomic restaurant, full service Hammam spa and fully equipped gym. Awaken Your Sense of Wonder - Explore destinations at an unhurried pace and let the beauty that surrounds you stir your senses. No matter where you wish to travel, our cruises will take you off the beaten path to a whole new world of adventure. Welcome aboard!

Additional Information About Ponant

Our concern for the health and well-being of the planet is demonstrated by our active involvement in organizations dedicated to the promotion of ecologically responsible tourism and to the sharing of best practices. We are a proud member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and a signatory of La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France, both of which bind us to follow the most stringent rules and regulations governing safety and environmental protection.

CLEAN SHIPS

Above and beyond participation in these organizations, we have taken the additional step of having all of our ships certified “Clean Ship” by the French classification society, Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s major ship classification societies. This coveted and seldom-awarded certification recognizes that the PONANT fleet—from initial design and construction to seagoing operations—has adopted the most environmentally responsible materials, equipment, and management procedures possible. Some of these state-of-the-art systems and processes include:

A silent electric propulsion system, with main engines and electric generators that use advanced control systems and burning light, low-sulfur fuels, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%
All ships are equipped with Dynamic Positioning, a sophisticated computer-controlled system, which allows them to maintain a mooring position without dropping anchor, thus eliminating potential damage to sensitive areas
Black water (sewage) is filtered and treated aboard ship; any solid residues at the end of the process are stored until they can be properly discharged ashore
Grey water (showers, dishwashers, laundry) is treated and recycled for use in cleaning the outside decks
Solid wastes (glass, paper, medical, food, etc.) are sorted, compacted where appropriate, and stored in refrigerated compartments until they can be properly disposed ashore
Bilgewater is treated with ceramic filtration systems to obtain an extremely low hydrocarbon content (less than 5 PPM instead of the regulatory 15 PPM)
The lighting aboard, based on LED and CFR technology, reduces up to 10 times the electrical power required from the ship’s electric generators
Far-sounding sonar, in addition to providing the bridge with 3-D pictures of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes, also minimizes the risk of collision with marine mammals

Ponant’s cruise ships, L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial are not only the newest, and most elegant, and most comfortable ships afloat, they are also the most eco-friendly.

Casual Luxury Focus
Designated 'Clean Ships'
French-Inspired Cuisine
Newest, Modern Small Ship Fleet Accommodating No More Than 264 Guests

Ships

Jacques Cartier
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting∘ just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will...
L'Austral
A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a...
Le Bellot
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the fifth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the...
Le Boreal
Like her sisterships, Le Boréal embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is PONANT’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.Superior materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful décor combined∘ with exterior and interior lines to...
Le Bougainville
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms∘ and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the third ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody...
Le Champlain
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Champlain will embody the unique...
Le Commandant Charcot
Travel to the North Pole. Cross the Arctic Ocean. Explore the far northeast of Greenland... PONANT is designing tomorrow’s voyages with Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Beginning in 2021, this newest member of the PONANT fleet will offer guests the chance to follow in the wake of the great polar explorers in...
Le Diamant
An enchanting yacht flying under the French flag and widely opened towards the outdoor, Le Diamant answers perfectly in the great tradition to the wishes of the cruises lovers and amateurs of new horizons. An enthusiastic and intimate atmosphere prevails on board: the French art of living. This upscale liner welcomes 226 passengers and 120 crew members and offers his privileged hosts a refined...
Le Dumont-D'urville
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the fourth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will...
Le Laperouse
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins∘ and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Lapérouse will embody the unique...
Le Levant
Le Levant is a sleek power yacht whose distinctively elegant silhouette defines your cruise from the moment you step on board. The true personification of gracious cruising, she proves the ideal vessel for navigating the narrow waterways of the Great Lakes. With no more than 90 guests on board, each cruise is both intimate and unique. Her cabins boast sweeping lake views, enhanced by...
Le Lyrial
Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, joined the fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar...
Le Ponant
Experience the privilege of a relaxing cruise aboard Le Ponant, crafted to respect the tradition of famous sailing yachts.Following in the nautical tradition of three-masted sailing ship, Le Ponant will take you on a voyage of discovery. The ship capacity limited to 64 passengers provides intimacy and convivial atmosphere to the cruise. The refined life onboard, the welcoming charm of your...
Le Soleal
Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, joined the fleet in July 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white.A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and...
Le Surville
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Surville will embody the...
Paspaley Pearl
PASPALEY PEARL marks a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel, offering a benchmark-setting standard of excellence in the Asia Pacific region. As the newest and only boutique expedition vessel in the Kimberley featuring private balconies, we have the ability of reaching exotic destinations previously inaccessible by larger vessels. You’re invited to ignite your sense of...
Spirit of Ponant
Starting in summer 2024, set sail for Corsica's confidential coves, or take advantage of winter 2024/2025 to explore the treasures of the Seychelles archipelago aboard the latest addition to the PONANT fleet: the Spirit of Ponant.The Spirit of Ponant is a new expression of our pioneering spirit, as the travel format is a first in the luxury cruise sector. Our guests will experience what it is...

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