For the discerning traveler seeking an exceptional voyage that seamlessly blends luxury, cultural immersion, and personalized service, look no further than PONANT Cruises. As a seasoned globetrotter, you deserve an experience that exceeds your expectations, and PONANT ‘s small ship cruising offers precisely that.

Why Choose PONANT?

PONANT Cruises offers a compelling array of reasons to choose their luxurious voyages. Firstly, their emphasis on providing a truly intimate cruising experience sets them apart. With small ship sizes and a low passenger-to-staff ratio, guests receive personalized service and attention to detail throughout their journey.

Secondly, PONANT Cruises takes travelers to unforgettable destinations and offers unique itineraries. Whether it’s exploring remote and untouched locations in the Arctic or Antarctic, immersing in cultural experiences in the Mediterranean or Asia-Pacific, or embarking on exciting expeditions in the Americas, PONANT ensures an extraordinary adventure.

Lastly, PONANT ‘s commitment to sustainable and responsible travel adds another layer of appeal. From their eco-friendly ship design and operations to their partnerships with conservation organizations, PONANT Cruises offers an environmentally conscious way to explore the world’s wonders.

The Luxury of PONANT Small Ship Sailing

Small ship sailing with PONANT offers a host of benefits that elevate your cruising experience to new heights. With fewer than 300 passengers on board, you’ll enjoy a sense of tranquility and privacy that larger vessels simply cannot provide. The absence of crowds ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the destinations you visit, allowing for more intimate encounters with local cultures and natural wonders. Experience the thrill of exploring hidden coves, remote islands, and lesser-known ports of call, all while enjoying the personalized attention of the crew.

The PONANT fleet is comprised of 12 mega yachts, including one sailing vessel with only 18 staterooms, four elegant and intimate sister ships with 132 staterooms each, six modern explorer ships with 92 staterooms each, and one state-of-the-art ice-breaker ship, the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, which has 123 staterooms.

Sophisticated French Ambiance

One of the defining features of PONANT Cruises is the captivating environment created by the highly professional and multilingual officers and crew. As you step aboard their elegant ships, a team of professionals greet you with a warm bonjour, embodying French savoir-faire. Their genuine passion for travel and commitment to personalized service anticipates your every need with grace. Whether you seek recommendations for off-the-beaten-path excursions or wish to indulge in tailored onboard experiences, the PONANT team is at your service, ensuring an unparalleled level of attention and care throughout your voyage.

Each year, PONANT Cruises hosts a distinguished lineup of over 50 esteemed guests from various fields. These individuals include artists, writers, journalists, and scientists, all renowned experts in their respective domains. Their presence enriches each cruise by providing invaluable insights and knowledge, illuminating specific topics, and sparking intellectual discussions. As a result, every voyage seamlessly combines the joy of travel with the excitement of discovery. Whether it’s delving into cultural heritage, unraveling historical narratives, or exploring scientific breakthroughs, each PONANT cruise promises a thrilling and enlightening experience.

Indulge in Fine French Dining

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience aboard PONANT Cruises. Renowned for its dedication to gastronomy, PONANT celebrates the art of fine French dining at sea. Savor the exquisite flavors and artfully crafted dishes prepared by French chefs in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, the high-end catering service of Alain Ducasse. Your unforgettable culinary journey may include French favorites such as sumptuous foie gras, fluffy macaroons, or Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Drink service includes unlimited complimentary drinks throughout the cruise (excluding premium alcohol served a la carte).

PONANT Destinations

PONANT Cruises offers an enticing selection of destinations and meticulously crafted itineraries that cater to a variety of travel interests. Adventurers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes can embark on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, where they can witness the majesty of icebergs, encounter fascinating wildlife, and explore pristine, untouched regions. The Mediterranean and Baltic Sea cruises immerse passengers in a tapestry of rich history, vibrant cultures, and picturesque coastal towns. Those yearning for the exotic can set sail on voyages to the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean, where they can delve into ancient traditions, visit stunning tropical islands, and experience the captivating allure of diverse cultures. From the wide open spaces of Canada to the “End of the World” at Ushuaia, PONANT explores the histories and mysteries of the multifaceted Americas.

Each voyage is carefully curated to offer unique experiences, from wildlife encounters and nature excursions to cultural immersions and adrenaline-pumping adventures. With PONANT Cruises, travelers can embark on unforgettable journeys that allow them to discover the world’s most captivating destinations in unparalleled style and comfort.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel

PONANT Cruises takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and responsible travel practices. Recognizing the importance of preserving our planet’s natural beauty, the company has implemented various initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint. From the design and construction of eco-friendly ships to the adoption of advanced waste management systems, PONANT strives to ensure that every voyage is conducted with the utmost respect for the environment.

• All ships in the fleet carry the Bureau Veritas CLEANSHIP certification label, which attests to reduced environmental impact.
• PONANT is the first European cruise line to obtain the Green Marine Europe label (a European certification program based on North America’s Alliance Verte program).
• In 2021, PONANT signed New Zealand’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC), which sets out 12 sustainability commitments designed to encourage the tourism industry to make a positive social, economic, environmental, and cultural contribution to the wider community. 
• PONANT committed to following the recommendations of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, a United Nations program aimed at encouraging concrete action in the fight against plastic pollution in the tourism sector. 

PONANT aims to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystems visited during their cruises and contribute to their long-term protection. Traveling with PONANT means embarking on a journey that not only provides unforgettable experiences but also fosters sustainable practices and promotes the well-being of the destinations visited.

Explore to Inspire

For discerning travelers seeking unforgettable small ship cruising, let PONANT be your gateway to a world of remarkable experiences. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be transported into a world of refined elegance, impeccable service, and unparalleled comfort. The French officers and crew create an ambiance that is both welcoming and sophisticated, ensuring that your every need is met with the utmost care. Indulge in the gastronomic delights of fine French dining, where each meal is a celebration of culinary excellence. And with the benefits of small ship sailing, you’ll enjoy an intimate, immersive journey that allows for authentic cultural encounters and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Contact the cruise specialists at Covington and let us take you there.

Disclaimer: Covington travel is pleased to acknowledge PONANT Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this post. Unless noted, all images are courtesy of ©PONANT. Header image ©PONANT-OliverTouron.