Ponant Explorations

PONANT EXPLORATIONS brings a distinctly French approach to small-ship travel, combining attentive service, fine dining and elegant surroundings with journeys to some of the world’s most remote coastlines. For travellers who value both exploration and comfort, its appeal lies in the detail: days spent discovering wild landscapes, followed by thoughtful hospitality back on board.

Its smaller ships open up possibilities beyond the main cruise routes, from sheltered anchorages and lesser-visited islands to the dramatic shores of the Arctic and Antarctica. On expedition voyages, naturalist guides help guests understand the wildlife, geology and cultures they encounter, with landings and Zodiac outings shaped by local conditions. The experience varies by ship and itinerary, making the choice of vessel an important part of planning your journey.

French culinary traditions run throughout life on board, alongside an international atmosphere and service in French and English. The relatively small number of guests creates a more personal setting, with space to unwind between excursions and opportunities to get to know fellow travellers and the expedition team.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS also places environmental responsibility and scientific research within its approach to exploration. Through PONANT SCIENCE, it supports researchers working to deepen understanding of the oceans and polar environments, bringing scientific work into the places its ships visit.

Among its fleet is Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury passenger icebreaker. Purpose-built for high polar exploration, its capabilities make journeys to destinations such as the Geographic North Pole possible, combining substantial icebreaking capability with the comfort and dining associated with PONANT EXPLORATIONS.