Ponant
About the brand
French luxury expedition cruising
Founded in France in 1988, Ponant is the world leader in polar exploration, combining French refinement, intimate ships and responsible exploration across all seven continents.
In a nutshell
French-flagged luxury expedition ships pioneering polar and remote-destination cruising with a focus on design, gastronomy and sustainability.
Polarverse guide to PonantGuide
What's included
Inclusions
✓ Included · ◐ Complimentary use · + Additional fee
Ship Facilities
Spa Facilities
Included · Spa and fitness room freely accessible on equipped ships; snow cabin on Le Commandant Charcot.
Suite & Room Amenities
In-Room Dining
Included
Onboard Services
Wi-Fi
Included · Free 24/7 Wi-Fi; connection may be slow or interrupted in remote areas.
Gratuities
Included
Food & Beverage
Dining
Included · Full board from dinner on day one to breakfast on the last day.
Beverages
Included · Open Bar throughout: mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee and tea. Some premium spirits listed on the menu are excluded.
Expedition Gear
Parka / Expedition Jacket
Included
Polar Boots
Included
Ship Facilities
Spa Treatments
Additional fee · Body, facial and hair care treatments at additional cost.
Destination experiences
Activities
✓ Included · ◐ Complimentary use · + Additional fee
6 activities
Citizen Science
Contribute to live research — seabird surveys, phytoplankton sampling, cloud observations and whale identification feeding global datasets.
Shore Landings & Hikes
Step ashore onto remote beaches and tundra, walking among penguin rookeries, historic huts and dramatic geological formations with expert guides.
Polar Plunge
The legendary polar plunge — a bracing, supervised leap into polar waters, followed by a hot drink and a certificate to mark the moment.
Sea Kayaking
Paddle silently among icebergs and along sheltered coastlines at water level — the most intimate way to encounter the polar environment.
Zodiac Cruising
Glide through brash ice and sculpted bergs in a stable inflatable Zodiac, exploring coves, glacier faces and wildlife haul-outs unreachable by ship.
Lectures & Presentations
Daily talks from naturalists, historians and scientists on polar ecology, exploration history, glaciology and the wildlife you'll encounter.
Not available on Ponant
Air
Helicopter Excursions
Not available
Water
Submersible Exploration
Not available
Not sure which vessel fits?
Our specialists can help you narrow it down — from fleet philosophy and expedition style to cabin preference and seasonal timing.
Vessels