
Ponant Explorations Cruises
Ponant Explorations is renowned for its exploration journeys.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS is renowned for its exploration journeys. For over 35 years, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been taking its guests closest to majestic nature and ancestral cultures, far from busy maritime routes. On board, teams of experts including expedition leaders, naturalist guides, lecturers and scientists share their passion and knowledge. Travelling with PONANT EXPLORATIONS means setting sail for discreet shores in style and comfort, aboard intimate ships in the company of experts and inspiring personalities. From Le Ponant, the legendary sailboat of the company, to Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric high polar exploration vessel, discover an innovative fleet, human-sized and sailing under the French flag. Because your desires for escape are diverse, we offer a range of explorations, each promising unique experiences. Timeless, Discoveries, or Expeditions Collections: each collection corresponds to a distinct and tailor-made approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination to the fullest.
Discover the ships that define this cruise line - each offering its own blend of style, comfort, and adventure at sea.
Ponant offers luxury expedition and yacht-style cruises to destinations across Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, Oceania and the South Pacific, giving travellers the opportunity to explore both remote wilderness regions and iconic coastal destinations with French-inspired luxury, expert-led expeditions and immersive cultural experiences.

Countries: 18
Mediterranean Cruises
Experience timeless history, sun-kissed coastlines and famous cuisine as you explore the Mediterranean’s iconic ports and enchanting islands.

Countries: 3
Polar Regions Cruises
Embark on an extraordinary expedition cruise to the Polar Regions, encountering towering glaciers, pristine icebergs, and incredible Arctic or Antarctic wildlife.

Countries: 11
Northern Europe Cruises
Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, discover stunning fjords and explore Northern Europe’s rich history, culture and vibrant cities.

Countries: 31
Caribbean Cruises
Set sail for paradise in the Caribbean, where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant island cultures create the perfect escape.

Countries: 2
Oceania Cruises
Journey across vast blue horizons on an Oceania cruise, discovering remote island groups, rich indigenous traditions, and untouched marine paradises.

Ports: 10
Antarctica
Vast wilderness, towering icebergs and extraordinary wildlife make cruises to Antarctica one of the world's most unforgettable expedition experiences.

Ports: 15
French Polynesia
Turquoise lagoons, lush volcanic peaks and overwater luxury make cruises to French Polynesia a dream escape across the South Pacific.

Ports: 38
Italy
From ancient ruins to stunning coastlines, cruises to Italy blend world-famous culture, exceptional cuisine and timeless Mediterranean charm.

Ports: 4
Guadeloupe
French-Caribbean culture, tropical forests and volcanic scenery await on cruises to Guadeloupe.

Ports: 69
Australia
From the Great Barrier Reef to vibrant coastal cities, cruises to Australia showcase extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and world-famous wonders.

Ports: 1
Saint Barthélemy
Sophisticated yet relaxed, cruises to Saint Barthélemy combine pristine beaches, luxury yachts and unmistakable French-Caribbean charm.


Onboard: Le Boreal
Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes
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Onboard: Le Paul Gauguin
Tahiti & the Society Islands
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Onboard: Le Commandant Charcot
Bergen - Helsinki
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Onboard: Le Bellot
Panama Canal and the jewels of Central America
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Onboard: Le Ponant
The many faces of Cape Verde
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Onboard: Le Dumont D'urville
Volcanic landscapes from Canary Islands to Cape Verde
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Sail to some of the most secluded shores on the planet. An all-inclusive immersive experience, co-created with local communities and accompanied by a team of naturalist guides passionate about the fauna, flora and cultures of the world. These experts share their knowledge through inspiring conferences on board, zodiac outings, walks or hikes in small groups, as well as moments shared with peoples whose traditions stretch back thousands of years. The sense of hospitality, haute cuisine and prestigious partners come together to offer an unforgettable experience, blending the French touch with the discovery of new horizons. The onboard service embodies French elegance, combining personal attention and exceptional gastronomy. Every detail is designed to afford an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be surprised during a journey on one of our human-sized ships. Explore secret latitudes or legendary shores, where the unexpected begins.
See what sets this cruise line apart, from signature onboard experiences to the service and value that keep guests coming back.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS is an exponent for the French way of life across every sea on the globe. On board, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew and bringing French know-how to the fore.
From secluded ports to secret seas, from forgotten beaches to remote lands, our experts choose itineraries that take you away from major tourist routes so you can enjoy unique cruises and shorelines that few have seen before.
Thanks to our small capacity ships, we can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. On board, the limited number of passengers means that everybody can enjoy special moments and feel as though they are on a private yacht.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS aims at becoming a world reference in the field of sustainable development in the cruising industry. The environment and ethics are among our main concerns, both in the regions we visit and in our relationships within the company and with our partners.
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