Ponant : best deals and destinations 2024 ✔ 2025

Ponant : the history

Ponant is a French cruise company created in Nantes at the end of the 1980s, offering luxury cruises. Between prestige, expedition and innovation, Ponant carries the colors of its country by sailing "under the French flag" with French crew members on board. But beyond that, Ponant is committed to pass on the French art of living.

In 2015, Ponant was acquired by the Artemis group (belonging to the Pinault family) and continues to distinguish itself thanks to some fine awards, including the best cruise line at the Victoires du Tourisme in 2015.

Ponant, Lyrial, Soléal, Boréal and Austral are the five Ponant yachts built between 1991 and 2015, before the fleet expands with the arrival of the seven Ponant Explorers between 2018 and 2021. Each yacht shares a specific vision of travel, between luxury, sobriety, class and discretion. The small size of these ships allows them to drop anchor in ports that are much less inaccessible to large cruise ships.

The fleet

The Ponant fleet consists of twelve luxury cruise ships: five top-of-the-range ships for "classic" cruises, and seven Ponant Explorers, to discover isolated corners of the planet in a luxurious environment.

The Boreal was commissioned in 2010 and welcomes you in an environment of luxury and well-being. This iconic Ponant ship has 132 cabins and seduces with its neutral and relaxing decoration.

Launched in 2011 after the Boreal, the Austral is a mix of Italian attitude and French elegance. 132 staterooms and suites are at your disposal on this fabulous ship which will ensure you a luxurious adventure in the four corners of the world...

From far and near, the Soléal represents Ponant and luxury in all its splendor: fluidity and clarity in the lines and design of this ship with the appearance of a private yacht. The ship was built in 2013.

The Lyrial was launched in 2015. This innovative blue and white yacht has 122 cabins and will offer you unforgettable moments on a cruise to Antarctica and the Seychelles.

The Ponant is a small luxury ship with 88 meters long. Inaugurated in 1991, the Ponant carries 64 passengers and 32 crew members.

There are 7 Ponant Explorers: the Commandant Charcot, the Bougainville, the Dumont d'Urville, the Champlain, the Lapérouse, the Bellot and the Jacques Cartier. Are you ready for a 5-star expedition cruise on board these unique yachts?

Cruise destinations by Ponant

Sail to the world's most beautiful destinations with Ponant, enjoying an exceptional programme of excursions and luxury service every day on board.

Adriatic & Mediterranean Cruise

Soak up the sun with Ponant on a Mediterranean cruise or discover all that the Adriatic Sea has to offer! The coasts of the Old Continent, from the Canary Islands to the Greek islands, are full of activities and moments of relaxation for you and your loved ones.

Africa Cruise

Your luxury cruise in Africa will take you to the heart of the most beautiful wilderness on Earth. Discover the Cape Verde Islands, the Eparses Islands, their traditions and meet local people. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Alaska and North America Cruise

Enjoy cold destinations! You'll experience the uniqueness of the nature that surrounds you on this North American cruise with Ponant. From Vancouver and Seward, sail to Alaska and expect intense moments amidst glaciers, virgin forests and impressive inlets.
On a cruise in the USA, visit Boston or San Diego and take in the sights!

Far East Russia Cruise

Ponant takes you on a luxury cruise to the Far East of Russia, to the Kamchatka volcano or the Kuril archipelago.  These territories, little known to mass tourism, have so much to teach you...

Latin America Cruise

The Inca temples of Peru will hold no secrets for you with Ponant. From October to February, step off your luxury ship and discover this beautiful region. Your Ponant Latin America cruise will depart mainly from Valparaiso in Argentina.

Antarctic & Arctic Cruise

From November to March, take a luxury expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic and make your childhood dreams come true. Explore the far north with Ponant and discover the life of the Arctic Circle.

Northern Europe Cruise

Embark on luxurious cruises by Ponant and head for Northern Europe! A gastronomy and a world apart, where the pace slows down for your greatest pleasure. 

Restaurants onboard Ponant

  Eating on board Ponant ships

The luxury Ponant cruise line honors France through the gastronomy that  guests will find on board the ships. Exceptional menus are created by chefs, some of whom are starred, and great sommeliers have chosen the best wines to match your dishes. The destinations are a great source of inspiration for the creation of dishes.

Two luxury establishments await you on board each boat or yacht: a chic restaurant, geared towards gourmet gastronomy, and a grill restaurant, which will delight passengers who want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.

If you have any dietary requirements, such as gluten-free diet, allergy, intolerance, Ponant will prepare tailor-made dishes to suit you. Don't forget to inform your agent when you book.

Open Bar Cruise

Get an  Open Bar cruise during your cruise with Ponant. The aim is to indulge yourself with no restrictions! This is why Ponant's Open Bar formula, at the heart of luxury, allows you to consume all the drinks of your choice at your discretion. Another advantage is that you can enjoy it in the restaurant, in your suite and on room service. This Open Bar formula includes champagnes, wines, mineral waters, sodas and juices. It does not include premium alcoholic drinks.

Features of Ponant

Ponant Yacht Club

The Ponant loyalty club is called the Ponant Yacht Club. Depending on the number of Ponant cruises you have taken, your loyalty is rewarded with exclusive privileges. There are three membership categories: Major, Admiral and Grand Admiral. The more cruises you take, the higher the level of membership, and the more benefits and bonuses you get!

Welcome to the Major category if you book your second luxury cruise with Ponant. €50 of credit will be offered to you. You can spend it during your excursion or even for laundry. Moreover, you will have one hour of internet connection during your cruise.

You will reach the Admiral category at your fourth Ponant cruise. Exclusively, the Ponant Yacht Club gives you access to numerous advantages to reward your loyalty : free laundry, 100 euros excursion credit, 4 hours of internet connection on board, upgrade when available, 20% discount at the Ponant boutique, and 5% discount from the 2nd cruise you will make in the same year. 

Finally, the last category is the Grand Admiral category. After your seventh cruise, enjoy bonuses that will make all the difference during your trip!  You will have many privileges: ten hours of free internet, free laundry, €150 excursion credit, upgrade according to availability, 20% discount at the Ponant boutique, 30% discount on selected drinks, 30% discount on a spa or hairdressing treatment. You can also make changes to your Ponant cruise up to 90 days before departure.

Ponant sponsorship

 Sponsor a friend or family member with Ponant, you won't regret it. By becoming a sponsor, you will benefit from discounts on your next cruise (up to €300). And the pleasure goes both ways: your sponsored friend will receive a €200 discount on his or her first trip