“Seeing an iceberg up close was mesmerising; its sheer scale and beauty were humbling, reminding me of the raw power and artistry of the natural world.”
Sensory pleasures such as these have helped PONANT build a cult following among adventurous travellers – those free spirits who crave the deepest connections to some of the world’s most remote and untouched corners.
Deep not only in terms of cultural immersion and community engagement, but in the sharing of expert knowledge that helps guests truly understand the places they visit and the people who call these regions home.
Deep in the refined elegance of onboard experiences, where French flair elevates every moment – from exceptional service to luxurious touches.
Small ship, big adventures
Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first luxury icebreaker, pioneering North Pole voyages with eco-friendly LNG propulsion, cutting-edge ice navigation, and onboard scientific research facilities.
PONANT operates a fleet of 14 ships, including Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker with a Polar Class 2 hull and hybrid electric propulsion, allowing it to navigate the most extreme polar regions.
With a focus on intimate, luxury expeditions, their ships carry a maximum of 200 guests in polar regions and 150 in tropical areas, ensuring a relaxed, personal experience. PONANT has 641 cruises scheduled through March 2027, inviting travellers to explore some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations.
PONANT’s all-inclusive model covers meals, excursions, an open bar, and entertainment. Extra charges apply only for spa services, boutique purchases, and premium alcohol upgrades. Meanwhile, for solo travellers, PONANT offers them the benefit of no supplement on 224 cruises, paying the same price as other guests.
From snowy trails to glacial tales
Hiking in Antarctica with PONANT means trekking across pristine ice fields, spotting penguins, and taking in breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes, while only leaving footprints behind.
“The moment I stepped onto the deck of my PONANT expedition ship in Ushuaia, a sense of awe washed over me. This was it – I was going to Antarctica, the White Continent – one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.”
Whether the journey is to the Antarctic or the Arctic, PONANT makes exploring the polar regions a breeze.
In Antarctica, penguins waddle back and forth across the snow, nurturing their young, while the ever-changing light bathes the ice in hues of pink and gold, creating a sight that will stay with travellers forever.
In the Arctic, amidst towering icebergs and volcanic mountain landscapes, polar bears roam and whales put on breathtaking displays of strength and majesty. Walruses glide across the sea ice while snowy-white Arctic foxes vanish into the tundra, leaving behind only a flutter of fur.
Zodiacs at dawn, champagne at dusk
For those who don’t wish to hike, they can still connect with the polar from the comfort of their cabin balcony, watching icebergs drift past as Ponant sails through pristine waters.
This is where memories are made – memories of sharing a meal with the Inuits, the Indigenous Arctic inhabitants; memories of tracking a polar bear’s footprints across the ice; memories of seeing your first iceberg, silently drifting by in majestic stillness.
For intrepid travellers, for curious travellers, for those who want to respect the environment, add knowledge to their holiday experience and enjoy the comforts and exclusivity of a small ship voyage, PONANT is the name that rises above others.
From the first off-ship Zodiac expedition in the morning, to evenings that unfold with fine dining inspired by French cuisine and French champagne, PONANT offers a world of exceptional experiences.
Education and inspiration onboard
Onboard residential scientists host educational talks, offering travellers insights into wildlife like penguins and polar bears, enhancing their understanding of the regions Ponant explores.
The introduction of Le Commandant Charcot has opened new avenues for education and inspiration. The ship is equipped with laboratories, specialised instruments, and a team dedicated to observation, research, and analysis, providing guests with the opportunity to study polar regions firsthand.
Onboard scientists share their expertise through talks, podcasts, and interactive sessions, allowing guests to actively participate in the research process – whether observing sample collection from the ice pack or engaging in round-table discussions.
PONANT offers a wealth of scientific programmes, with talks and films translated into English, French, and Mandarin, as well as Q&A sessions that enrich the journey with valuable knowledge.
Create stories all around the world
Ponant offers luxurious sailings to many other stunning destinations around the world, combining comfort, style, and adventure for unforgettable cruising experiences.
Beyond the polar regions, PONANT explores many of the world’s most amazing destinations. From South America to Africa to Asia, there’s a cruise with a difference awaiting those travellers who want to go beyond the ordinary.
With its small-capacity ships, PONANT can dock at private ports and take guests to rarely explored locations. The intimate setting on board ensures that every passenger feels like they are on a private yacht, sharing unforgettable moments with like-minded adventurers.
As each journey unfolds, every moment aboard a PONANT expedition becomes a part of a greater story full of discovery, adventure, and deep connection to some of the world’s most extraordinary places. From the frozen polar landscapes to the captivating cultures, PONANT offers more than just a cruise; it provides an experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Learn more about PONANT’s extraordinary expedition offerings through https://asia.ponant.com to begin planning these once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
The article is brought to you by PONANT