PONANT
Cruise line company · 8th Arr. ·
French expedition cruises with luxury amenities, fine dining, and unique excursions
French expedition cruises with luxury amenities, fine dining, and unique excursions
"I recorded Ponant scoring 93.26 in Small Ships and 92.37 in Expedition Ships." - CNT Editors
"I see Ponant as a French luxury and expedition brand whose small Le Ponant sailing vessel (32 passengers) bears a Relais & Châteaux label, while its explorer-class expedition ships feature amenities like underwater lounges and a polar-rated icebreaker (Le Commandant Charcot) for extreme voyages." - Stefanie Waldek
"A French‑styled small‑ship operator that cultivates a private‑yacht feel, this line pampers guests with Champagne, Pierre Hermé macaroons and premium bath products, plus a pillow menu to ensure restful sleep. Vessels sail to remote regions like Antarctica and can include once‑in‑a‑lifetime events (for example, solar eclipses); onboard offerings pair spas (with Turkish baths or saunas) and refined French dining with intimate expedition experiences and partnerships with organizations such as the Smithsonian or Disney on select departures." - Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Ponant is a small-ship expedition company certified by Green Globe."
"A French luxury operator whose itineraries often include dining and alcoholic beverages, unlimited Wi‑Fi, and shore excursions on certain sailings, positioning it as an upscale, more-inclusive choice for global itineraries." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
