Combining small-ship innovation with an intimate on-board atmosphere, the Ponant Explorations fleet includes sleek five-star vessels, a three-masted sailing yacht, a hybrid polar expedition ship and a maxi-catamaran with six cabins.
For those passionate about exploring in five-star style, Ponant has a ship and itinerary to suit. Many of its voyages are led by guest historians, researchers and naturalist guides with landings and Zodiac trips accompanied by an expert expedition team to bring landscapes and wildlife sightings to life.
Each vessel’s décor reflects its purpose and region, from the yacht styling of the Ponant Explorer class to the Nordic feel of the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. On Ponant’s ships, expect an elegant French aesthetic, with light woods, neutral tones and an emphasis on natural light in rooms and public spaces.
Traditionally, Ponant’s guests have been French-speaking, but that’s changing. The line is expanding in English-speaking markets, particularly the UK, US and Australia, and most crew members speak English. All Ponant Explorations ships are fully bilingual, with announcements and briefings in both languages. This is also the case for Paul Gauguin cruises (owned by Ponant Explorations Group). Expedition routes in particular see plenty of English-speaking guests.
The line’s all-inclusive fares include 24-hour room service and gourmet cuisine in all restaurants, an open bar and complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi. Except for Paul Gauguin, excursions are also included (the number per day varies across itineraries). For remote destinations such as Greenland and Svalbard, Ponant Explorations charters private flights – included in the fare – to and from the embarkation port. For all other itineraries, flights cost extra.
On most ships, menus are created in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil (overseen by Alain Ducasse), fusing French flair with international flavours. Dress code for the restaurant is casual chic, with a more formal code on gala nights. At lunch, the grill restaurant offers a relaxed buffet-style experience, and in both restaurants, guests can sit where they like.
Ponant is a member of the Blue Nature Alliance initiative. The line is working towards full treatment of wastewater on board, and drinking water is desalinated (guests receive a reusable water bottle on board).
1. Where does Ponant cruise?
The line visits all seven continents. In 2026, guests can cruise in North America, the Polar regions, Japan, Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the British Isles and the South Pacific. The line’s acquisition of Aqua Expeditions in 2025 means that guests can also book luxury cruises to the Galápagos, the Peruvian Amazon, the Mekong Delta and eastern Indonesia.
Year-round transatlantic crossings typically range from 10 to 19 nights. Expect no more than one stop – and only on cruises of 13 nights or more. For example, a 17-night Buenos Aires to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria cruise in March 2027 calls at Praia (Cape Verde) only.
Closer to home, an eight-day itinerary sailing round trip from Glasgow on board Le Lapérouse brings the culture and scenery of northern Scotland to life, with stops at Iona, the island of Lunga, Callanish on the Isle of Lewis and Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye.
2. Who does Ponant appeal to?
Ponant is for curious cruisers seeking off-the-beaten-track adventure on small ships. Attentive service includes butlers for some suites, and there is around one crew member for every guest on Le Ponant and Le Commandant Charcot.
Every ship except Spirit of Ponant and Le Ponant has a gym, pool and spa. Le Commandant Charcot, the Ponant Explorers and Ponant Sisterships have a heated seawater outdoor pool.
Children aged one and above are welcome on yachting cruises; from ages six and above on expedition cruises; and eight years and up on Le Commandant Charcot. There are often discounts on children sharing a cabin with adults, and the Kids Explorer Club (ages four to 13 years) is available on some cruises – ask before booking.
3. Ponant’s fleet
Sisterships
Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal (264 passengers) and Le Lyrial (245 passengers)
Launched between 2010 and 2015, these four sister ships share almost identical characteristics, with subtle design and configuration differences – from Le Boréal’s warm red accents to L’Austral’s soft neutrals and Le Lyrial’s blue and silver palette. A gourmet restaurant serves French and international cuisine, plus there’s a more casual grill, and both are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When not ashore, guests can relax in one of two lounges, a library, an outdoor bar or at the spa, gym or outdoor swimming pool.
Sails to: The Antarctic, the Arctic, Oceania, the Mediterranean, Asia, the Pacific Islands, the US and South America
Explorers
Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot & Le Jacques Cartier (184 passengers)
Launched between 2018 and 2020, the six Ponant Explorers expedition ships each have 92 balcony rooms. The ships are designed for landings in remote locations and offer direct access to the water on kayaks and paddleboards from the marina. The Blue Eye, a dedicated lounge with large underwater windows, allows guests to see marine life and is a unique selling point in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands.
Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic Islands, Central America, Northern Europe, Pacific Islands
Icebreaker
Le Commandant Charcot (245 passengers)
Launched in 2021 and powered partly by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Charcot was the world’s first luxury hybrid electric exploration ship. It has 123 balcony rooms and suites, the first Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea and two heated pools (the outdoor Blue Lagoon pool is heated using recycled energy from the ship). Guests can visit two research laboratories and listen to talks and briefings in the theatre given by naturalist guides and field experts.
Sails to: Antarctica, Arctic, Atlantic coast, North America, Northern Europe, Oceania, Southern Africa
Sailing ships
Le Ponant (32 passengers)
Renovated in 2022, this three-masted yacht – the world’s first Relais & Chateaux-labelled sailboat – has 16 rooms, including an Owner’s Suite with a private balcony.
Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Cape Verde
Spirit of Ponant (12 passengers)
Carrying 12 passengers and four crew, including a local chef, the maxi-catamaran Spirit of Ponant launched in 2024 and is more sailing yacht than cruise ship. Built for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, it has sunbathing areas, a lounge and a marina platform for watersports including paddleboarding, snorkelling and waterskiing. Décor is nautical chic.
Sails to: Seychelles, Madagascar, Indian Ocean
La Désirade (nine passengers)
This small yacht is new for 2025, with just four staterooms holding a maximum of nine passengers. It’s available for a full charter, allowing guests to embark on their own bespoke itinerary.
Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean
4. Access for guests with disabilities
Le Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot have specially designed staterooms and access ramps in communal areas for those with reduced mobility. The sailing ships are not accessible.
5. Loyalty scheme
The Ponant Yacht Club loyalty scheme offers a sliding scale of benefits across four membership tiers, offering perks depending on how many Ponant cruises you’ve sailed on, including on-board credits, complimentary laundry and priority boarding. Benefits start accumulating after the second cruise.
About our expert
Rebecca Barnes
With almost 20 years of experience as a travel writer, Rebecca has covered cruises for countless national newspapers and trade titles, and has sailed around the globe on some of the world’s most luxurious lines and ships.