Top notes of elegance, refinement and gourmet dining are no surprise from a French cruise line, with a heart dedicated to delivering a personal and human service. Balancing them all though is a base devoted to world-class expeditions with the intention of tempting everyone to a shore of possibilities.
A fleet designed with exploration in mind, many of PONANT’s vessels purpose built, from a ship dedicated to sailing the Polynesia waters and the world’s only luxury icebreaker, to the smaller Le Ponant. Pocket sized in comparison, this yacht has the added benefit of accessing some of the world’s more remote ports that cruise liners are unable to navigate.
Visions of contemporary nautical with hints of art-deco, a palette of neutrals offset by blue hues weaves its way from the cabins to the stylish dining and lounging areas and the delightful sun decks bathed in tropical solar rays on days at sea.
The open-door policy of the bridge says it all when it comes to the attitude of the crew; helpful and approachable without exception, from the experienced tour directors to the (highly important) French pastry chef.
Whether it’s a hobby like photography or simply a good glass of wine, we’re driven by our passions so themed breaks aren’t exactly an unknown. When it comes to cruise though, there’s one advantage that stands out above the rest – the ability to venture to multiple different countries in a small time frame. From fine dining and the arts to nature and cultural events, PONANT’s itineraries bring together in-the-know speakers and destinations synonymous with certain subjects, resulting in a trip that lives and breathes passions as much as their passengers do.
Despite the suave aesthetics, life onboard these refined ships takes on a surprising level of snug personaliation. The intuitive crew cater to wants and needs before guests have even thought of them themselves and there’s a level of freedom that allows guests to be as social or as private as they like; from breakfast served either in rooms, the restaurants or on the deck and guided excursions with like-minded travellers, to moments of peace in the spa or buried in a good book in the library.
Broadening your mind is about more than reading and learning. It’s about connecting with people who are passionate to show you how they live, what they do and who they are. To see the world through their eyes is to see the world differently.
From drifting icebergs and humpback whales to indigenous tribes and far-flung islands, embark on an unforgettable cruise with some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry.
Bringing the ocean its first ever “discovery yacht”, these intrepid explorers get adventure advocates close to the action without sacrificing on that 6-star luxe lifestyle.
While this grande dame has certainly kept up with the times, there’s still a place in her heart for those classic little touches.
