Ponant - charming, chic and exquisite!

Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
Luxury with a French touch
The cruise line: Compagnie du Ponant
Elegant atmosphere with a personal character
Ponant has set itself the goal of combining luxury and the "slightly different kind of cruise" and thus offering guests very exclusive experiences. The French premium lifestyle cruise line invites you to unique yacht cruises with maximum comfort on small, modern and elegant ships that exude a European-international flair. Ponant wants to offer passengers gripping natural experiences and lead them to unknown areas of the world that few people will ever see. The cruise line's hallmarks are passionate nature guides, who are on board and initiate guests into the fascinating secrets of the nature of the respective sailing area.

Ponant is out and about with its superyachts worldwide - for example in Northern Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. But above all, the French cruise line has earned a reputation over the years of being a polar specialist. Exclusive expeditions regularly lead to the Arctic and Antarctic and offer travel experiences beyond all well-trodden paths. Close-up experiences and unforgettable emotions are two sides of the same coin at Ponant - their combination creates unique experiences for guests. A special plus: the Ponant ships carry Zodiacs with them for shore excursions in impassable regions. In this way, the explorers can enjoy natural spectacles without any ifs and buts.

German-speaking lecturers and nature guides are included on some of the runs, so that there are no communication problems. The captain also provides good care because he is happy to welcome guests. The principle of the open bridge prevails on the ships, so that passengers can look over the shoulder of the captain at sea and, for example, observe the mooring maneuvers.

The Ponant fleet is small but extremely fine. The sailing yacht Le Ponant occupies a special position, a three-master with only 32 cabins. However, the focus of the cruise line is on the four identical sisters Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial and the ships Le Bellot (from March 2020), Le Bougainville, Le Champlain, Le Dumont D'Urville, Le Jacques Cartier ( from June 2020), Le Laperouse and Le Commandant-Charcot (from May 2020). The eleven sleek ships are considered mega-yachts, on which passengers feel relaxed and yet in good hands. The ships have high-class equipment and a modern design and are always up to date with the latest environmental and safety technology. International gourmet cuisine with French influences is offered. On board there is all inclusive, which means that you do not have to pay extra for the drinks at mealtimes, but also at all bars and in the minibar.

The four sister ships are each 142 meters long and have a size of 10,944 GT. 264 passengers travel in 132 cabins, which are cared for by 139 crew members.
The other six mega yachts of the cruise line can accommodate up to 184 passengers and can enjoy their vacation to the fullest. As of May 2020, around 270 passengers can be accommodated in their cabins on the ship Le Commandat-Charcot.
Ponant can regularly look forward to awards. In 2016, for example, the cruise line won the "Best Cruise Line" award for the second time in a row at the "Victoires du Tourisme" and in 2018 Le Lapérouse was awarded the "100 World’s Greatest Places 2018" award as one of the best accommodations.

Savoir Vivre - the French touch
Ponant presents itself as the cruise line with a French touch. Above all, this is expressed in the incomparable atmosphere of the "Savoir Vivre" on board - a combination of elegance and nonchalance. In addition, there is a perfect but discreet service and catering that is internationally oriented, but shows clear influences of French cuisine.

Commitment - protection of sensitive regions
Ponant sails through the sensitive regions of the world and therefore feels a special obligation to protect nature. All ships of cruise line adorn themselves with the "Clean Ship" label. So that no anchor has to be thrown and the seabed is protected, the mega yachts have a dynamic positioning system. They use the less polluting diesel engines that burn MDO (marine diesel oil) and have reduced exhaust emissions. A waste and wastewater treatment system and energy-saving lamps on board are standard.

Ponant is also involved in various projects for coastal and marine environmental protection. But Ponant also plays a responsible role in personnel and product management. There is a self-binding principle that the on-board personnel should find good working, health and living conditions. A relationship based on ethical principles and transparency is to be established with subcontractors, partners and suppliers and purchasing practices are designed in such a way that the ecological footprint remains as small as possible. Ponant also supports Doctors Without Borders and selected projects that aim to preserve the Inuit's cultural identity.
 
Le Ponant - three-master under the French flag
Le Ponant is the legendary first ship of  the fleet - a majestic sailing yacht that combines elegance and nautical tradition. The three-master has 32 cabins and is therefore also ideal for private use or an event.

There are three categories so that every guest can find a cabin custimzed to their needs. There are five outside cabins with panoramic windows on the top Antigua Deck. On the Marie Galante deck there are 19 classic cabins and 8 premium cabins with more space and comfort to choose from. Despite its small size, the streamlined and 88 meter long three-master offers a lot of comfort. There are two lounges, two restaurants, a spacious sundeck and a marina that is ideal for swimming and water sports. 32 crew members take care of the well-being of the guests on the sailing cruise with attentive service.

Knowledge of sailing is not necessary. Guests do not take part in the maneuvers, but they are happy to receive instruction in the art of sailing if they wish. The manageable size of the Le Ponant guarantees a relaxed and very private atmosphere on board. Another advantage: thanks to its shallow draft, the sailing yacht is ideal for island hopping and can head to the most beautiful beaches and the most unusual berths.
 
Identical sisters - sleek like mega yachts
The Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial are identical sisters, but differ in the details. The exterior design was developed by Joel Bretecher, who also designed the Le Ponant. Jean-Philippe Nuel, a well-known French designer and architect, is responsible for the interior design.

Le Boréal - perfect harmony
Le Boréal set out to sea in 2010 as the first of the Ponant siblings. With this ship, the cruise line set the standards that apply to the fleet: a subtle mix of luxury, discretion and well-being. The color scheme on Le Boréal is based on shades of red that set accents everywhere on the ship. The cabin equipment is white leather, the lounges are decorated in light tones. The combination of warm colors and modern elements creates a homely atmosphere. The wellness atmosphere aboard the sleek, elegant ship forms the ideal basis for adventurous journeys of discovery. An elegant luxury ship that is suitable for Antarctica? Yes, Le Boréal does this feat. It is classified as ice class 1C and can easily venture into polar regions. Ideal for all water mermaids: the stern of Le Boréal serves as a bathing platform, sometimes as a landing for the zodiacs that are carried on the ship for excursions.

L’Austral - stylish and familiar
Just one year after Le Boréal, the next maiden voyage was due at Ponant: L’Austral went on cruises. It is largely identical in construction to its predecessor and impresses with its clear style and familiar atmosphere. The interior design was again the responsibility of Jean-Philippe Nuel. The design accents are set a little differently. The L’Austral shows clear lines and soft gray and cream tones and chrome is combined. French elegance and nautical chic form a creative symbiosis. The L’Austral with the highest comfort class I was rated by the cruise classification company Bureau Veritas.

Le Soléal - powerful engines
All good things come first - three, Ponant thought and sent the Le Soléal on a long journey across the seas. Like her older sisters, she was built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri in Ancona. The 142-meter-long and 18-meter-wide mega-yacht was christened on June 29, 2013 in Venice and has since convinced around 260 passengers with its stylish chic. Although the Le Soléal is largely identical in construction to its predecessor ships, it does have a technical improvement: its engines are more powerful, making it even more flexible in route planning. The design concept on this ship is based on soft colors, gray and white tones as well as the use of natural wood.
   
Le Lyrial - youngest sister
Le Lyrial is the youngest sister of the elegant quartet. The biggest difference to the predecessor ships: it offers its passengers more space - in the public areas, but also in the spacious double cabins. A comfort that arises from the fact that the Le Lyrial has only 122 cabins (each outside cabins) and suites on board instead of 132 and therefore only takes 244 passengers instead of a maximum of 264. Le Lyrial, whose name was inspired by the constellation "La Lyre", also sets its own priorities in terms of interior design. Chief designer Jean-Philippe Nuel was inspired by the future sailing areas of the expedition ship with the ice class 1C and brought the blue tones of the icebergs, but also the turquoise tones of the Caribbean, on board.
 

The four new ones: Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont D’Urville
Five are not enough, they considered at Ponant - and so four new elegant mega-yachts were planned to complement the fleet. They are called Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont D’Urville and are named after French explorers who once set out to discover new worlds. The first two new expedition ships of the Ponant Explorers series set sail in the 2018 summer season, and two more followed in the summer of 2019. Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont D'Urville each have 88 double cabins (each outside cabins) and four suites and modern equipment and a sophisticated design. The cabins have a balcony, the suites have terraces. All four Ponant Explorers ships are equipped with a reinforced hull for cruising in the polar regions and of course have stabilizers. A Zodiac fleet is also on board, as is usual with Ponant. Relaxation and exercise are also provided for. Water lovers will find an infinity pool and a pull-out marina for swimming. Kayaks, diving and snorkeling equipment, onboard speed boats, water skis and much more are available. In 2020, the fleet will also be expanded to include Le Bellot, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Commandant-Charcot.
All inclusive, drink packages, alcohol: room service included
All inclusive on Ponant ships. A large selection of drinks at the bar, at the restaurants and at the minibar is already included in the travel price. This all-inclusive drinks package is included on all routes (except special premium drinks). Drinks that the room service brings into the cabin do not have to be paid extra.
 
Good to know - this awaits you on board and ashore
Onboard language: the entire staff speaks English as well as French. German-speaking lecturers are on board on some of the departures. In addition, there is at least one German-speaking contact person on every cruise who can help with communication problems.

Dress code: the dress code aboard the mega yachts recommends casual clothing and comfortable shoes during the day. Since the ships are air-conditioned, it is advisable to wear a light jacket or scarf. On normal evenings, casual, elegant clothing is desirable at the restaurants. Shorts and T-shirts are not allowed. Two festive evenings are organized on each cruise. On these gala evenings, the dress code asks for elegant clothing. For the gentleman this means at least a suit and tie. The lady is dressed appropriately with evening or cocktail dress, costume, trouser suit or a classically elegant combination. There are separate clothing recommendations for the expedition cruises, which are sent with the travel documents. On cruises to the polar regions, Ponant distributes polar parkas in appropriate sizes and rubber boots (no sizes available for children).

Children, babies and families: children and teenagers benefit from discounts. Children from 8 to 11 years travel free of charge in a double cabin or suite with two adults. If you travel with only one full paying person, these children pay 50% of the travel price. Teenagers between 12 to 17 also benefit from a 50% discount if they share the cabin or suite with a full-payer. Babies are not allowed on board. Children must be at least three years old to travel on a Ponant ship. On deck 5 of Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial you will find the Kids Club with various games and a Wii console.

Internet, WiFi and telephone: a computer with WiFi connection is available on deck 6 of Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial. In addition, there is the option of using WiFi in the cabins and public areas on the cruise ships. This is fee based. Flat rates for 100 minutes or 240 minutes can be purchased.

There is also a satellite communication system (subject to charge) so that conversation partners can be reached anywhere in the world.

Gratuities: gratuities are generally recommended and are paid for according to the passengers own discretion. An anonymous envelope is handed out, for which a gratuity box is available at the reception. The cruis eline recommends 12 euros per person per day.

Smoking: there are special smoking areas on the outside deck for smokers. These can be found using the deck plan. Smoking inside and in the cabins / suites is prohibited.

Alcohol: there is all inclusive policy on Ponant ships, including most alcoholic beverages. Whether wine, champagne, liqueurs or schnapps - everything is included in the travel price. Those who have special premium wishes regarding alcohol pay an extra charge.

Onboard credit and onboard account: the onboard account is used to settle expenses on board. An account is opened for each guest at the beginning of the yacht cruise, to which all costs are booked. The bill will be settled in cash, by credit card or travelers check at the end of the cruise. The onboard currency is the euro, US dollars are also accepted. It is not possible to change money on board.
 

 Cabins and suites suitable for the disabled: at Ponant there are three wheelchair friendly cabins on the ships Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, Le Lyrial and Le Commandant-Charcot. There are two wheelchair friendly cabins on the ships Le Dumont D’Urville, Le Bougainville, Le Bellot, Le Champlain, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Laperouse. These must be requested separately. The entire interior of the eleven ships have disabled-friendly design. In general, however, passengers should be mobile and have an accompanying person with them who can provide support. The cruise line points out that landings with Zodiac inflatables take place especially on expedition journeys and that Zodiac use is not possible for passengers with reduced mobility. The three-master Le Ponant is not suitable for the disabled.
 
 
Experiences and reviews: Ponant can usually look forward to good to very good reviews. The three-master Le Ponant has a special status. This particular ship clearly has its lovers and die-hard fans. The sailing yacht generally scores excellent in ratings. Of the four sister ships Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, the youngest, the Le Lyrial, achieved the best ratings. In general, the service and the design of the public rooms and the cabins / suites are praised.

Offers, special prices and deals: Ponant offers certain offers and deals for guests. Those who book a connecting cruise generally benefit from special discounts. On all cruises, a 10 percent discount is granted for the connecting cruise. Depending on how many connecting cruises are booked, the discounts on selected cruises can be up to 40 percent. A honeymoon special is also offered. The classic offer applies to cabins (300 euros discount and a few extras), and the prestige offer to suites (additional extras). There is also the special offer "Family & Friends". When a group of five or more people travel, all travelers benefit from a 5 percent discount. There are also advantages for single travelers: there is no single cabin surcharge on certain cruises. If you are interested in a cruise with Ponant and would like to book online right away, the best thing to do is to contact the travel experts at kreuzfahrten.de. The cruise professionals also know the current deals, offers and special prices.
 
 
 Suites and cabins: elegant and perfectly furnished
The double cabins of the sister ships Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial are similar and are distinguished by their stylish design and comfortable equipment. In terms of design, each of the four sister ships sets different priorities in detail, with the main difference being the color scheme. Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal each have 132 outside cabins and suites (124 with balconies), Le Lyrial has 122 outside cabins and suites (114 with balconies). Le Boréal, L'Austral and Le Soléal each offer an Owner Suite (45 square meters, 9 square meters balcony), 20 Prestige Suites (37 square meters, 8 square meters balcony), 92 Prestige Cabins (18.5 square meters, 4 square meters balcony), 3 Deluxe suites (27 square meters, 5 square meters balcony), 28 deluxe cabins (18.5 square meters, 4 square meters balcony) and 8 superior cabins (21 square meters).

Le Lyrial offers an Owner Suite (54 square meters, 12 square meters balcony), a Grand Privilege Suite (54 square meters, 12 square meters balcony), a Grand Deluxe Suite (45 square meters, 10 square meters balcony), 8 Privilege Suites (36 square meters, 8 square meters) Balcony), 11 Prestige Suites (36 square meters, 8 square meters balcony), 73 Prestige Cabins (18 square meters, 4 square meters balcony), 3 Deluxe Suites (27 square meters, 6 square meters balcony), 28 Deluxe Cabins (18 square meters, 4 square meters balcony) and 8 superior cabins (21 square meters).

All cabins and suites have individually controlled air conditioning, a double bed or two single beds, a minibar, a flat screen TV, an iPod station, a desk, a safe, toiletries from L’Occitane and / or Sothys, a hair dryer and bathrobes. High-quality materials, harmonious colors and maritime elements create a wellness atmosphere and make the cabins and suites ideal retreats.

The three-master Le Ponant accommodates its guests on a sailing cruise in 32 cabins. There are 5 Antigua cabins (12.5 to 15.5 square meters), 19 Marie Galante cabins and 8 Marie Galante Premium cabins (10.5 to 13.5 square meters) on board. They all offer individually adjustable air conditioning, minibar, flat screen TV, desk, safe, dressing table, bathroom / toilet with high quality care products, hairdryer, bathrobes and satellite phone. The 32 cabins are equipped with portholes or panoramic windows and impress with their modern furnishings and maritime decor.
    
 
Food and drinks: meals for connoisseurs
According to the standard of the ships, no wishes remain unfulfilled when it comes to meals. High-class international cuisine with a French touch is served. The cruise line has been working with the famous French chef Alain Ducasse in cooperation with Ducasse Conseil since 2016. The French influence is also evident in the selection of partner companies. Bread and other baked goods come from Lenôtre, the wines from Taillevent, among others. The confectioner Ladurée is responsible for the sweet sins in the afternoon.

Aboard the sister ships Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, guests can choose between two restaurants. The gourmet restaurant on deck 2 offers exclusive cuisine in the best French tradition. The grill restaurant on deck 6 serves varied, tasty meals in a casual atmosphere. Live cooking and themed buffets provide culinary surprises. Aboard Le Ponant, the Karukéra restaurant invites you to exquisite delicacies. Wherever the guest dines, the ingredients are always carefully selected, the chefs show their talents and the service is elegant and discreet in the manner usual for Ponant. A sommelier is available to help you choose the right wine. For guests with certain preferences or intolerances, among other things, extra light, vegetarian or gluten-free food is offered.
 
Sport & wellness: work out with a view of the sea
Treat yourself to a break and let your mind wander, says Ponant. In the spa and wellness area, Ponant works with the cosmetic brand Sothy’s. All ships, with the exception of the small Le Ponant, offer a wellness area with treatment cabins, a hammam, a hairdressing salon and a fitness area. Treat yourself to facial care, aromatic baths or an anti-aging treatment - always supervised by competent therapists.

The fitness room is equipped with the latest generation of Technogym equipment and invites you to work out. It's not difficult on board, because the view is fantastic. The athlete looks out over the open sea through panoramic windows. After the treatment or the workout, the outdoor relaxation area invites you to relax.

There is also a heated seawater pool and sun loungers on the top deck of Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial. Le Ponant invites you to a 400 square meter sun deck.
 
 
Destinations and excursion program: polar focus
Ponant is especially proud of its breathtaking and extraordinary travel routes - and rightly so. The fine sisters Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, due to their manageable size, can call at ports that the big cruise giants are denied. Hardly any other cruise line takes advantage of this advantage as uncompromisingly as Ponant. The most beautiful archipelagos in the Pacific are visited as well as unique stations in Asia and the small ports in the Mediterranean. However, the French cruise line enjoys particular expertise in the cold regions of the world. Again and again, Ponant ships head for the Arctic and the Antarctic and give their guests goosebumps moments in the eternal ice.

But Ponant ships are also on the move in classic areas, such as in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. The cruise line often spices these routes with unusual highlights. For example, in the Mediterranean region it sails through the Corinth Canal - a unique ship passage that only small ships can offer. Ponant's yachts can also show their strengths in the Caribbean. There, breathtaking underwater worlds, traditional cultures, colorful markets and an easy going lifestyle attracts. The Grenadines, an island chain that is a real gem, are popular destinations. Especially underwater fans get their money's worth. Caves, wrecks and the impressive manta rays are waiting to be discovered. Divers and snorkelers experience dazzlingly colorful exotic fish up close, they discover turtles, dolphins and sea anemones. The warm and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean guarantee the finest sun and relaxation vacations.

 
Breathtaking expedition cruises
A particularly extensive and therefore worth mentioning program concerns expedition cruises. But what exactly does that mean? First of all, it is a unique experience that promises extraordinary discoveries. It goes to remote regions, often away from civilization, and to places that are still largely untouched by people and therefore have a special charm. Landings and exits require zodiacs, which are available on board Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial. The Zodiacs can carry small groups of up to ten passengers. They are let into the water by the marina at the stern of the ship and allow spontaneous exits in complete safety. Whether visiting a penguin colony, a Papua village or driving to a glacier in the polar regions - the experience is fantastic.

The excursions are always accompanied by expert experts who can tell interesting facts about flora, fauna and the local population groups. They each specialize in the regions and provide guests with information about the respective driving area with great enthusiasm. They also know the most beautiful spots for interesting explorations and the right places for great photos. The outdoor experiences are complemented by interesting cultural and historical lectures on board. A plus point for Ponant: Although there are places far from civilization, the guests on board enjoy a consistently high level of comfort and sophisticated service.
 

Thematically, two types of expedition cruises stand out: the polar expeditions and the tropical expeditions. Ponant has been a specialist in the polar regions for around 20 years. The cruise line fulfills dreams of adventure in untouched wilderness combined with maximum safety and comfort. The Antarctic routes are characterized by great flexibility. For example, the zodiacs are released into the water spontaneously when humpback whales, seals or penguins appear. The Zodiacs also take you to icebergs and glaciers, so that guests can experience the fascination of eternal ice up close.

The tropical expeditions focus on encounters with the population and getting to know foreign cultures. With Ponant, guests explore rarely visited places from the sea. Thanks to the trust that the crews have built up at Ponant over the years, guests are welcomed everywhere with open arms and initiated into the traditions of the villagers. Whether a visit to the Aborigines, the Maori or the Papua - unique moments of encounter await. But the ships of Ponant also anchor on lonely beaches surrounded by coral reefs and in small, secluded bays - far away from stress and hectic in a heavenly environment.
 
A world tour with Ponant
Even those who have always dreamed of a cruise around the world can take a look at the Ponant program. On offer the Grand Voyages are ideally suited for a longer break, on which different destinations with a wide variety of cultures and nature can be discovered. The Grand Voyages are combination cruises that promise a time full of emotions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The program includes, for example, tours that lead from the Polynesian islands to the gates of Antarctica or routes from Vietnam to New Zealand's shores. The possibilities are huge. If you are still interested in Grand Voyages in 2020, the best thing to do is study the extensive program and be won over by the attractive offers.

The shore excursions are optional with Ponant. They can be booked and paid for on board. The shore program is set five months before the start of the tour and can be viewed.

Entertainment and shows: exciting things at the theater
A ride with Ponant to the most beautiful regions and remote exotic corners of the world already offers the finest entertainment. But there is also variety on board. In addition to the wellness area and sun deck, three lounges and bars await guests. The Main Lounge with 110 indoor seats and 30 outdoor seats is the ideal place for an aperitif and a chat with old or new friends. The panorama lounge is a small, inviting piano bar with a view of the sea and the open-air bar by the pool is a meeting place for all fresh air fans and sun worshipers.

Books and board games can be borrowed on deck 6 of Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial. There is also a computer with a WiFi connection. In addition, a boutique is waiting for a visit. It is open during the time at sea and offers fashion, beauty care, postcards and souvenirs for sale. Finally, Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial have a theater as entertainment area that offers 250 seats. This is the place for exciting lectures during the day and for entertaining shows and film screenings in the evening.

Special highlights regarding the entertainment offer are the themed cruises that Ponant has in the program. Well-known pianists, for example, go on board and perform top-class piano concerts. Or the ships anchor in places that currently offer a special enjoyment of art, such as an exhibition or a festival. In this way, the guests at Ponant enjoy a very special treat that will make their cruise  unforgettable.