If you enjoy all things French, then a Ponant cruise will appeal. English is spoken onboard, but the overall experience (cuisine, Captain, Officers and Senior Crew) is French focussed.
In terms of quality, our experience (and from client feedback) is that Ponant sits somewhere between a "true luxury" cruise line (like Silversea) and an "upper premium" cruise line (like Viking or Oceania).
Ponant's ships are considered to be "small ships" in cruise industry parlance (with generally no more than 132 staterooms). Its expedition heritage means the ships are generally designed to navigate all seas (from the Mediterranean to the Drake Passage). We assist our clients in choosing their stateroom as part of our booking process.
In addition to the specials below, Ponant offers a standardised discount program that rewards guests who book early with up to 30% off (you can read more about it here).
Now through to 2 January 2024, Ponant is offering savings of an extra 10% off over 200 departures* voyaging across the globe.
Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly tropical odyssey, a historical journey, or a life-changing polar expedition, there is a cruise to suit your travel goals.
This offer is combinable with your Ponant benefit*.
*Terms and conditions apply.
PONANT invites you to discover the wild and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordlands and Subantarctic Islands. Set sail on a 15-day expedition cruise with an exceptional itinerary and allow yourself to be transported to another world where the wildlife rules and you are but visitors.
From Dunedin, the Edinburgh of New Zealand that is a lively student city, with a rich Scottish Heritage, you will reach Ulva Island. This first call on Paterson Inlet is renowned as an extraordinary nature sanctuary. Our team of naturalists and destination experts will be on hand to show you some of the rarest bird species in the world.
You will follow your voyage towards Fiordland National Park, which is part of Te Wähipounamu, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, home to the majestic Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound. You will enjoy a zodiac cruise and spot Fiordland Crested penguins, get up close to spectacular waterfalls and enjoy the vistas from the ship’s outer decks.
You will then head to the Snares Islands, a haven for the country’s wildlife with some 35,000 endemic Snares Gorfous and a colony of around 1,000 fur seals before discovering Macquarie Island, part of Australia.
Often described as the “Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are among some of the best preserved and protected environments on the planet where you will experience scenery and wildlife like nowhere else on earth. You will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, meadows of megaherbs forming a colourful tapestry and towering cliffs buffeted by the power of the waves and wind – the playground of the Royal Albatross. With a myriad of penguins patrolling the black sandy beaches it is truly a nature-lover’s dream come true.
Your ship will finally reach Dunedin, the end of your voyage.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists reveal to you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adélie, chinstrap, these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a Zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning decor bathed in polar light.
Charcot, Bellingshausen, Dean, Fisher, Ross, Amundsen… Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the names of these legendary explorers resonate throughout your expedition. Thanks to its unique capacity to sail into the very heart of the ice, Le Commandant Charcot invites you, with respect and humility, to set off in the footsteps of these great Antarctic figures during an unrivalled half-circumnavigation that will sail from the far south of the American continent to New Zealand. Charcot, Bellingshausen, Dean, Fisher, Ross, Amundsen… Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the names of these legendary explorers resonate at every moment. Thanks to its unique capacity to sail into the very heart of the ice, Le Commandant Charcot invites you, with respect and humility, to set off in the footsteps of these great Antarctic figures during an unrivalled half-circumnavigation that will sail from the far south of the American continent to New Zealand. This journey to the boundaries of the known world will take you on an exceptional adventure, where time stands still, where the horizon stretches into infinity to reveal dreamlike landscapes and abundant wildlife.
From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on a 12-day cruise to discover the Society Islands and Cook Islands. Set sail on board Le Paul Gauguin, for an unforgettable journey to discover idyllic islands and atolls.
Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of crystal-clear waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and are home to an astonishing and rich wildlife.
You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.
You will also sail further south towards the Cook Islands, to discover the incredibly clear waters of the Aitutaki lagoon and the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga. You will be enchanted by the wild beauty and abundant nature of this island and its marine environment.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to the seldom visited Ross Sea from New Zealand and walk in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers on this exciting expedition.
Sailing from Dunedin in New Zealand on board Le Soléal, start in Campbell Island, part of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, and discover the island’s spectacular endemic flora and fauna, including six species of albatross.
While you enjoy some time at sea and take advantage of talks and lectures on board by your team of expedition guides, be prepared to reach the Ross Sea, the Southernmost sea on Earth.
Alongside your expedition team, you will have the privilege of exploring this fascinating region and learn all about its history and natural environment, all in one of the most pristine, spectacular settings. Observe the largest Adelie penguin rookeries in the world, sail pass gigantic icebergs and thundering glaciers during a zodiac excursion, or spot Weddell Seals as they relax or hunt on icefloes.
You will have the opportunity to visit historic buildings including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds, and reflect on the heroic polar journeys of some of the world’s most intrepid polar explorers.
On your way back to New Zealand, enjoy some time on Australia’s Macquarie Island, and its impressive colony of king penguins, as well as the Snares islands and their unique wildlife sanctuaries, before disembarking in Dunedin. A truly memorable adventure not many have the chance to experience!
Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on Le Paul Gauguin on an 11-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.
You will discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze.
You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinct volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks.
In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs, or to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
The softness of the trade winds, the turquoise of the ocean, the shimmer of the verdant vegetation… the incredible beauty of the islands in the Indian Ocean is striking. During an 11-day expedition cruise aboard Le Champlain, time stands still and, between the island country of Madagascar, Seychelles and Tanzania, nature will plunge you into a dream.
The shores of Mauritius grow distant as you arrive in flamboyant Madagascar. To the north-east of the largest island in the Indian Ocean, the island of Île Sainte-Marie appears on the horizon. The days of pirates, who occupied the territory for almost two centuries, seem long gone now, as peace prevails in this tropical paradise. To the far south, the island of Île aux Nattes is a treasure just asking to be discovered. Its coral reef lies in the translucent waters of its lagoon, dotted with natural pools. You will spend your time here swimming, meeting the local population and discovering the abundant fauna and flora. Before leaving the ‘Great Red Island’, you will visit Nosy Hara, renowned for its incredible marine wildlife, with over 280 different species.
Sheltered from the world, take the time to wonder at the splendour of the Seychelles. On Astove Island, in the mythical Aldabra Atoll, the underwater world fascinates experienced divers, who come here to explore the “Wall of Astove“, a 40-metre (130-foot) deep underwater fault covered in coral and teeming with fish and green turtles.
Your next ports of call will be an opportunity to discover several of the wonders of Tanzania. You will explore the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani, the small coral island of Misali as well as Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
This fabulous trip will draw to an end in Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
With the exceptional presence of Christian Makarian, French author and journalist.
PONANT invites you to discover the wonders of India and Sri Lanka, during a 10-day cruise from Mumbai to Colombo. Let yourself fall under the spell of these eastern lands bordered by the Indian Ocean and influenced by Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
You will board Le Jacques-Cartier in Mumbai, India’s cultural and economic capital. Make sure you visit the Elephanta Caves, a Hindu sanctuary on an island off the coast, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station (formerly known as Victoria Terminus), a remarkable example of Victorian neo-gothic architecture: both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Then, you will discover Goa, a former colony of the Portuguese Indies. Goa is prized for its beaches and its rich cultural heritage, in particular a collection of late 16th-century churches and convents, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your ship will then arrive in Kerala, on Malabar Coast, in south-western India. From Cochin, a former royal town where the air is rich with the aroma of cardamom and cloves, this port of call will also be the opportunity to discover, aboard traditional boats, the fishing villages settled along the banks of the “backwaters”, a network of lakes and canals that criss-cross the lush landscapes of Kerala. Then you will set sail towards Trivandrum, where you will have the opportunity to visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, one of the finest examples of traditional Kerala architecture.
In Galle, you will be able to admire the fortifications of the old town, testimony to its Portuguese and Dutch heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Finally, Le Jacques-Cartier will call at Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital located at the crossroads of the sea trade between Europe and Asia.
Discover the Southern Ocean as you have never seen it before! Embark on a 16-day polar expedition cruise to the highest latitudes, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.
Your expedition to the heart of the South Atlantic begins with the exploration of the Falkland Islands: as you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind.
Your ship will soon take to the seas once again, to reach the mountainous island of South Georgia. It is there, in the midst of gigantic glaciers, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Today, king penguins, elephant and fur seals that have taken over the black-sand beaches dominated by the tall peaks that reveal the Scotia Arc.
You will ultimately land on the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures. Above all, you are in the realm of the penguins – Adelie, Gentoo, chinstrap – seals, whales and seabirds that accompany you on this unforgettable trip.
From Tahiti, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on a 15-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef. Aboard Le Paul Gauguin, set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The Paul Gauguin will stop at the heart of the Tuamotu Islands to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.
Discover the unique charms of the Marquesas Islands. The singer-songwriter Jacques Brel sang about the Marquesas Islands and the painter Paul Gauguin was inspired by these islands which stand like dark green fortresses surrounded by the indigo blue of the Pacific. Here, you will find neither lagoons nor reefs. The archipelago’s charm lies in its wild beauty. In the heart of the dense forests of Nuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the vertiginous cliffs. As for the islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva, they still hide mysterious ancient petroglyphs
In the Society Islands, you will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.
Curiosity, surpassing oneself, being open to the world. Humans have always looked toward what some would call the ‘impossible elsewhere’. With Le Commandant Charcot, which is capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, we can dream even bigger and glimpse new horizons. This polar odyssey at the boundaries of the world follows the path of the first to discover Antarctica and sharpens our senses to let us see all the riches of a long journey marked by the nuances of the ice. In the incredible comfort of an exceptional ship, you will take the time to observe the world around you, the landscapes and the fauna whose radiant beauty makes them seem surreal. Set off on an all-new half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from the New Zealand shores to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.
Following in the wake of courageous pioneers, explore the southern seas, including Ross Sea, which is the world’s largest marine protected area, a kingdom of prodigious wildlife. As a privileged witness, keep a watchful eye and take the time to observe the Antarctic petrels, whales, orcas, seals and penguins that are to be found here.
The attraction exerted by the White Continent’s infinite territories and their mythical names will soon intensify further. Adelie Land, Victoria Land, Marie Byrd Land. The first will plunge you into the heart of the French polar adventure where Paul-Émile Victor founded the Dumont d’Urville scientific station, in honour of the eponymous explorer. The second, claimed by the Australians, is forever linked to the name of the explorer Mawson, who defied the winds in Commonwealth Bay, which may exceed 240 km/h (150 mph). As for the third, it is one of the planet’s rare Terra nullius – a territory claimed by no State – whose remoteness and climate have kept it well away from human conquests. Bordered by the Ross Sea to the west and the Amundsen Sea to the east, Marie Byrd Land will plunge you into a world where nature has raised its own cathedrals of ice. Wonder and contemplation will mark this extraordinary exploration, a journey synonymous with a return to the essential.
Your great crossing beyond the Antarctic Circle will continue in the Bellingshausen Sea where the Charcot and Peter I Islands roll out their icy masses. Le Commandant Charcot will attempt to approach their shores, deemed impassable, before your arrival in the Tierra del Fuego.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Embark with PONANT aboard Le Bougainville for a 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.
From Victoria on the island of Mahé, you will first sail to La Digue, where a veritable picture-postcard of the Seychelles awaits you: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Further on, the small islands Astove will be an opportunity to snorkel and dive among bright-coloured sea life, before reaching Aldabra Atoll, a largely untouched natural sanctuary listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
After a stop on the sublime Assumption Island, your next ports of call will be an opportunity to discover several of the wonders of Tanzania. You will explore the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani, the small coral island of Misali as well as Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
This fabulous trip will draw to an end in Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to the seldom visited Ross Sea from New Zealand and walk in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers on this exciting expedition.
Sailing from Dunedin in New Zealand on board Le Soléal, start in Campbell Island, part of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, and discover the island’s spectacular endemic flora and fauna, including six species of albatross.
While you enjoy some time at sea and take advantage of talks and lectures on board by your team of expedition guides, be prepared to reach the Ross Sea, the Southernmost sea on Earth.
Alongside your expedition team, you will have the privilege of exploring this fascinating region and learn all about its history and natural environment, all in one of the most pristine, spectacular settings. Observe the largest Adelie penguin rookeries in the world, sail pass gigantic icebergs and thundering glaciers during a zodiac excursion, or spot Weddell Seals as they relax or hunt on icefloes.
You will have the opportunity to visit historic buildings including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds, and reflect on the heroic polar journeys of some of the world’s most intrepid polar explorers.
On your way back to New Zealand, enjoy some time on Australia’s Macquarie Island, and its impressive colony of king penguins, as well as the Snares islands and their unique wildlife sanctuaries, before disembarking in Dunedin. A truly memorable adventure not many have the chance to experience!
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Embark with PONANT aboard Le Champlain for a 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.
From Victoria on the island of Mahé, you will first sail to La Digue, where a veritable picture-postcard of the Seychelles awaits you: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Further on, the small islands Astove will be an opportunity to snorkel and dive among bright-coloured sea life, before reaching Aldabra Atoll, a largely untouched natural sanctuary listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
After a stop on the sublime Assumption Island, your next ports of call will be an opportunity to discover several of the wonders of Tanzania. You will explore the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani, the small coral island of Misali as well as Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
This fabulous trip will draw to an end in Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Embark with PONANT aboard Le Bougainville for a 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.
From Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium, you will first reach Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
After visiting of the coral island of Misali, your next port of call will be an opportunity to discover the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani.
You will reach stunning Assumption Island before setting sail for the Aldabra Atoll, a pristine sanctuary listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Further on, the small island of Astove will provide an opportunity for snorkelling and diving in search of underwater life shimmering with colours.
Before disembarking in Victoria on the island of Mahé, a veritable picture-postcard awaits you in La Digue: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on a 12-day cruise to discover the Society Islands and Cook Islands. Set sail on board Le Paul Gauguin, for an unforgettable journey to discover idyllic islands and atolls.
Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of crystal-clear waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and are home to an astonishing and rich wildlife.
You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.
You will also sail further south towards the Cook Islands, to discover the incredibly clear waters of the Aitutaki lagoon and the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga. You will be enchanted by the wild beauty and abundant nature of this island and its marine environment.
An 18-day trip in the southernmost waters of our planet, between Antarctica, a continent like no other, and the mountainous South Georgia, is what PONANT is offering you with this fabulous expedition cruise. The stunning icy landscapes, the emblematic and abundant fauna of the Far South, and the history of the great polar expeditions combine, promising a thrilling experience.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stem of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists reveal to you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap, these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. Further south, your ship will reach the remote waters of the Weddell Sea. You will travel back in time in the wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s expedition. Not far from there, his crew remained for four months on Elephant Island to await rescue after their ship, the Endurance, sank.
More than a century after this mythical adventure, you will follow the same route to reach South Georgia. It is there, amid the snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground in 1916 after a difficult two-week sea journey from Elephant Island. The museum commemorating this legendary expedition will teach you more about this fabulous saga, and the visit to the former whaling station will immerse you in the life of that little-known period. Today, it is king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals that have invaded the black-sand beaches dominated by the tall peaks that reveal the Scotia Arc.
Winding channels, snow-covered mountains, majestic glaciers and narrow passages: welcome to the magic of the Chilean fjords. PONANT is inviting you aboard L’Austral for an 14-day expedition cruise to the heart of South America’s extraordinary landscapes.
You will set sail from the fascinating city of Ushuaia, which the Argentinians call El fin del mundo (the end of the world).
Your ship will then head North to Tortel and its charming stilt houses interconnected by a labyrinth of wooden footbridges.
You will also discover several glaciers (for example Pie XI and El Brujo) before the unforgettable experience of sailing along the Strait of Magellan and in the Ainsworth Bay. Pursue your journey through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia in a unique atmosphere that will delight photography enthusiasts.
You will glimpse the majestic Aguila, Agostini and Garibaldi glaciers and then sail around the mythical Cape Horn, south of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego.
On Navarino Island, you will make a final call at Puerto Williams, a pleasant fishing port considered by the Chileans to be the world’s southernmost city, and finally you will sail to Argentina and Ushuaia, the final destination on your trip.
Set off aboard Le Bellot for a brand-new 11-day cruise and enjoy an exceptional experience exploring Norway in the winter. From Tromso, you will sail towards these magical lands, where your exceptional itinerary will take in snow-capped summits, immaculate landscapes and the discovery of millennial traditions.
The beginning of this trip beyond the Arctic Circle will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami. From your disembarkation in Narvik, in the very heart of captivating summits plunging into the sumptuous Ofotfjord, you will be invited to explore the ancestral tales of this reindeer-herding indigenous people.
Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.
Then, Le Bellot will set sail for Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world. During your port of call in this charming fishing port, you will have the opportunity to explore the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching from Norway to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific tool to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. From your ship, you will marvel at this small strip of land with its craggy coastline and high jagged cliffs.
Le Bellot will once again set sail south, for the captivating Honningsvag. This port of call will take you to the northernmost point of Europe: the North Cape. On this cliff, home to the emblematic Milestone, a globe-shaped monument, allow yourself the time to dream as you gaze upon the vastness of the Barents Sea.
You will then discover Alta. With the polar night in full swing, you may be lucky enough to admire the unique colours of the Northern Lights as they ripple and spin above the Arctic Circle.
Your trip into the very heart of the immenseness of the Norwegian Arctic polar world will end in Tromso, your disembarkation port.
PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of the tropical islands in southern Japan during an expedition cruise. On this 13-day itinerary aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, from the island of Ha Long to Naha, you will discover the rich natural heritage, traditional villages and craft of the Okinawa, Yaeyama and Sakishima Islands, in the Ryukyu archipelago.
You will set sail from Ha Long, renowned throughout the world for its UNESCO-listed bay, then head northward to reach the “Pearl of the Orient”, Hong Kong. A former British colony, she’s unlike any other city. Hiding behind the crowds and the neons are temples and markets, a strange mix of modernity and tradition.
Then, you will set sail for the southern islands of Japan, including Ishigaki, the capital island of the Yaeyama Islands. In the heart of the magnificent Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, you will be able to enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the eponymous city or discover Kabira Bay, renowned for its idyllic scenery, combining crystal-clear turquoise water and beaches of white sand.
Following a port of call in the picturesque village of Taketomijima, with its traditional Okinawan dwellings and its idyllic sandy expanses, Le Jacques-Cartier will sail south to the island of Iriomotejima. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little corner of paradise will enchant you with its authentic and preserved character, with its wild beaches lying alongside traditional villages surrounded by luxurious tropical forest: jungle, mangrove, rivers, waterfalls. This unique biodiversity is made up of many endemic species.
The landscapes on the remote island of Yonagunijima, the easternmost of the Ryukyu Islands, offer a striking contrast: cliffs, windswept meadows, wild horses. The beauty of its sea-beds and their mysterious rocky formations will delight the most experienced divers.
After calling at the stunning Miyako Island, you will head for Kumejima, the island that linked Okinawa to China in the past. Famous for its ‘Eisa’, a form of folk dance performed to the rhythm of traditional drums, this multifaceted island will reveal itself through its natural treasures: the mythical Mifuga rock formation or the idyllic beach of Hatenohama, a point of reference for fans of the underwater world. You will also call at Iheya Island, Okinawa’s northernmost territory, where the traditional culture of the region is preserved. You will be able to discover a few aspects of this through a traditional “Eisa” show featuring traditional drums.
Your final port of call will be Zamami, in the Kerama Islands. You will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this pristine island, known the world over for the distinctive blue of the surrounding sea, called “Kerama blue”. The sea life in the area is also exceptionally rich and sea turtles can often be spotted swimming among the coral.
Your cruise will draw an end in Naha, your port of disembarkation, on the island of Okinawa.
Admire a black and white sea of penguins on the remote beaches of South Georgia, hike along the rocky coastlines of the Falkland Islands as black-browed albatrosses fly overhead, hope to catch the unique sight of orcas voluntarily beaching themselves to hunt on the beaches of the Valdes Peninsula… PONANT is offering you the possibility of having these unforgettable experiences as you discover a spectacular natural environment during a brand-new 19-day expedition cruise aboard Le Boréal.
You will leave Ushuaia in your wake and sail to fabulous South Georgia. Here, king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals have invaded the shore and the young, newly emancipated from their parents, observe you with a curious eye. Light-mantled albatrosses fly above the black-sand beaches encircled by the island’s mountains. It is there, amid the snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916, before returning to rescue the rest of his crew, left behind on the remote Elephant Island. The museum commemorating this legendary expedition will teach you more about this fabulous saga, and the visit to the former whaling station will immerse you in the life of that little-known period.
Your expedition to the heart of the South Atlantic will continue with a visit to the Falkland Islands. As you sail in this archipelago of two hundred islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors, and tall grass swaying with the wind. This is the perfect setting for the thousands of Gentoo and king penguins, the elephant seals, sea lions, fur seals, and the black-browed albatrosses that watch from above.
The scenery soon shifts, as the mountainous landscapes give way to the arid steppes of the Chubut province in Argentina. After a stop in the charming Camarones, renowned for its prawns, you will explore the Valdes Peninsula. In this wildlife sanctuary, you will watch orcas hunt young elephant seals on the beaches, as Magellanic penguins look on. The eared seals yawn indolently, the guanacos gallop elegantly, and the skunk dolphins swim peacefully. The majestic beauty of the natural environment is awe-inspiring.
Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on Le Paul Gauguin on an 11-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.
You will discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze.
You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinct volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks.
In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs, or to explore the marvellous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.
Motu Mahana, our little private vanilla-scented paradise with turquoise waters will undoubtedly be the highlight of your cruise.
Embark with PONANT on an all-new 17-day expedition cruise to the heart of remote islands in the Pacific. Aboard Le Soléal, you will follow a brand-new itinerary that will take you from New Caledonia to Guam to explore rich local cultures and exceptional underwater life.
From Noumea, Le Soléal will first take you to the sublime island of Lifou with its picture-postcard landscapes of white-sand beaches and tropical vegetation, located in the Loyalty archipelago.
Your cruise will continue to Vanuatu, often called the ‘happiest country in the world’, where its 83 islands showcase a palette of extremely varied landscapes. Espiritu Santo, the archipelago’s main island, promises you an unforgettable aquatic experience in an idyllic setting.
You will then set sail for the Solomon Islands where you will have the opportunity to witness traditional culture as well as enjoy stunning white-sand beaches with swimming and snorkelling.
After a port of call in Papua New Guinea, the mysteries of Micronesia will reveal themselves to you. A scattering of islands and atolls, lost in the heart of the northern Pacific, this area is rich in Second World War history. The shores of Chuuk Lagoon and Pulap Island still retain traces of a tragic past and a declared Underwater Military Museum is the resting place of wrecks from Japan’s military air and sea fleets.
Micronesia consists of a sprinkling of islands and atolls that benefit from an exceptional environment. The atolls of Ifalik and Gaferut offer incredibly rich underwater scenery that promises unforgettable dives while, on land, Lamotrek Island has white sandy beaches and coconut trees, and villages that exude deep-rooted traditions.
Your cruise will end in Guam, the biggest volcanic island of the Mariana Islands.
This 15-day cruise takes you on a deep-dive to discover surprising and curious wildlife in an exceptional and pristine natural setting. Board L’Austral for a great adventure that will take you from Tierra del Fuego to the Falkland Islands, from the Chubut province to the bustling capital of Argentina. After setting sail from Ushuaia, you will chart a course for the legendary Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet in a tumult of rough seas, before sailing toward Isla de los Estados for an unforgettable journey. The island is home to the famous Lighthouse at the End of the World, after which a Jules Verne novel was named. You will leave Tierra del Fuego in your wake to discover the magnificent Falkland Islands over five unforgettable day and as you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind. This is the perfect setting for the black-browed albatrosses watching from above, the Gentoo and king penguins, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions. This season is ideal for spotting the young, curious and spirited adolescents that are preparing to leave their parent. L’Austral is the first cruise ship to cross the Falkland Sound, a winding channel separating the archipelago’s two main islands. On board, admire the spectacle of endless moors interspersed by the bays and coves punctuating the coastline.The scenery soon shifts, as the mountains give way to the barren landscapes of the Chubut province, in Argentine Patagonia. Welcome to the Valdes Peninsula! This wildlife sanctuary, where the beauty of the underwater world is unmatched, also reveals numerous treasures on land. The scenery is composed of arid steppes, a rich and varied flora, and distinctive haciendas. In these unspoiled lands home to more than 180 bird species, orcas hunt young maned seals on the beaches under the watchful eye of the Magellanic penguins, as guanacos gallop across the arid plains and dusky dolphins swim around peacefully. Here, the majestic beauty of nature offers a gateway to a whole new world.
Set off aboard Le Bellot for a brand-new 11-day cruise and enjoy an exceptional experience exploring Norway in the winter. From Tromso, you will sail towards these magical lands, where your exceptional itinerary will take in snow-capped summits, immaculate landscapes and the discovery of millennial traditions.
The beginning of this trip beyond the Arctic Circle will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami. From your disembarkation in Narvik, in the very heart of captivating summits plunging into the sumptuous Ofotfjord, you will be invited to explore the ancestral tales of this reindeer-herding indigenous people.
Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.
Then, Le Bellot will set sail for Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world. During your port of call in this charming fishing port, you will have the opportunity to explore the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching from Norway to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific tool to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. From your ship, you will marvel at this small strip of land with its craggy coastline and high jagged cliffs.
Le Bellot will once again set sail south, for the captivating Honningsvag. This port of call will take you to the northernmost point of Europe: the North Cape. On this cliff, home to the emblematic Milestone, a globe-shaped monument, allow yourself the time to dream as you gaze upon the vastness of the Barents Sea.
You will then discover Alta. With the polar night in full swing, you may be lucky enough to admire the unique colours of the Northern Lights as they ripple and spin above the Arctic Circle.
Your trip into the very heart of the immenseness of the Norwegian Arctic polar world will end in Tromso, your disembarkation port.
PONANT is the first cruise company to take you to the heart of the sublime landscapes of the tropical islands in southern Japan during an expedition cruise. On this 8-day itinerary aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, from the island of Naha to Taïwan, you will discover the rich natural heritage, traditional villages and craft of the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands, in the Ryukyu archipelago.
From Naha Island, in the beautiful Okinawa archipelago, you will also call at Iheya Island, Okinawa’s northernmost territory, where the traditional culture of the region is preserved. You will be able to discover a few aspects of this through a traditional “Eisa” show featuring traditional drums.
Your next port of call will be Zamami, in the Kerama Islands. You will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this pristine island, known the world over for the distinctive blue of the surrounding sea, called “Kerama blue”. The sea life in the area is also exceptionally rich and sea turtles can often be spotted swimming among the coral.
You will then head for Kumejima, the island that linked Okinawa to China in the past. Famous for its ‘Eisa’, a form of folk dance performed to the rhythm of traditional drums, this multifaceted island will reveal itself through its natural treasures: the mythical Mifuga rock formation or the idyllic beach of Hatenohama, a point of reference for fans of the underwater world.
Next, you will set sail for the southern islands of Japan, including Ishigaki, the capital island of the Yaeyama Islands. You will be able to enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the eponymous city or discover Kabira Bay, renowned for its idyllic scenery, combining crystal-clear turquoise water and beaches of white sand.
Following a port of call in the picturesque village of Taketomijima, with its traditional Okinawan dwellings and its idyllic sandy expanses, Le Jacques-Cartier will sail south to the island of Iriomotejima. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little corner of paradise will enchant you with its authentic and preserved character, with its wild beaches lying alongside traditional villages surrounded by luxurious tropical forest: jungle, mangrove, rivers, waterfalls. This unique biodiversity is made up of many endemic species.
The landscapes on the remote island of Yonagunijima, the easternmost of the Ryukyu Islands, offer a striking contrast: cliffs, windswept meadows, wild horses. The beauty of its sea-beds and their mysterious rocky formations will delight the most experienced divers.
You will end your cruise in Keelung, the port of the Taiwanese capital Taipei.
Gastronomic cruise in partnership with Cuisine et Vins de France, the reference magazine for gastronomy, with featured guest Anne-Sophie Pic,the most starred chef in the world.
Set off aboard Le Bellot for a brand-new 11-day cruise and enjoy an exceptional experience exploring Norway in the winter. From Tromso, you will sail towards these magical lands, where your exceptional itinerary will take in snow-capped summits, immaculate landscapes and the discovery of millennial traditions.
The beginning of this trip beyond the Arctic Circle will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami. From your disembarkation in Narvik, in the very heart of captivating summits plunging into the sumptuous Ofotfjord, you will be invited to explore the ancestral tales of this reindeer-herding indigenous people.
Your ship will then make its way south where you will witness the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have landscapes of surreal beauty alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and bright-coloured huts on stilts.
Then, Le Bellot will set sail for Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world. During your port of call in this charming fishing port, you will have the opportunity to explore the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching from Norway to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific tool to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will also sail by Bear Island, halfway between the North Cape of Norway and the South Cape of Spitsbergen. From your ship, you will marvel at this small strip of land with its craggy coastline and high jagged cliffs.
Le Bellot will once again set sail south, for the captivating Honningsvag. This port of call will take you to the northernmost point of Europe: the North Cape. On this cliff, home to the emblematic Milestone, a globe-shaped monument, allow yourself the time to dream as you gaze upon the vastness of the Barents Sea.
You will then discover Alta. With the polar night in full swing, you may be lucky enough to admire the unique colours of the Northern Lights as they ripple and spin above the Arctic Circle.
Your trip into the very heart of the immenseness of the Norwegian Arctic polar world will end in Tromso, your disembarkation port.
When you book your Ponant cruise through Fine Travel you’ll enjoy its true luxury all-inclusive experience and benefit from our boutique, concierge style of travel services. We have access to all Ponant's local special offers and a long-standing relationship with Ponant's New Zealand Representative so we can assist with any questions, issues, or special requirements. As a full-service travel agency we can also arrange connecting flights and travel insurance.
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