Discover the Untouched: PONANT's Exclusive Expeditions You Won't Believe Exist

In a world where every corner seems mapped, every peak summited, and every shore photographed, a whisper of true discovery still remains. It’s a call from the planet’s last wild places—the silent, ice-choked channels of the high Arctic, the vibrant, forgotten archipelagos of Melanesia, the raw, ochre heart of ancient Australia. For the discerning traveler, the one who seeks not just to see the world but to feel its pulse, these are the destinations that matter. And for them, there is PONANT.

For over three decades, PONANT has redefined the very concept of exploration, masterfully blending the spirit of rugged adventure with an unmistakably French art de vivre. This is not merely cruising; it is a five-star expedition to the ends of the Earth. It’s the thrill of a Zodiac slicing through brash ice towards a colony of emperor penguins, followed by an evening of Ducasse-inspired cuisine and a glass of Veuve Clicquot. It is the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising, and it opens doors to experiences you may not have even known were possible.

As you read on, you'll journey to places that defy imagination. If a particular voyage sparks your spirit of adventure, remember that you can explore dates and availability using the intuitive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page. Our team of expedition specialists is also standing by to help you navigate these extraordinary opportunities.

The PONANT Difference: Beyond Luxury, Towards Discovery

What sets a PONANT expedition apart is a philosophy rooted in intimacy, expertise, and a profound respect for the destinations it visits. While others build bigger, PONANT remains committed to a fleet of sleek, small-capacity yachts. This is a strategic choice, not a limitation. It allows their vessels to navigate narrow fjords, access secluded bays, and anchor in pristine coves that are simply inaccessible to larger ships. The result is a more personal, immersive, and exclusive experience.

Onboard every sailing is a world-class Expedition Team—a curated group of geologists, marine biologists, historians, naturalists, and photographers. These are not just guides; they are passionate experts and your conduits to a deeper understanding of the environment. Their daily lectures are standing-room-only events, but their true value is revealed in the field. Imagine a glaciologist explaining the calving of a glacier as you witness it from a Zodiac, or an ornithologist identifying the call of a rare seabird just meters away. This level of enrichment transforms a beautiful trip into a meaningful, life-altering journey.

The French Touch at the Edge of the World

At its heart, PONANT is French. This identity permeates every aspect of life on board. The service is intuitive, discreet, and warm. The interior design, by renowned French architects, is a study in understated elegance—a soothing palette of natural woods, stone, and soft fabrics that reflects the stunning landscapes outside. And the gastronomy is, in a word, exceptional. In partnership with Ducasse Conseil, the culinary teams craft exquisite menus that celebrate French heritage while incorporating local flavors. Paired with complimentary fine wines and an open-bar policy, every meal becomes a celebration of the day's discoveries.

The Fleet: Your Five-Star Basecamp to the Ends of the Earth

PONANT’s ships are marvels of modern engineering and design, built to navigate the world’s most extreme environments in unparalleled comfort and safety. They are not just a means of transport; they are your sanctuary after a day of profound exploration.

Le Commandant Charcot: The Revolutionary Polar Explorer

A vessel in a class of its own, Le Commandant Charcot is the world's only luxury icebreaker and the first hybrid-electric passenger ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This is more than a ship; it's a statement of intent. Certified as a Polar Class 2 vessel, it possesses the power to crush through multi-year ice floes, granting it access to the most remote and previously unreachable polar regions on the planet.

• Unprecedented Access: Imagine standing at the true Geographic North Pole (90° North latitude) or exploring the emperor penguin colonies of the Bellingshausen Sea in deep Antarctica—journeys only possible on a ship of this caliber.
• Onboard Science: The ship features wet and dry labs, hosting scientists who conduct research throughout the voyage. Guests are often invited to participate, contributing to our collective understanding of these vital ecosystems.
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• Unrivaled Comfort: Despite its formidable capabilities, the ship offers a haven of luxury. Enjoy the indoor lagoon-style pool beneath a vast glass roof, indulge in treatments at the Biologique Recherche spa, or watch the icy world drift by from the panoramic lounge.

To craft a journey aboard this revolutionary vessel is to write your own chapter in the history of exploration. Our specialists can walk you through the unique itineraries of Le Commandant Charcot. For a detailed consultation, call us directly at 1 (888) 883‑0460.

The PONANT EXPLORERS: Intimacy and Innovation

The six sister ships of the PONANT EXPLORERS class (Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Le Bellot, and Le Jacques Cartier) are designed for tropical and polar expeditions alike. With just 92 staterooms and suites, all with a private balcony or terrace, they offer an intimate and personal cruising experience. Their most breathtaking feature, however, lies beneath the waterline.

The Blue Eye Lounge is a multisensorial underwater salon, an architectural and technological marvel. Here, you can sip a cocktail while gazing through two giant eye-shaped portholes into the marine world. Integrated hydrophones pipe in the live sounds of the ocean, capturing the clicks of dolphins or the haunting songs of whales. It’s a mesmerizing, almost spiritual experience that connects you to the ocean in a way you’ve never felt before.

Journeys to the Unimaginable: PONANT's Signature Itineraries

While the ships are destinations in themselves, the true magic lies in the itineraries they unlock. These are not checkbox destinations; they are deep, soul-stirring immersions into the planet’s last truly wild frontiers.

The Ultimate Conquest: The Geographic North Pole

This is the pinnacle of polar exploration, a journey few have ever made. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, you will push north from Svalbard, leaving the known world behind. The experience is a symphony of sensations: the deep, resonant groan of the hull parting thick ice, the 24-hour daylight casting an ethereal glow on a landscape of impossible scale, the profound silence of the polar desert. You'll scan the horizon for the majestic polar bear, the undisputed king of the Arctic. The climax is arriving at 90° North, a point on the map that has captivated explorers for centuries. To stand there, at the literal top of the world, is a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. Ready to stand at the top of the world? Inquire About This Sailing and let us help you plan this monumental achievement.

Antarctica's Final Frontier: The Ross Sea & Subantarctic Islands

For the true Antarctic connoisseur, the Ross Sea is the holy grail. Far more remote and challenging to reach than the Antarctic Peninsula, this region is steeped in the heroic history of explorers like Scott and Shackleton. A PONANT expedition here is a voyage back in time. You'll visit their remarkably preserved huts, where tins of food and scientific equipment still sit as if waiting for their return. The wildlife is on a scale that defies belief: vast, chaotic rookeries of Adélie and emperor penguins numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and the nutrient-rich waters teeming with whales and seals. This is Antarctica at its most raw, powerful, and untouched. Due to its complexity and rarity, a conversation is the best way to plan this voyage. Our expedition specialists can detail the nuances of this once-in-a-lifetime journey when you call us at 1 (888) 883‑0460.

Australia's Ancient Coast: The Wilds of the Kimberley

Swap ice for ochre on an expedition to one of the world's last great wildernesses. The Kimberley coast in Western Australia is a land of staggering, primitive beauty. Aboard a PONANT EXPLORER, you'll navigate a labyrinth of sandstone gorges, witness the astonishing tidal power of the Horizontal Falls, and discover hidden galleries of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art, some of the oldest figurative paintings known to man. Zodiac excursions take you deep into mangrove-lined rivers, searching for saltwater crocodiles, while helicopter flights (optional) reveal the sheer, breathtaking scale of the landscape. Have a quick question about the best time to visit the Kimberley or what to expect? Our team is online now. Just click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right corner.

A Cultural Tapestry: Papua New Guinea & Melanesia

Some of the most profound travel experiences involve not just landscapes, but people. A voyage through the islands of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Sea is a vibrant immersion into some of the most intact and diverse cultures on Earth. PONANT has cultivated deep, respectful relationships with local communities, allowing for authentic and unscripted encounters. You may be welcomed ashore with a traditional "sing-sing," a dazzling display of costume, music, and dance, or visit a village to learn about ancient customs passed down through generations. Below the water, the Coral Triangle offers what many consider the best diving and snorkeling in the world, with pristine reefs exploding in a kaleidoscope of color and life. Let us craft your perfect cultural and natural immersion. Get a Custom Quote for your Papua New Guinea adventure.

Life Onboard: The Art of Expedition Living

The rhythm of a PONANT expedition is a perfect balance of exhilarating discovery and sophisticated relaxation. After a day spent hiking on volcanic shores or kayaking among icebergs, you return to your floating French retreat.

Gastronomy and Enrichment

Evenings are a social affair. Gather in the main lounge to share stories with fellow passengers and the expedition team over cocktails. Attend a fascinating recap of the day's events and a briefing on the adventure that awaits tomorrow. Then, proceed to a dinner that rivals those in the finest Parisian restaurants. The open-bar policy includes a wide selection of beverages, from house champagne to premium spirits, ensuring the conversation flows as freely as the wine.

A Commitment to a Better Planet

Luxury travel in the 21st century carries a profound responsibility. PONANT is deeply committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Their modern fleet is "Clean Ship" certified, they have abandoned the use of heavy fuel oil, and they actively partner with scientific institutions to support research in the remote regions they visit. Traveling with PONANT means you are not just a visitor, but a respectful guest contributing to the preservation of these precious environments.

Your Journey Begins Here

A PONANT expedition is more than a vacation; it is an investment in a life less ordinary. It is for the traveler who understands that true luxury is not about opulence, but about access—access to the inaccessible, the pristine, and the profound. It is about returning home not just with photographs, but with a new perspective, a deeper connection to the planet, and stories that will last a lifetime.

Navigating these unique itineraries and selecting the perfect stateroom can be a delightful but detailed process. That is where our expertise becomes your greatest asset. We handle every detail, from flights and pre-cruise hotel stays to ensuring your dietary preferences are noted, allowing you to focus purely on the anticipation of your adventure.

Whether you're ready to book or simply exploring the extraordinary possibilities, our team is your dedicated resource. Use the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page to browse sailings, or for personalized, white-glove service, Plan Your Expedition Cruises Adventure through our custom inquiry form. For immediate assistance, our PONANT experts are available at 1 (888) 883‑0460 or via the 'Chat with us' button on your screen.

Frequently Asked Questions about PONANT Expeditions

What is a luxury expedition cruise?

A luxury expedition cruise combines adventure travel to remote, wild destinations with the highest standards of comfort, service, and cuisine. Unlike traditional cruises, the focus is on off-ship exploration via Zodiacs, hiking, and kayaking, led by an expert expedition team. Onboard, you enjoy five-star amenities, gourmet dining, and an intimate, yacht-like atmosphere.

What is included in a PONANT cruise?

PONANT offers a generous all-inclusive experience. Fares typically include all meals and fine dining, an open bar (including house wines, champagne, and spirits), all Zodiac excursions and shore visits with the expedition team, port taxes, and Wi-Fi. Specific inclusions can vary slightly by itinerary, which our advisors can clarify for you.

What kind of traveler chooses a PONANT expedition?

PONANT attracts curious, well-traveled, and active individuals and couples who are seeking more than a typical vacation. They are lifelong learners who value enrichment, authentic experiences, and high-quality service. They appreciate both the thrill of adventure and the comfort of luxury, and they have a deep respect for nature and culture.

What should I pack for a polar expedition?

For polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica), layering is key. You will need a thermal base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and waterproof outer layers. PONANT provides a complimentary polar parka for you to use during the voyage and keep as a souvenir, as well as the rental of insulated boots for landings. Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm hat, gloves, and of course, your camera.