Luxury Meets Adventure: Experience the Arctic Like Never Before with PONANT

There is a silence that exists only at the top of the world. It’s a profound quiet, punctuated not by the noise of civilization, but by the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, the soft exhale of a whale, or the crunch of your boots on ancient ice. This is the Arctic—a realm of raw power, ethereal light, and breathtaking beauty. For years, to witness it meant to sacrifice comfort. It meant roughing it. But what if you could touch the face of a glacier by day and savor a Grand Cru Classé by night? What if you could follow in the wake of legendary explorers, yet return to a private balcony and the finest French linens?

This is not a contradiction; it is the promise of PONANT. As the world leader in luxury polar expeditions, PONANT has masterfully dissolved the line between rugged adventure and refined elegance. Aboard their intimate, state-of-the-art explorer ships, the planet’s most remote wilderness becomes your personal sanctuary. This is an invitation to experience the Arctic not as a tourist, but as a privileged guest, immersed in a journey that stimulates the mind, thrills the senses, and soothes the soul. Join us as we explore what makes a PONANT Arctic expedition the undisputed pinnacle of polar travel.

The PONANT Difference: Redefining Arctic Exploration

To understand a PONANT cruise is to understand a philosophy. It’s a belief that exploration should not come at the cost of comfort or conscience. It’s a uniquely French approach—an art de vivre, or art of living—that infuses every moment, from the design of the ships to the curation of the itinerary. This philosophy is built on three essential pillars that set PONANT apart in the pristine waters of the Arctic Circle.

The Intimacy of a Small Ship Expedition

In the vastness of the Arctic, scale is everything. PONANT’s fleet of modern, ice-strengthened explorer yachts is intentionally designed to be small, typically welcoming fewer than 250 guests. This intimacy is your key to unlocking the true Arctic.

• Unrivaled Access: Smaller ships can navigate where mega-ships cannot, gliding into narrow fjords, secluded bays, and shallow inlets where wildlife congregates and dramatic landscapes reveal their most intimate secrets.
• Personalized Attention: With a high crew-to-guest ratio, the service is intuitive, personal, and warm. Your bartender knows your favorite drink, and your expedition guide remembers your passion for ornithology. You are not a passenger; you are a cherished guest.
• A Sense of Community: A shared sense of wonder quickly fosters a warm camaraderie among guests. You’ll find yourself swapping stories of the day’s adventures over cocktails in the lounge with newfound friends who share your passion for discovery.

Our travel experts have sailed on these magnificent ships and can walk you through the specific amenities and character of each vessel in the PONANT Explorer fleet. To find the perfect fit for your travel style, give our dedicated line a call at 1 (888) 883‑0460 to discuss your preferences with a specialist.

A Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Luxury in the 21st century is defined not just by opulence, but by responsibility. PONANT operates with a profound respect for the fragile ecosystems and cultures of the polar regions. They are the only cruise line flying the French flag, holding them to some of the world's strictest environmental standards. With advanced "Clean Ship" certifications, reduced emissions technology, and a steadfast policy of leaving no trace, they are pioneers in sustainable tourism. This commitment ensures that the pristine beauty you witness will be preserved for generations of explorers to come.

The Onboard Ambiance: French Sophistication at the Top of the World

Stepping aboard a PONANT ship is like entering a chic boutique hotel in Paris, which just happens to be floating amongst majestic icebergs. The design is understated and elegant, with a soothing color palette, contemporary art, and light-filled spaces that blur the line between indoors and the epic wilderness outside. The atmosphere is relaxed and refined—there’s no formal dress code, only an invitation to be comfortable while surrounded by quiet luxury. It’s a place where you can watch a polar bear traverse an ice floe from the comfort of an exquisitely appointed lounge, a flute of champagne in hand.

Your Floating Five-Star Basecamp: The PONANT Explorer Ships

Your ship is more than just transportation; it is an integral part of your Arctic experience. PONANT’s vessels are marvels of engineering and design, created to be luxurious, safe, and environmentally sensitive basecamps for your polar adventure.

Staterooms and Suites: A Private Sanctuary with a View

After a day of exhilarating exploration, your stateroom is your haven. Every single stateroom and suite on a PONANT Explorer ship features a private balcony or terrace—a non-negotiable for any true Arctic experience. Imagine waking up, drawing your curtains, and stepping out into the crisp polar air to see a panorama of ice and sea stretching to the horizon. The interiors are a study in comfort, with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms stocked with Hermès amenities, and intuitive design that makes you feel immediately at home.

Gastronomy at Sea: A Culinary Expedition

Forget any preconceived notions of "expedition food." Dining with PONANT is a culinary journey in its own right. In partnership with Ducasse Conseil, the esteemed culinary consulting firm by Chef Alain Ducasse, the menus are a celebration of French gastronomy, elevated with international flavors and fresh, local ingredients where possible.

• Enjoy sophisticated multi-course dinners in the elegant main dining room.
• Opt for a more casual but equally delicious buffet of grilled specialties, salads, and desserts at the outdoor grill.
• Indulge in complimentary fine wines with your meals, selected by expert sommeliers.
• Begin your day with fresh-baked pastries and breads, a hallmark of any authentic French experience.

Unprecedented Amenities: The Blue Eye Lounge and Beyond

Perhaps the most revolutionary feature of the PONANT Explorer ships is the Blue Eye. This multi-sensory underwater lounge is an architectural and experiential marvel. Descend below the waterline and enter a cocoon-like space with two giant eye-shaped portholes. Here, you can observe the subaquatic world while listening to the symphony of the sea captured by hydrophones and transmitted live into the lounge. It is a deeply moving, almost spiritual experience to hear the clicks and calls of marine mammals as you sip a cocktail and watch the mysterious polar depths drift by.

Beyond the Blue Eye, you’ll find a wellness spa by SOTHYS™, a fully equipped fitness center, a theater for lectures and entertainment, and a heated infinity pool—a truly surreal place to relax as glacial landscapes pass by. Ready to see which suite is right for you, or have a question about the Blue Eye? Our team is standing by on our Live Chat—just click the 'Chat with us' bubble in the lower right corner to get instant answers.

The Heart of the Journey: An Arctic Itinerary Unveiled

While the ship is a destination in itself, the true star is the Arctic. PONANT’s itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the very best of this vast region, led by an experienced Captain and Expedition Leader who have the freedom to adapt the daily schedule to seize unexpected opportunities—a polar bear sighting, a pod of beluga whales, or a sudden, spectacular display of Northern Lights.

Svalbard: The Realm of the Polar Bear

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is the quintessential Arctic destination. This is a land of dramatic, pointed mountains (hence its name, "cold coasts"), vast glaciers, and a surprising abundance of wildlife. It is one of the best places on Earth to safely and respectfully observe the magnificent polar bear in its natural habitat. Zodiac cruises will take you along coastlines patrolled by these apex predators, past haul-outs of grunting walruses, and below cliffs teeming with millions of seabirds.

Greenland: The Land of Ice and Giants

Greenland is a world of superlatives. Home to the second-largest ice sheet on the planet, it is a place of monumental scale. Sail into Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and navigate a sculpture garden of colossal icebergs, some as large as skyscrapers, calved from the mighty Ilulissat Icefjord. You'll also visit remote Inuit communities, where colorful wooden houses stand in stark contrast to the white landscape, and learn about a culture that has thrived in this challenging environment for millennia.

Specific itineraries change with the seasons and ice conditions, offering unique opportunities each time. To find the perfect sailing date and route for your adventure, you can Inquire About This Sailing, and one of our Arctic specialists will craft a personalized proposal for you.

The Expedition Experience: More Than Just a Cruise

This is not a passive sightseeing trip. A PONANT voyage is an active, immersive expedition designed to connect you deeply with the destination.

Guided by Experts: Your Expedition Team

Your journey is enriched by a team of passionate experts—naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, historians, and professional photographers. They are your guides, your teachers, and your companions in discovery. Through engaging lectures in the theater and informal chats on the deck, they provide context and insight that transform what you see into what you understand. They will help you identify seabirds, explain the geology of a fjord, and share the epic stories of the explorers who first charted these waters.

Up Close and Personal: Zodiac Excursions

The fleet of military-grade Zodiacs onboard are your ticket to true exploration. These sturdy inflatable boats, driven by your expert guides, will take you away from the mother ship and deep into the heart of the wilderness. Feel the spray on your face as you weave through a maze of ice floes. Listen to the sound of brash ice tinkling against the hull. Approach the towering face of a tidewater glacier and witness the raw power of nature. It is on these excursions that the most memorable moments of your Arctic journey will unfold.

The beauty of a PONANT expedition is its flexibility. The captain and expedition leader may alter the course to follow a pod of whales or to find the best view of the Northern Lights. This level of bespoke adventure is something we specialize in planning. Use the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page to explore potential dates, or better yet, let us do the work for you.

Planning Your Ultimate Arctic Expedition

An adventure of this magnitude deserves careful planning. As your dedicated travel advisors, we are here to ensure every detail is handled seamlessly, so you can focus on the wonder of the journey ahead.

What to Pack for Polar Luxury

While the onboard environment is one of refined comfort, your excursions require practical gear. The key is layering. Think thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and waterproof outer pants. Good, insulated waterproof boots are essential. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the Arctic sun can be surprisingly strong reflecting off the ice. PONANT generously provides a complimentary polar parka for you to use during your expedition and take home as a cherished souvenir.

Why Book With Us? The Value of an Expert Advisor

Navigating the options for an Arctic cruise can be complex. That's where our expertise becomes your greatest asset. We have firsthand experience with PONANT's fleet and deep knowledge of the polar regions. We handle the complex logistics of flights to remote embarkation ports, arrange pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, and can advise on everything from which suite to choose to the best travel insurance. We are your advocates and your personal concierges from the moment you start dreaming until you return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Your journey to the top of the world begins with a single step. Our team of luxury cruise specialists is here to answer every question, fine-tune every detail, and craft an experience that exceeds your every expectation. To begin this conversation, we invite you to Plan Your Arctic Circle Adventure. Fill out our brief form, and we will provide a no-obligation, custom-tailored quote just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about PONANT Arctic Cruises

Is an Arctic cruise physically demanding?

A PONANT Arctic cruise can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. The primary activities, like Zodiac cruises and landings, require a basic level of mobility—being able to walk on uneven terrain and get in and out of the Zodiacs with assistance. More strenuous options like hiking or kayaking are available for those who want them, but you can also enjoy the stunning scenery from the ship's deck or lounges. The expedition team will always brief you on the activity level for each excursion.

Will I definitely see polar bears?

The Arctic, particularly Svalbard, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural environment. However, these are wild animals in a vast wilderness, and sightings can never be guaranteed. PONANT's experienced expedition team uses their expertise and a network of information to maximize your chances, and the flexibility of the itinerary allows the ship to divert to areas with recent sightings. The thrill is in the search!

What is the dress code onboard a PONANT ship?

The dress code is elegantly casual. During the day, comfortable and practical clothing is the norm. In the evenings, people tend to dress up slightly for dinner—think resort casual. For the Captain's welcome and farewell dinners, some guests may opt for a jacket or a cocktail dress, but it is not required. There are no formal nights. Comfort is key.

What's included in the cruise fare?

PONANT is known for its inclusive value. Your fare typically includes all meals, a wide selection of beverages including fine wines, beers, and spirits (premium brands are extra), 24-hour room service, all Zodiac excursions and landings with the expedition team, lectures and entertainment, port taxes, and Wi-Fi. The polar parka is also included. Our advisors will provide a detailed list of inclusions for your specific sailing when you Get a Custom Quote.

Can I travel solo?

Absolutely. PONANT is very welcoming to solo travelers. The intimate size of the ships and the communal nature of the expedition experience make it easy to meet and connect with fellow guests. PONANT often has special offers that waive or reduce the single supplement on select sailings, making it an excellent choice for individual explorers. Contact us on our Live Chat or at 1 (888) 883‑0460 to find out about current solo traveler promotions.