Expedition Cruises: Explore the Polar Regions and Remote Corners of the World
PONANT EXPLORATION expedition cruises give a whole new meaning to maritime adventure by combining it with the excellence of French art de vivre. Aboard small, eco-friendly ships, guests are able to discover firsthand the most remote regions of the planet. From the polar regions to the tropics, each itinerary is a chance for you to discover unique landscapes, cultures, ecosystems and natural phenomena.
What is an expedition cruise?
Unlike traditional maritime routes, an expedition cruise is characterised by total immersion in the heart of a natural environment that is often remote and difficult to access. Curiosity, the search for the unexpected, and an openness to experience the unforeseen are what these adventures are all about, meaning every day is a chance to discover something new. The scientific knowledge of the environment our onboard experts have also enriches these expeditions.
65 cruises
From
Colón (Panama)
To
Puntarenas (Costa Rica)
10 nightsaboard the shipLe Bellot
Next departures
From
Benoa, Bali (Indonesia)
To
Benoa, Bali (Indonesia)
10 nightsaboard the shipLe Soléal
Next departure
From
Benoa, Bali (Indonesia)
To
Cairns (Australia)
15 nightsaboard the shipLe Soléal
Next departure
From
Puntarenas (Costa Rica)
To
Colón (Panama)
10 nightsaboard the shipLe Bellot
Next departures
From
Dunedin (New Zealand)
To
Dunedin (New Zealand)
14 nightsaboard the shipLe Soléal
Next departures
From
Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles)
To
Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles)
8 nightsaboard the shipLe Dumont d'Urville
Next departures
Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys
From
Ushuaia (Argentina)
To
Ushuaia (Argentina)
10 nightsaboard the shipL'Austral
Next departures
From
AU$25,270 /person*
Scott & Shackleton’s Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition
From
Dunedin (New Zealand)
To
Dunedin (New Zealand)
21 nightsaboard the shipLe Soléal
Next departure
From
Lautoka, Viti Levu Island (Fiji)
To
Guam (Guam)
15 nightsaboard the shipLe Soléal
Next departure
From
Ushuaia (Argentina)
To
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
18 nightsaboard the shipL'Austral
Next departures
Encounter with the Last Guardians of the North Pole
From
Nuuk (Greenland)
To
Nuuk (Greenland)
12 nightsaboard the shipLe Commandant Charcot
Next departure
Beyond the inhabited world
From
Nuuk (Greenland)
To
Nuuk (Greenland)
12 nightsaboard the shipLe Commandant Charcot
Next departure
*Price displayed is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available. The price includes the Ponant Bonus discount.
What's a typical day like on an expedition?
The day's expedition is planned based on sailing conditions, the weather and opportunities for sightings. So every day is unique, with its own surprises and discoveries.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition activities
The appeal of an expedition cruise lies in the variety of experiences it offers, both on board and ashore. To ensure you enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind, the majority of the sightseeing activities are included in your trip. Only certain specific activities, such as scuba diving or polar expeditions on cross-country skis, are subject to an additional fee.
Our expedition leaders and naturalist guides
Expedition leaders and naturalist guides play a vital role in helping guests gain a deeper understanding of the areas they explore. These experts on local wildlife, flora and local culture draw on their extensive knowledge to satisfy guests’ curiosity at all times. Passionate and approachable, they combine adventure with understanding.
Responsible expedition practices and polar regulations
The remote regions we are traveling through are among the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. They require special attention in order to minimise the impact of our presence. PONANT EXPLORATIONS is committed to adhering to strict environmental standards and zero-impact disembarkation protocols.
Unmissable polar expeditions
The Arctic & Greenland: Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers, sail through the breathtaking fjords of Spitsbergen or Scoresby Sound, keep an eye out for the majestic polar bear, and meet the indigenous peoples. The Antarctic: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea or the Subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, the home to the king penguin, surrounded by immense glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
The Arctic & Greenland: Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers, sail through the breathtaking fjords of Spitsbergen or Scoresby Sound, keep an eye out for the majestic polar bear, and meet the indigenous peoples. The Antarctic: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea or the Subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, the home to the king penguin, surrounded by immense glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
Our guests' polar experiences
‘The depth of the expert talks and the passion of the naturalist guides gave our trip to Spitsbergen a unique cultural dimension.’
‘The way Zodiac outings are run amid drifting ice is a testament to the skill of the staff.’ ‘You feel completely safe, free to observe the polar wildlife.’
‘Every landing on the pack ice and every encounter with local communities was a moment suspended in time, made even more special by the fine French cuisine served on board each evening.’
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