Life on board our ships is an intrinsic part of the PONANT travel experience.
Whether you choose a Mediterranean yacht cruise or an expedition journey to the heart of icy Antarctica, you can be sure of exceptional comfort on board our ships. Our bespoke, attentive service will make you feel like you're travelling on your own private yacht.
Leisure and well-being
Enjoy a moment of tranquility at the spa or around the pool, work-out in the fitness room, enjoy a theatre show with your travel companions. Our ships have a variety of well-designed spaces to offer you space for relaxation or shared enjoyment to enhance your journey.
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Fine cuisine
We take care to instil the French 'art of living' even on the other side of the world. We respect the highest standards of cuisine and offer a varied menu, created by our chefs using superior quality ingredients, beautifully presented and flavoursome.
See moreGood times together
During your stay you can enjoy a sophisticated ambiance. Each area has been considered down to the last detail and tastefully decorated. You're invited to enjoy good times with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.
DiscoverLuxury takes many forms
Our aim is to offer you a bespoke cruise, so we work hard every day to offer you first class, intuitive service. Our staff is attentive and experienced, they will ensure you are comfortable and respond to all your requests, whether while in your stateroom, lounges or in our various dining areas.
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A typical day on board
From morning to night, on board the ship or on an excursion, discover what a day with PONANT might look like.
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Excursions
Our desire to create exceptional trips is demonstrated in the quality of excursions we offer on each itinerary. Planned, tested and approved by our team of experts, they'll enrich your cruise and make your trip unique.
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Health and safety
On land or on board, your safety is one of our main concerns. This means we uphold strict safety measures. Doctors and nurses are present on all our ships.
See moreCrews
Whether Hospitality or Expedition staff, take a look at the teams that will accompany you throughout your cruise, dedicated experts who will know how to meet your needs.
DiscoverLeisure and well-being
Our ships* have many spaces designed to offer guests privileged moments of relaxation and comfort.
Leisure and wellness
Because a cruise offers the ideal environment in which to take time for yourself, our ships offer special spaces dedicated to wellness and relaxation.
Leisure area
Dedicated to leisure and relaxation, the libraries onboard all our ships stock a range of books and board games. This space is also equipped with Wi-Fi connected computers.
The Sisterships and The PONANT Explorers have a special area for children onboard known as the Kids Club. Books, television, board games and consoles (PS4 or Wii™) are all provided for their use and enjoyment.
The pool
The outdoor areas on our ships, comfortable and conducive to relaxation, have been designed to merge into the sublime scenery and surroundings of the sea and horizon. There is a heated seawater pool featuring its own sun lounge on the top deck of our Sisterships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial), on the third deck of the PONANT EXPLORERS (Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D’Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Bellot) and on deck 8 of Le Paul Gauguin. On Le Commandant Charcot, you can enjoy the Blue Lagoon on deck 9 and on Le Ponant, a solarium and a jacuzzi on the 400 m² (4,300 ft²) Sun deck.
The theatre
Settle comfortably into your seat and enjoy a range of different shows, concerts and performances organised by the professional dancers and musicians onboard.
Special musical evenings, dance evenings and culture and music quizzes are held In the Grand Salon lounge onboard Le Ponant. Additionally, traditional local music concerts, featuring styles such as Corsican polyphony and Caribbean steel band music, are performed out on deck in the open air by bands specially invited onboard for the purpose.
PONANT Studio
A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return.*
* As Le Ponant is laid out differently due to its smaller size, it may not have all facilities.
Gastronomy
Faithful to our commitment to spreading the French way of life around the world, we always pay special attention to the meals that we serve throughout the day.
Our talented chefs craft high end menus so you can enjoy the delights of a refined table. They share their passion for premium produce with passengers, enriched with the inspiring flavours from the stopovers that we make.
As we wish to develop sustainable and responsible tourism, we source our food directly from the places we stop at, while committing to respecting the local resources.
The advice and expertise of Ducasse Conseil
In January 2016, PONANT announced it had joined forces with Ducasse Conseil, a catering centre of excellence run by Alain Ducasse Entreprise, continuing its route to excellence aboard our ships. From the conception of the culinary offering to the training of the company’s Chefs, this long-term project aims to ensure that PONANT’s culinary standards are as high as possible and to satisfy the exacting requirements of our passengers.
On the menu...
Every day experience new taste sensations. They transform every meal into a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Appetisers
Cep and chestnut velouté
Starters
Lobster, celery "rémoulade", truffle cooking juices
Main course
Langoustines with pepper, tender fennels, light broth
Beef Rossini, Anna potatoes and candied shallots, sauce Périgueux
Dessert
Voiles Ponant chocolat-praliné
Sample menu for information only, non-contractual.
On board Le Ponant
It's at Le Diamant, a panoramic restaurant serving delicate cuisine featuring the flavours of the sea accented by ingredients from the coastal areas sailed to and visited, that you'll have the pleasure of dining on board Le Ponant.
On board Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot's onboard restaurant, Le Nuna, is the first-ever shipboard restaurant by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. It's here that you'll have the pleasure of enjoying breakfast, lunch, à la carte dinners and a selection of special signature dishes, all accompanied by the kind of service you'd expect to find at a luxury hotel on land.
Special diets
And so that everyone's tastes are catered to, special menus are available on request for guests with specific dietary requirements (low-fat, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc).
There’s nothing like it, and this is even more the case with PONANT, where we sail from country to country. We start in Australia, and the following month we are in Japan: the dishes are different of course and the chef has to carefully select local produce to showcase it to the customersPhilippe Tremel,
head chef in the PONANT fleet.
See our interview with Philippe Tremel in Escales
Every day, our French baker makes your bread and then bakes it on board. Organic baguettes, sandwich breads and special breads are available as a buffet option with your breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Good times together
The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers and team members throughout the day.
The Theatre
The Theatre* is the most unique meeting space on board. It's the largest space on the ship and regularly accommodates all the passengers. It plays host to shows and entertainment as well as conferences from our experts, naturalist guides and guests of honours. The Theatre makes every cruise unique and enriching thanks to its constant and very accessible events.
On-board events
There are performers on board all of our ships. Recruited for their talent in Paris and Rome, they star in multiple shows at the Theatre, after dinner. Throughout your voyage, they host the various entertainment events in the Grand Salon, with the support of our on-board musicians.
During Tea Time or before dinner, our musical duos consisting of a singer and an accompanying musician play classical repertoires for you. In the evening, they play in concert at the Theatere or invite you to show off your dance moves. Dance evenings are thus co-led by performance dancers who know just how to keep you in step, under the direction of the Cruise Director.
There's plenty of themed entertainment to enjoy in the evenings. Both a soirée blanche (dress-in-white party) and an officers' evening are held on all long cruises. Other types of parties or evening events may also be on the programme, such as karaoke parties, a Casino parties or games evenings.
Films are regularly shown at the Theatre on giant screens. National Geographic features, documentaries related to our expedition route and feature films contribute to the cultural enrichment that is part of our cruise philosophy.
Shop
On board all our ships, a shop is open during sailing. It offers a selection of presents and souvenirs: clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and accessories.
Excursion reception and office
On board the sisterships (Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.
Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.
The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.
On Le Ponant, the receptionist will answer all your questions about excursions.
The Blue Eye
Every ship** in the PONANT EXPLORERS series features the Blue Eye. Located in the hull, below the waterline, this unique multi-sensory lounge that is unique to Ponant cruises plunges you into the heart of underwater life. Sight, hearing, and sensations... With digital screens, hydrophones and Body Listening sofas, you can experience the complete and unprecedented spectacle offered by the seabed.
Accessible to all passengers and equipped with a bar, the Blue Eye is an exceptional place to share a drink in a unique atmosphere.
"Solo" passengers
Whether you're enjoying a cruise in peace or to get to know other passengers, our ships are designed to offer you the right framework for your needs.
At the restaurant, our head waiter will sit you at a table with other guests and introduce you so you can share your meals in a friendly atmosphere. Our English-speaking crew members always make themselves available, attentive and approachable.
I recently went on a solo cruise in Patagonia. The atmosphere was very friendly [...] All sorts of activities were on offer where you could alternate learning or cultural sessions with rest times if you wanted to. Personally, I never got bored. Doesn't matter whether you're male or female, I would go for it. It's an adventure where you'll make some amazing memories
Passenger single member of the PONANT community
Join the community
*As Le Ponant has a different layout due to its smaller size, it cannot accommodate certain equipment.
** Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D'Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Bellot.
A typical day on board
Because our cruises combine exploration with elegance, we offer exceptional services, worthy of the highest standards of luxury, whether it's on board our ships or during your excursions or outings and landings. Enjoy a refined atmosphere throughout the day which complements the exotic nature of the programmes on land.
Breakfast
Get off to a good start every day on board.
- Hot drinks and pastries are served from 6:30 to 10:30 for early risers and late risers.
- Enjoy your breakfast in the cabin with room service, in the restaurant or outside if weather permits
- Enjoy pastries cooked on board, bread made daily by our French baker, home-made cakes and muffins, pancakes, waffles, eggs, cheeses and cold cuts, detox juices, and more.
Morning
Midday
Departure alert for excursions or trips
Because we want your activities to go smoothly, your cruise director alerts you before departure for any excursions you have booked if you are on a Yachting cruise, or for Zodiac® trips, if you have opted for an Expedition cruise.
Lunch
On board, enjoy our varied buffet. Among the wide choice of salads, vegetables, meat and fish, desserts and pastries, choose a starter, a main dish and a dessert that have been specially cooked for you based on the theme of the day (Corsica, Mediterranean, Asian, barbecue, Italian, etc.)
A restaurant on land is booked for day trips.
On board
Want to stay on board to enjoy a moment of relaxation?
- Attend a talk given by one of our prestigious guests of honour.
- Book a massage or treatment at the spa.
- Relax by the pool or in the library, keep fit in the gym or enjoy some quiet time by selecting the cruise photos taken by the teams from the PONANT Studio on the l’Application or on the computers.
Afternoon
Tea time
Zodiac® excursions or trips
Your afternoon continues with the terrestrial trips that you have booked to complement your Yachting cruise.
On Expedition cruises, enjoy guided trips by our naturalist-guides and discover new lands.
An afternoon snack
- Around 4 p.m., after having enjoyed a few sweet treats with cold or hot drinks accompanied by music in the Grand salon, it's time to get ready for dinner. Our Hairdresser Advisors will offer you personalised services in the Hairdressing Salon.
- Enjoy the peace and quiet of your cabin to watch one of the 60 movies available in multiple languages on your TV, to book a tour through the app or to immerse yourself in a book on your private balcony.
- Browse in the shop or stroll through the ship's various social spaces, in the observatory lounge (on the PONANT EXPLORERS and Le Ponant), the panoramic lounge (on the Sisterships) or the Blue Eye on the PONANT EXPLORERS, with a glass of champagne or a delicious cocktail in your hand.
A gourmet dinner
Your late afternoon continues in front of a beautiful sunset to the sound of beautiful melodies played on the piano, with an aperitif. Every day, discover a new cocktail recipe. Dinner follows, cooked by our chefs in keeping with the tradition of grand French fine dining.
Evening
24/7
An evening of entertainment
Your evening follows on with entertainment in the Grand Salon or the Theatre. Enjoy an evening dancing, a classical concert, a show performed by our professional dancers or a film projection on the big screen.
The PONANT App
After booking your cruise, download the PONANT app from the Apple Store or Google Play. It will support you throughout your voyage. Before your cruise, get practical information about how to pack your bag, the composition of the team on board, pre-book your excursions, etc. During your trip, enjoy daily highlights of your cruise, make an appointment with the spa, order the photos from the cruise and book your excursions.
Excursions & land itineraries
Each itinerary has been thoughtfully created by our teams to offer you a complete excursion experience. You can discover the hidden gems of the regions you visit in line with your interests.
Excursions & land itineraries
Hidden creeks, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites... the world reveals its hidden gems as you journey along the routes taken by travellers. In keeping with our ethos “Accessing the worlds treasures by sea”, we offer a wide choice of land excursions during all our cruises (except for expeditions). Chosen by our PONANT experts for their cultural value and historic interest, these excursions can last a few hours or a few days. If you need to stay on land overnight, we take care of your stay from start to finish, until you rejoin your ship. These longer excursions mean you can discover the unmissable sites of the region you are visiting, like Cuzco in Peru for example or the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
You can access these trips by pre-booking two months before your departure date.
Do you want to book an excursion?
Find out all the information you need
hereBefore or after your cruise
Before the departure or on the arrival of your cruise, various programmes and stays are always available. These can also be organised at your request, made to measure. Paris, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Great Pyramids in Egypt... there are many marvellous sites that may make you want to stay a little longer. Our PONANT teams take care of everything, extending your voyage and relieving you of all the organisation, even once your cruise has ended.
A varied choice of leisure activities
We offer a range of excursions based on a variety of themes. You can choose your land activities according to your preferences and desires, whether they're cultural or sporting.
Choose your excursion from a selection of unmissable sites, UNESCO sites, Cultural or Heritage visits, Nature and Adventure, Culinary Discovery and even our Originals.
PONANT'S unmissable
A safari in South Africa, kayaking through the heart of the Norwegian fjords or a boat trip in the Caribbean, visiting Pre-Columbian ruins... Whatever the destination of your yacht cruise, we offer enriching excursions and discoveries that are known for their cultural importance, historic significance and beauty.
North America and Canada
Whale watching
on a Zodiac®
Whale watching on a Zodiac®
Thrills guaranteed with this Zodiac® trip on the Saint-Laurent river. Your captain and nature guide will take you to the mouth of the river, where it meets the ocean. There's no better place to observe these sea giants and other marine mammals.
Central America - Mexico
A walking tour
of Colonial Campeche
A walking tour of Colonial Campeche
You'll arrive at the large entry gates into Campeche, the only fortified city in Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Campeche is probably one of the most picturesque colonial town centres in Mexico, it remains overlooked by foreign tourists. You'll finish your trip at the El Palacio museum which traces the history of this ancient Mayan trading port.
The Caribbean - Guadeloupe
Discovering the Saint Islands
by boat
Discovering the Saint Islands by boat
Settled in a motorboat, you'll set off on a panoramic tour based around the Saint Islands, an archipelago made up of nine islands. Discover Marigot bay, a local fisherman's haunt, the little uninhabited island of Grand Islet, a paradise for turtles and marine birds, La Coche and the Pain de Sucre. Enjoy some free time here to swim and snorkel.
South America - Chile
Arica: city tour
and geoglyphs
Arica: city tour and geoglyphs
Present throughout the north of Chile, the geoglyphs represent the most surprising archaeological ruins of prehistoric art. They are giant patterns made using stones placed on the ground; from above they represent animals, human figures or geometric shapes, their significance and use is still a mystery. You'll continue your trip with a walk through the historic centre of Arica, to admire the San Marco Gothic style cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel in the 19th century.
Atlantic coastlines - Madère
Chai and Blandy vineyards
Chai and Blandy vineyards
You'll join the Quinta de Santa Luiza, a unique, traditional property which maintains the features of a local farm as they once were in Madère. It shelters sumptuous floral gardens and hundred year old trees brought back from around the word, the vineyard produces Madère de Blandy wine. You'll continue to chai Blandy, where a private guided tour will show you barrel making, canteiro ageing, transforming grapes into Madère wine and the satinwood tanks.
Africa and the Indian ocean - South Africa
Safari in the Pumba reserve
Safari in the Pumba reserve
You'll travel over part of the 6000 hectare private Pumba reserve on board an open-top 4x4 in search of lions, African elephants, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, leopards and rhinos... in their natural environment. The reserve is also home to more than 300 species of bird. You'll enjoy a buffet dinner in the heart of the reserve before rejoining your safari to head back to the main entrance.
Northern Europe and Scandinavia - Norway
Kayaking in the Nærøyfjord
Kayak dans le Nærøyfjord
You will set off on your kayak adventure through the spectacular Nærøyfjordm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by imposing mountains on all sides. Breathe in the fresh air and drink pure water directly from one of the many waterfalls and rivers that flow into the fjord.
Mediterranean - Greece
Olympia and its museum
Olympia and its museum
ADiscover Olympia, home to the very first edition of the Olympic Games, in the 12th Century BC. You'll go into an ancient sanctuary, 2800 years old. With each step you'll discover a host of treasures, temples, altars, theatres, marble and bronze statues which once made this place famous. This place has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. You'll also visit the Olympia museum, which unites all the discoveries made on the site under one roof.
The Red Sea - Egypt
Luxor museum and temples
Luxor museum and temples
You'll discover the Luxor museum and its collections of pottery, jewellery and objects from the necropolis and the Theban temples. Then, you'll head to the Karnak temple, known for its impressive row of sphinxes. The temple was the most important sanctuary in ancient Egypt. You'll then visit the temple of Luxor. This is where the obelisk that stands on Place de la Concorde in Paris comes from, it was gifted to Louis Phillippe in 1831 by Muhammad Ali Pasha, Ruler of Ottoman Egypt.
Oceania - New Zealand
The incredible thermal springs
at Rotorua
The incredible thermal springs at Rotorua
You’ll discover the incredible thermal springs of Wai-O-Tapu, nestled in the bushland, sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity. You'll see the brightly coloured “Champagne pool”, enormous volcanic craters, Te Puia and the famous geyser, and spectacular steam jets.
Asia - Indonesia
The wonders of Borobudur
The wonders of Borobudur
You'll reach the incredible site of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Built between 778 and 866 using over 55,000 square metres of stones, this monumental project was mysteriously abandoned. A significant eruption of the volcano of Mount Merpai nearby covered almost the whole site and it was only rediscovered in 1814.
Pacific Islands – Bora Bora
Shark and stingray encounter
Shark and stingray encounter
A trip along the coast of the famous Motu Tapu island and on to the former crater of Motu Toopua. Your boat will drop anchor at a white sandbank in the middle of the area frequented by majestic stingrays. You'll be able to watch and admire them swimming all around you in an elegant aquatic ballet as your guide feeds them by hand. Harmless blacktip reef sharks often visit these waters and can be seen swimming amongst the stingrays.
First class service
Whatever your tastes, our attentive and professional staff are at your service to ensure your cruise will be one to be remembered. Even under the most extreme climatic conditions, you can be sure of great comfort and an exceptional service which are the hallmark of our line.
Butler service
Our butler service is reserved for guests travelling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.
Attentive and discreet, your butler will provide a fully personalised service. Throughout your luxury cruise, he will be at your service. You will benefit in this way from a bespoke, carefree voyage.
Laundry service
For optimal comfort, a laundry service* is offered on each of our ships. You will find laundry pricing, bags and slips inside your stateroom. During your entire cruise, your steward or stewardess will be available to take care of washing and ironing** your clothing within 48 hours.
*Dry cleaning is not available.
**These are paid-for services and will be directly charged to your stateroom's account.
Room service
Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your stateroom, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, our Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night *.
Pillow Menu
All of our teams are available to help ensure your ultimate comfort onboard. That means paying attention to the smallest details. That’s why, you can select the pillow that best suits you from our "special menu".
Open Bar
From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, your unlimited drinks are included*, at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, refreshments on your return from an excursion or in the calm of your Stateroom’s balcony: enjoy a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).
A selection of premium alcoholic drinks is also available "à la carte".
*It doesn't include premium alcoholic drinks indicated in the Bar Menu. It is valid only for individual personal consumption, without limitations.
Free & unlimited Wi-Fi
Whatever their cabin class, all our passengers have access to Wi-Fi free of charge everywhere on board and on all the vessels in our fleet. By means of a satellite link, Wi-Fi is accessible in most of the regions we sail to, even the most isolated.
Postal service
You can send family and friends your news at any time during your cruise. Thanks to our onboard postal service you can dispatch your mail by handing it to reception*. Postal cards are on sale in the boutique and in every cabin there are writing pads and envelopes placed at your disposal.
*The cost of stamps will be debited from the cabin account.
Special polar cruise service
In order to facilitate the preparation for your stay in very cold regions, a polar parka is given to all passengers sailing on a polar cruise.
You can also rent boots for Antarctic and Arctic cruises. Inform your travel consultant of your shoe size before your departure date and the boots will be delivered directly on board.
Health and safety
The safety of our guests and crew has always been our greatest priority. On land as at sea, PONANT therefore applies strict rules that are subject to regular international inspections.
In order to welcome all our passengers aboard in the best possible conditions, we have set up adapted health protocols. Our ships* are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Medical questionnaire
When confirming your file, a medical questionnaire will be sent to you. Once you've completed and returned it, it will be studied by the on-board doctors. This precaution gives you the assurance of travelling with complete peace of mind in faraway places without emergency medical facilities.
Pregnancy
As the ships do not have any facilities to enable women to give birth on board, women who are over six months pregnant shall not be allowed to embark on the ships. In any event, pregnant women travelling on board the ship are advised to consult a doctor prior to embarkation, in order to ensure that their state of health is compatible with the planned cruise.
Medical team
A doctor is present aboard all our ships, throughout the duration of the cruise. A nurse is also available on board (excluding the Ponant). Consultation times are indicated daily in the logbook (24-hour emergency consultations). The Sisterships and the PONANT EXPLORERS have a hospital for any minor surgeries.
Access for people with reduced mobility
All our ships* are equipped with lifts (one at the bow, two at the stern) to facilitate access to all spaces.
Access ramps can also be used independently to go to the theatre, the outdoor bar or the Blue Eye on the PONANT EXPLORERS.
Each vessel* has equipped cabins (three aboard the sisterships and two aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS) to accommodate wheelchair users. These include a ramp for access to the balcony.
In order for our teams to accomodate you in the best possible conditions, we ask travellers or reduced mobility or requiring special assistance to indicate this when booking.
Posters, signage and booth numbers are translated into Braille.
Each guest has a lifejacket in their stateroom and near the life rafts.
A demonstration of the procedure for abandoning ship, which is compulsory for all, takes place before the departure of each cruise.
The ships are equipped with, among other things, automatic fire detection and extinction systems, fire doors and watertight doors.
For maximum safety in the polar regions, our ships have specific lifesaving equipment that can cope with extreme external conditions while waiting for assistance, in the event of problems.
The fleet is monitored by the Centre de Sécurité des Navires PACA Corse, located in Marseille.
Each ship has ISM (International Safety Management) certification, a very strict international regulation.
Safety equipment is checked and approved on a yearly basis by the French authorities and by Bureau Veritas.
All our ships are graded and are regularly examined in great detail and without prior notice, in ports of call around the world.
This accreditation is one of the most rigorous in the world in terms of safety. It is in first place in the 2018 annual ranking of the Mémorandum de Paris (MOU), a guarantor of maritime safety through the inspection of ships in ports and their ranking. This agreement ensures, among other things, that vessels respect international maritime conventions.
After passing the entrance test, each officer receives thorough training at the French National Maritime College (ENSM) by alternating periods of training with periods of sailing. Recruited for our ships depending on their successful graduation and their experience, these officers are responsible for operating the ship and supervising the crew.
Training courses on an ice navigation simulator are organised at the ENSM in Marseille. This tool, unique in France, trains young officers to run a very specific bridge and to sail in a polar environment.
The entire crew (sailing, hospitality and production) undergo extensive training enabling them to exercise the roles entrusted to them in the event of an emergency. Many exercises and simulations are regularly held to ensure that everyone is fully capable of responding appropriately.
For cruises in the polar regions, the crew undergo additional training regarding survival and behaviour to adopt in polar waters.
A tradition of excellence,
professionalism and expertise
With almost 20 years of experience in extreme regions, PONANT is a true Polar Specialist. As the only French cruise company to sail in the heart of the ice, PONANT has the ships and the experience to take you to the most remote regions in complete safety; Captains and crew members are seasoned professionals, specially trained to sail in these extreme regions.
Our latest-generation fleet, the youngest fleet in the world, has the most modern technologies and equipment to assure your safety and respect for the regions visited. Our stable and silent “ice”-certified ships meet the most stringent international standards: 3D seabed visualisation using a dual sonar system, satellite weather station, GPS trackers on the Zodiac® inflatables.
*As Le Ponant has a different layout due to its smaller size, it cannot accommodate certain equipment.
Crew
Whilst on board our ships, the PONANT crew will be there to make sure you have a safe trip, as well as provide you with premium on-board services and outstanding outings.
Throughout your cruise, their job will be to meet your expectations and make your cruise truly unforgettable.
Captain
The Captain is the highest-ranking person on board. Their job is to ensure correct navigation, oversee operations, handle administrative and customs requirements, and ensure the comfort and safety of passengers. In order to do this, they supervise the various members of the deck, engine and hotel departments.
First Officer
This is the Captain’s right-hand man, who may stand in for them if necessary. In charge of the deck department, nautical operations and external maintenance, they are also responsible for supervising the ship’s officers in undertaking tasks relating to security, navigation, safety and environmental aspects. It is their job to discipline all crew under the authority of the Captain.
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer. is the most senior engine officer and is responsible for all of the ship’s technical aspects, including operations, maintenance and repairs. This encompasses power generation, propulsion and all additional facilities, such as electricity, kitchens, refrigeration, outboard motors, etc.
Reception and Cruise Manager
The Reception and Cruise Manager is in charge of the reception team and for promoting the sales of cruises aboard. By booking your next cruise on board, you’ll get a 5% discount.
Hotel Manager
The Hotel Manager is responsible for ensuring the comfort of passengers on board. To do this, they coordinate all the ship’s departments, except the deck, engine and medical departments. The Hotel Manager is therefore responsible for the Cruise Manager, Excursions Manager, Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, Head Chef, Head Housekeeper and Spa Manager, as well as the Management Controller and Chief Financial Officer.
Cruise Director
The Cruise Director is responsible for organising all aspects of life onboard. They are often there to welcome guests to the theatre, and part of their role, in particular, is to manage the entertainment team, which includes the dancers and musicians. As the person responsible for managing all the entertainment, the cruise director organises the activities that take place in the Grand Salon and also takes part in the various different party/evening events. He is the "voice" of the ship and plays an important and prominent role throughout your voyage experience.
Doctor
There is always a doctor and nurse on board all our cruises. Each day, the surgery times are published in the on-board newspaper and for emergencies, they are also on call 24 hours a day. There is a hospital on board our sister ships and PONANT EXPLORERS, which are equipped to carry out minor surgery. The on-board doctor also goes with passengers on outings and excursions.
Head Chef
The Head Chef coordinates the staff responsible for your breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. From pastries and cakes to buffets with an impressive array of options, they will be in charge of all the culinary delights you will sample on board. All our chefs receive special training from Ducasse Conseil, the expert catering division founded by chef Alain Ducasse.
Bar Manager
The Bar Manager is responsible for the barmen and will be waiting to offer you a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks, from timeless classics to more innovative creations. Discover the cocktail of the day, sip on an apéritif or digestif and enjoy unforgettable moments over a drink.
Head Housekeeper
The Head Housekeeper and their team will change your bedlinen, oversee the laundry service and organise your bedtime ritual. When you retire to your cabin each night, a small pastry will be waiting for you, the curtains will be drawn and your bed will be ready for you to go to sleep.
Excursions Manager
On our Yachting Cruises, the Excursions Manager will help you book land excursions, which can be private or in small groups, as well as manage your flights and transfers. On our Expedition Cruises, the Expedition Manager will provide you with information on outings and visits to shore planned throughout your cruise.
Restaurant Manager
The Restaurant Manager will be your Head Waiter on board. They are responsible for seating passengers, particularly those travelling alone, at the tables in the restaurant at dinner. Their team is made up of a team of waiters and a sommelier.
Spa Manager
Why not pamper yourself? The Spa Manager and their team invite you to relax at the hair salon and spa*. You will not only benefit from their expertise and personalised advice, but also enjoy top-quality treatments, including hair styling and colouring, and massages, to name but a few.
The Petty Officer is an experienced sailor. They are the most senior rate of the deck department and are under the authority of the First Officer. They supervise and coordinate a team of sailors in carrying out day-to-day operations and maintenance work.
Passengers who have booked a suite* have access to a butler service. If you opt for this, your butler will provide you with a fully personalised service throughout your cruise.
The Studio PONANT team* will capture all the unforgettable moments of your cruise through photos and videos, including at the Captain's Dinner and during land excursions.
The Shop Manager will talk you through our collection of clothes and souvenirs, as well as the range of accessories on offer. To get a sneak preview, why not have a look at our online shop?
Except aboard Le Ponant
Expedition Cruises
Expedition Managers and naturalist guides are present on board all our Expedition Cruises.
They are specialists in the regions you will visit, particularly on their flora and fauna, geological formations, history and culture. Passionate and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, they are responsible for organising safe visits to shore and outings based on the opportunities and unforeseen circumstances which make up any expedition.
Whilst on board, they will complete your experience by organising talks and other events, and will be delighted to answer all your questions.
Discover a range of facial treatments, aromatic baths, exfoliation and body massage treatments designed to provide moments of complete relaxation. You can also supplement your beauty ritual with additional services such as hair-removal, makeovers, manicures and pedicures.
- On board Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier :
Spa menu with Clarins - On board Le Commandant Charcot :
Spa menu with Biologique Recherche - On board Le Paul Gauguin :
Spa menu with Algotherm - On board all other ships :
Spa menu with Sothys - On board Le Ponant :
Spa menu with Biologique Recherche - On board all other ships :
Spa menu with Sothys