After this period of time at home necessary for the safety of everyone, we are looking forward to a bright future sailing the oceans again with you onboard.
To maintain our flawless hygiene record, we have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of our guests and crew both onboard and ashore.
You can now also take advantage of our SERENITY policy for new bookings, so you can book and sail with peace of mind.
We are looking forward to welcoming you onboard soon.
PONANT's Covid-safe Protocol
The unprecedented health crisis that we have just faced has been managed superbly by our teams ashore and onboard. The speed and efficiency of our protocols, our advanced medical equipment, and the small size of our ships have resulted in the safety of all. Now, we are implementing enhanced sanitary measures to ensure a maximum level of safety and a cruise that runs smoothly.
Our Health Protection MeasuresRead the comprehensive protocol
PONANT's Covid-safe Protocol
Whether on land or onboard, your safety is our primary concern. To ensure the provision and maintenance of a 'COVID-SAFE' sanitary bubble, PONANT has introduced a more stringent set of health protection measures incorporating a complete range of technological, human and equipment based measures: three 'shields' designed to ensure safe onboard access conditions, strict sanitary protocols, daily control and monitoring (guests, equipment, ships).
COVID-SAFE zone access conditions
100% of guests and crew members will be controlled prior to boarding and comply with the COVID-SAFE zone access protocol at the time of boarding, which consists of a body temperature check and a disinfection tunnel for people, personal effects and goods/merchandise.
D-45
First health questionnaire to be completed by personal doctor.
D-3
Mandatory PCR test*
BEFORE BOARDING
Second health questionnaire + test1 & examination
BOARDING GRANTED^
*Mandatory PCR test except for cruises in New Zealand. Do not travel if positive result or contact with Covid-19 case less than 14 days.
1 Each guest will be subjected to an antigen test before being allowed on board, except for vaccinated persons. Medical personnel may also perform an additional PCR test if the doctor/captain deems it necessary.
^Boarding denied IF test results are positive, IF test results are older than 4 days, IF confinement declared not implemented, IF mandatory confinement after PCR test is not respected, IF temperature >38°C, or symptoms detected.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR NEW ZEALAND VOYAGES
Guests have a mandatory medical questionnaire only for the 08/02/2021 and 22/02/2021 departures aboard Le Lapérouse, this is not however related to Covid-19, but rather for travel to the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand. Medical questionnaire is at time of full payment, 30 days prior to embarkation rather than 45. Guests do not have to see their doctor for a PCR test within 3 days. The Covid-19 declaration is supplied with documentation, 14 days prior, to be brought with guests on the day of departure.
Maintenance of the COVID-SAFE zone
All persons onboard (guests and crew members) are required to comply with the mandatory health protocol, and all our onboard spaces are regularly cleaned and treated to ensure total disinfection. To preserve and maintain this sanitary bubble, shore/land excursions will only take place in regions where the epidemic is under control.
DISINFECTION
luggage and goods/merchandise
PROTECTION KITS
Provided at boarding. Wearing of masks mandatory2
CLEANING
public spaces and cabins and continuous air replenishment
BARRIER GESTURES
and social distancing**
CREW MEMBERS
wearing of masks or visors mandatory
ISOLATION ZONE
5 staterooms available if required
**according to the social distancing recommended in the WHO guidelines
2 Masks not mandatory on New Zealand voyages.
Land trips/visits
Landing craft will be disinfected and passengers will be required to comply with a range of more stringent health protection instructions: social distancing, mask wearing, barrier procedures, temperature checks and hands disinfection before returning onboard.
Checking and monitoring of the COVID-SAFE zone
To ensure we can provide you with a COVID-SAFE zone throughout your voyage, we have designed and developed a fully-fledged checking and monitoring system with respect to the health protection situation onboard our ships.
MEDICAL TEAM
Doctor and nurse onboard
ONBOARD HOSPITAL
Daily monitoring and rapid diagnosis
TESTING AND SAMPLING
Carried out regularly in high-risk areas and on high-risk surfaces
MONITORING AND CHECKING
of both guests and the ship itself
The French flag and PONANT's exemplary standards
Topping the Paris MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) World flag rankings in 2013 & 2014, the French flag is considered the safest in the world. PONANT is the only cruise operator to fly it, providing a measure of the quality the company offers in terms of environmental standards, the safety of its ships and employment law. The fleet is checked and monitored by the Marseille based Centre de Sécurité des Navires PACA Corse. The safety and security equipment is annually checked and approved by the French government and French testing and inspection company Bureau Veritas. Each ship is ISM (International Safety Management) certified, which requires compliance with a set of very strict international rules and regulations.
Book with Confidence
Are you concerned about booking a cruise in the coming months? Discover our exceptionally flexible SERENITY policy for NEW bookings made after 15th March 2021.
Find out more
Our intimate & luxurious ships
Our philosophy is all about taking you to exceptional destinations in a refined and luxurious setting. We have designed small capacity ships – from just 16 to 135 staterooms & suites only, most with private balcony - which allow us to explore exclusive and lesser-visited ports of call that larger ships cannot access. Their intimate atmosphere makes you feel as though you're on your own private yacht . Equipped with advanced technologies, they ensure the safety of our guests and limit our impact on the environment.
Find out more
Valid from 9th March 2020
Luxurious and intimate ships
Our philosophy is all about taking you to exceptional destinations in a refined and luxurious setting. We have designed small capacity ships – from just 16 to 135 staterooms & suites only, most with private balcony - which allow us to explore exclusive and lesser-visited ports of call that larger ships cannot access. Their intimate atmosphere makes you feel as though you're on your own private yacht. Equipped with advanced technologies, they ensure the safety of our guests and limit our impact on the environment.
Small-sized ships
Our fleet of ships are designed to be intimate in size: the PONANT Explorer ships have only 92 staterooms & suites and our Sisterships have a maximum of only 132 staterooms & suites, with most staterooms enjoying a private balcony. This considered design allows us to remain true to our philosophy: to travel on small ships in a unique atmosphere combining respect for the environment, distinguished design and the latest technology.
Thanks to our small capacity ships, we can dock at exclusive ports and offer you stopovers in unspoiled locations . Onboard, the limited number of guests ensures a high level of service and makes you feel as though you're on your own private yacht..
A modern and environmentally responsible fleet
Our fleet, on average less than four years old, is one of the most modern in the world. Our ships are equipped with advanced technologies which ensure the safety of our guests and a limited impact on the environment : low-consumption lighting system with low heat dissipation (LED, optical fibre), dynamic positioning system allowing (when necessary) to keep the ship moored without having to drop anchor and thus respecting the seabed, and the Clean Ship certification.
Our sustainable tourism commitments
Zero carbon voyages
All CO2 emissions generated by our cruises are now offset at 150% . For this, we contribute to proven projects:
- The reforestation of the Amazon in the state of Pará in the north of Brazil, with almost 4 million trees planted
- Wind power production in the state of Maharashtra, west of India, which offsets 29%
- Photovoltaic energy production in several regions of India
These projects are certified by Verra Standards for a sustainable future , one of the two most prestigious certifications in the world. In addition to environmental issues, these projects also aim to provide responsible support to local communities by establishing sustainable jobs in these regions and by developing access to healthcare and education.
Design and the art of living
Innovative design, a refined silhouette, sophisticated interiors and a warm and intimate atmosphere combine to form a subtle combination of luxury, privacy and wellbeing . Every detail has been considered so that the chic and exclusive ambience of a private yacht is achieved.
As the world's only French cruise company, PONANT promotes the 'French Touch' and the excellence of French gastronomy : Ladurée macaroons, Lenôtre breads and pastries, Veuve Clicquot champagne during gala evenings, discreet service, refined cuisine developed in partnership with Ducasse Conseil and a menu created by our talented chefs from local produce, carefully selected for their flavour and quality.
SERENITY Policy
Are you concerned about booking a cruise in the coming months?
Are there any specific conditions for 2021/22 cruises departing prior to 30 April 2022?
So that you can book with confidence for cruises departing prior to 30 April 2022 and booked after 25th November 2020:
1. You pay a 25% deposit of the cruise fare to confirm your reservation, and the final balance will be due 30 days before departure.
2. Cancel up to 30 days before departure and and receive a 100% credit towards a future booking once without a fee.*
*The above cancellation conditions are valid for the cruise itself only. For other services, including pre/post cruise programmes, the cancellation is dependent on the policies of our suppliers. Not applicable to Group Contracts.
