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Destination Traveller

Cruise line review

Ponant

French style, a proper wine list and ships small enough to slip into remote bays: Ponant brings a touch of Paris to the polar ice, the Kimberley and the Mediterranean.

The line

Founded in 1988 by French merchant navy officers, Ponant sails a fleet of around 13 small ships under the French flag, to all seven continents. It specialises in high-end expedition voyages, from Antarctica and Greenland to the Kimberley and the Adriatic.

The ships

The six PONANT Explorers carry 184 guests each and have the Blue Eye, an underwater lounge below the waterline. The larger Sisterships suit polar and cultural voyages, Le Ponant is a three-masted sailing yacht, and Le Commandant Charcot, carrying up to 245 guests, is the world's first luxury icebreaker, able to reach the North Pole.

Cabins and suites

Elegant, light and contemporary, and almost all with a balcony; on Le Commandant Charcot every suite and stateroom has one. The higher suites add butler service.

Food and drink

French cooking and an open bar with a good selection of wines and Champagne. Room service is available around the clock.

Onboard life

Bilingual, French and English, and quietly chic. Lectures, citizen-science projects with The Explorers Club on selected departures, and a sociable bar before dinner.

Excursions

On expedition voyages, landings and Zodiac outings with naturalist guides are included. On cultural voyages, one activity per port is typically included, with others at extra cost.

What is included

Meals, an open bar, Wi-Fi and room service, plus landings on expedition voyages. Gratuities are generally included on newer fares; check your booking. Flights and some activities are extra.

Who will love it

Travellers who want luxury and style with their adventure, and who enjoy a European atmosphere. Le Commandant Charcot is the bucket-list choice for the high Arctic and the Weddell Sea.

Questions

What is Le Commandant Charcot?

Ponant's polar icebreaker, carrying up to 245 guests, able to reach the North Pole and the Antarctic's remotest seas.

Are drinks included on Ponant?

Yes, there is an open bar on board, along with Wi-Fi and room service.

Is Ponant in English?

Ponant is bilingual, French and English, on most voyages.

What is the Blue Eye?

An underwater lounge on the PONANT Explorers ships, with windows below the waterline.

Last updated 30 October 2026

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