About us

At the beginning there was love of the sea and a passion for travel. The dream of adventure and a taste for sophistication. The desire to travel the world and spread the French way of life around the world. The wish to construct innovative and luxurious ships, with small capacity where others chose to build giants of the sea. PONANT still finds the perfect balance between all of these factors today and shares them with their passengers. Building on years of experience, the company offers luxury cruises on a modern fleet with ships built for an intimate environment.
Company Name : Ponant Yacht Cruise & Expeditions
News & announcements
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16 Jan 25
Partner News
Ponant Explorations Group Acquires Majority Share of Aqua ExpeditionsPONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a world leader in luxury expedition cruises in the small ships segment ...Read morePonant Explorations Group Acquires Majority Share of Aqua Expeditions - News & announcementsPONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a world leader in luxury expedition cruises in the small ships segment under 500 passengers, proudly announces the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, the award-winning small ship expedition company renowned for its exceptional river and ocean cruises in South America, Southeast Asia and beyond. This strategic acquisition by PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s investment company—which owns prestigious fashion houses through Kering including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and famed auction house Christie's; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; Artémis Domaines, encompassing a collection of the most exclusive wine estates, including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency—will empower Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding its footprint globally and enabling the company’s growth as a destination specialist. Aqua Expeditions currently operates small ships in biodiversity hotspots such as the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon River. Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and Founder will remain as a shareholder and along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit, continuing to operate under the brand name "Aqua Expeditions". This transaction comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra group of islands. "We are thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family," said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector. It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space." "Joining forces with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions," said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions. "Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand. With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well- positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values." -
19 Dec 24
NEWS
Ponant launches 2026-2027 Antarctic seasonPONANT has unveiled its 2026-2027 Antarctic season aboard ships, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, Le Soléal and L’ Austral. ...Read morePonant launches 2026-2027 Antarctic season - News & announcementsPONANT has unveiled its 2026-2027 Antarctic season aboard ships, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, Le Soléal and L’ Austral. They sail 36 departures across six itineraries between January 2026 and March 2027. Itineraries include the 10 night Emblematic Antarctica roundtrip from Ushuaia and Journey to Southern Lands and Valdés Peninsula for 18 nights Each Ponant journey is guided by naturalists and scientific experts, thoughtfully designed to preserve the pristine beauty of Antarctica and educate guests on the region’s unique ecosystems. “Our 2026-2027 season has been crafted to provide guests with an experience that is both transformative and deeply respectful of the environment,” says Deb Corbett, Ponant Explorations Group CEO Asia Pacific. “We are committed to delivering industry leading adventures without foregoing luxury’s comforts on our small-ship expeditions.” Guests can now take advantage of exclusive savings of up to 30% for early bookings. -
16 Dec 24
NEWS
Paul Gauguin ship set for multimillion dollar refurbishmentPONANT Explorations Group has announced a major upcoming transformation for the 330-guest MS Paul Gauguin, ...Read morePaul Gauguin ship set for multimillion dollar refurbishment - News & announcementsPONANT Explorations Group has announced a major upcoming transformation for the 330-guest MS Paul Gauguin, part of the Paul Gauguin Cruises brand. Scheduled for a seven-week drydock in Singapore from February to March 2025, the multi-million-dollar renovation feature sustainable technology enhancements, a transformation of Le Grill restaurant, and a rejuvenated pool deck complete with cabana-shaded areas. Guests will also enjoy the addition of eight new connecting staterooms, offering greater flexibility for families and groups. There will be refreshed soft furnishings throughout the ship. “Our vision for this refurbishment is deeply rooted in an experience that reflects the culture of French Polynesia,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of PONANT. Energy performance upgrades include advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system generating electricity from heat. A new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system that produces drinking water from seawater helps eliminating plastic water bottles. Exiting drydock at the end of March 2025, MS Paul Gauguin will launch two exclusive voyages as part of the 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection. Guests can choose the 14-night Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia itinerary, departing April 1, 2025, or the 16-night Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji voyage, departing April 15, 2025, as the ship makes her way back to Tahiti. -
11 Dec 24
NEWS
Ponant begins New Zealand sailing seasonPonant recently kicked off its season sailing around New Zealand aboard two of expedition vessels Le ...Read morePonant begins New Zealand sailing season - News & announcementsPonant recently kicked off its season sailing around New Zealand aboard two of expedition vessels Le Soléal and PONANT Explorer, Le Jacques Cartier. From December until March 2025, the ships will embark on eight departures, visiting 23 ports of call, and offering guests a rare opportunity to discover the hidden side of Zealand. The season includes two epic sailings down to East Antarctica from Dunedin. Le Soléal kicked off the season on 3 December, starting with two expeditions sailing south to explore New Zealand's remote subantarctic islands. Guests will have the opportunity to sail alongside destination experts at the wildlife sanctuaries of Campbell Island, the Snares as well as Australia’s Macquarie Island. Continuing on north from Dunedin to Auckland on a brand-new New Year’s cruise, Le Soléal’s next sailing, a 15-night journey from the South Island to the North Island will feature scenic time in the fjord region. It ventures through Doubtful, Milford and Dusky Sounds, as well as visit to new port of call Oban on Stewart Island, before heading north to Akaroa, Kaikoura, Wellington, the Bay of Islands and finally, Auckland. Joining Le Soléal this year is Le Jacques Cartier, Ponant’s modern Explorer-series vessel, featuring 92 staterooms and suites. This is her inaugural season in New Zealand waters. Sailing from Tasmania on 2 January, Le Jacques Cartier will start exploring both the North and South Islands before setting off on a brand-new, 15-night voyage, from Auckland to Cairns with highlights including the Bay of Islands region, Norfolk Island, and Vanuatu. In February 2025, Ponant will venture even further south, offering a 21-night expedition to Antarctica, on a Dunedin roundtrip aboard Le Soléal This itinerary features lecturer and guide Jonathan Shackleton, descendant of Sir Ernest Shackleton and family historian and Lucy Scott, great granddaughter of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. “We are proud to continue our operations in the region with this new summer season. Our included shore excursions and tours are providing guests with authentic New Zealand experiences,” id Deb Corbett, CEO Asia Pacific. Ponant has a limited-time Holiday offer, which includes an additional 10% off select departures with a limited number of staterooms available from December to March 2025. -
28 Nov 24
NEWS
Ponant completes third round of 2024 Australian RoadshowsPonant has concluded its third phase of 2024 Australian Roadshows, themed You Are the Destination. It ...Read morePonant completes third round of 2024 Australian Roadshows - News & announcementsPonant has concluded its third phase of 2024 Australian Roadshows, themed You Are the Destination. It visited four cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula), and Brisbane with seven sessions attracting 881 attendees. This marked the first roadshow series to include three rounds of events in a single year. It also featured debut visits to the Mornington Peninsula (at the InterContinental Sorrento) and Brisbane’s Calile Hotel. The events included travel stories shared by speakers including Ponant Expedition Leader, Jorge Villamarin, and Ponant State Manager of Victoria and Tasmania, Annabelle Brown. The presentations highlighted voyages to regions such as the Arctic, Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands (Christmas & New Year cruises), Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley, French Polynesia, Europe, and the Nordic countries. Attendees were also updated on new themed cruises, including gastronomic journeys in partnership with Relais & Châteaux and Château Latour, and music voyages featuring the Opéra National de Paris. The roadshows had a storytelling-focused approach, using videos and personal anecdotes. In Sydney, a special photo booth allowed guests to capture their ‘Ponant moment’ by donning branded parkas against scenic backdrops of destinations such as the Arctic and Europe. Ponant says there was keen interest in destinations including the Arctic, Antarctic, French Polynesia, the Kimberley, the Mediterranean, and the Subantarctic, generating substantial inquiries and bookings. -
11 Nov 24
NEWS
Julie Golding returns to Ponant as ANZ Key Account ManagerPonant has welcomed back Julie Golding, who is rejoining the company in the newly created ...Read moreJulie Golding returns to Ponant as ANZ Key Account Manager - News & announcementsPonant has welcomed back Julie Golding, who is rejoining the company in the newly created role of Key Account Manager for Australia & New Zealand. This new position bolsters Ponant's commercial team as it continues to expand in the region. Following Deb Corbett's appointment as CEO for Asia Pacific in July, there was a need for additional support for trade and retail consortia as Ponant experiences substantial industry growth. Golding reports directly to Julie Rogers. Julie Rogers, Director of Sales for Ponant, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Julie Golding back. Sje brings a wealth of expertise in luxury product development." With over 23 years of experience in sales development, Golding has worked for the Globus Family of Brands, APT Group, and Rocky Mountaineer. At the latter she first took on a key account role, successfully managing relationships with wholesale and key trade partners. Golding also served as Business Development Manager for NSW South at Silversea, and was later promoted to manage key accounts across Australia and New Zealand. Deb Corbett, Ponant CEO Asia Pacific, added, "As Ponant continues rapid growth in Asia Pacific, Julie's appointment is a key step in intensifying our market presence."Related News Stories:
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19 Sep 24
NEWS
Ponant offers special golf package on New Zealand cruiseExpedition cruise line Ponant has unveiled a special one-off premium golf experience as part of ...Read morePonant offers special golf package on New Zealand cruise - News & announcementsExpedition cruise line Ponant has unveiled a special one-off premium golf experience as part of the Best of New Zealand itinerary. The sailing departs 16 January 2025, transforming the nine-night sailing into a golf trip at seas, with combinable offers available. These include a $1,500 flight credit per person and a free solo supplement.. Sailing from Auckland to Lyttleton aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, the golf cruise itinerary explores the landscapes of New Zealand’s East coast with the opportunity to enhance it on land with a premium golf package. It is priced from $1,360 per person including return transfers, confirmed tee times, green fees, and carts/buggies. It offers the chance to play on the Summerhill Estate Golf Course, at the Poverty Bay Golf Club and at Cape Kidnappers during three ports of call. Summerhill Estate Golf Course: Perched on top of Papamoa Hills, Summerhill Estate Golf Course offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with captivating sea views and picturesque park-like surrounds. Poverty Bay Golf Club: Poverty Bay Golf Club at Awapuni Links is the second oldest course on the North Island. It is only a 10-minute transfer from the pier. Set on ancient coastal dunes, the links course offers smooth to undulating fairways. Cape Kidnappers: Experience golf at the edge of the world at Cape Kidnappers. Perched on rolling hills and rugged cliffs with sweeping sea views and an endless horizon, Cape Kidnappers is home to the 4th-ranked course in New Zealand.Related News Stories: Ponant connects to Starlink to boost remote area connectivity Ponant adds new roadshow dates in Australia Ponant opens 2025 Kimberley cruises - TravelMole Special Offers - TravelMole Outrigger Kona Resort completes $60 million renovation New Ponant motor yacht completes sea trials Paul Gauguin Cruises announces 2026 Moana Explorer Program Cruise tax of €20 announced for Greek islands Cruise Archives - Page 367 of 906 - TravelMole Cunard launches new promotion for 2025 voyages in addition to ...
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17 Sep 24
NEWS
Ponant adds new roadshow dates in AustraliaExpedition cruise line Ponant unveiled a new Australian roadshow series, ‘you are the destination,’ taking place from ...Read morePonant adds new roadshow dates in Australia - News & announcementsExpedition cruise line Ponant unveiled a new Australian roadshow series, ‘you are the destination,’ taking place from October 22 to November 19. It makes four stops in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Trade and travel agent partners can register now and bring their clients along. The events will feature special guest Jorge Villamarin, Expedition Operations Manager Asia Pacific. His expertise as a naturalist and expedition cruise leader spans polar regions and the tropics, with activities from scuba diving to hiking the Andes. Trade partners are invited to join and are encouraged to bring their clients to explore a broad range of new experiences. Each roadshow event features exclusive offers and surprises. Registrations can be completed via the official homepage. Event Details: Melbourne: October 22 (2 sessions) Mornington Peninsula: October 23 (1 session) Sydney: November 11 (2 sessions) Brisbane: November 19 (2 sessions) Travel agent should register online and share the following link, advising clients to add you as their preferred travel agent on the registration form.Related News Stories: Ponant connects to Starlink to boost remote area connectivity Ponant opens 2025 Kimberley cruises - TravelMole Sustainable Archives - Page 34 of 748 - TravelMole United adds three new international destinations News Archive - Page 791 of 9289 - TravelMole News Archive - Page 794 of 9289 - TravelMole Audley Travel launches ocean cruising New Malta flagship airline set for take off Partner News - TravelMole Advantage Travel announces Big Celebration Lunch
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11 Aug 24
NEWS
New Ponant motor yacht completes sea trialsExpedition cruise line Ponant’s new upcoming expedition motor yacht PASPALEY PEARL recently completed sea trials ...Read moreNew Ponant motor yacht completes sea trials - News & announcementsExpedition cruise line Ponant’s new upcoming expedition motor yacht PASPALEY PEARL recently completed sea trials off Fremantle in Western Australia. That represents another key milestone completed for the vessel which is part of a new joint venture. The JV is with PASPALEY pearling company for the boutique expedition motor yacht, which will launch with a cruise in the islands of Eastern Indonesia in January 2025. Captain David Marionneau, Ponant's Director of Marine Operations Asia Pacific, said: "We took PASPALEY PEARL through all her required operational and safety manoeuvres. The sea trials were a resounding success.” "PASPALEY PEARL, originally launched late 2021, is due to undergo a multi-million-dollar refit and will emerge with refreshed livery, newly designed interiors and expansive open decks." The ship has capacity for 30 guests and 21 crew, including four expedition guides.Related News Stories: Ponant and Paspaley unveil luxury expedition yacht Partner News - TravelMole
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08 Aug 24
NEWS
Ponant touts Vietnam coastal cruise offerExpedition cruise line Ponant has launched an offer on the new 10-day voyage along the ...Read morePonant touts Vietnam coastal cruise offer - News & announcementsExpedition cruise line Ponant has launched an offer on the new 10-day voyage along the Vietnamese coast from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long. Departing November 29, 2024, Ponant is promoting a combinable 30% Ponant bonus saving off the brochure fare, A$2,000 flight credit per person, and a free solo supplement. The 184-passenger Le Lapérouse sails between Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long, exploring the Mekong Delta and Hue, as well trips to My Son sanctuary, Cham Towers, Marble Mountain and the Ghenh Da Dia basalt column. Each stopover includes a complimentary excursion, including a full day cruise in Ha Long Bay. Other immersive excursions include the Cu Chu tunnels and a half day exploring historic Hoi An. The onboard lecturer and destination specialist will provide cultural and historical insights on the destinations visited.Related News Stories: Partner News - TravelMole
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24 Jul 24
NEWS
Ponant’s new boutique cruise venture to debut in IndonesiaJust months before its official launch, Ponant’s new yacht cruise joint venture has unveiled its ...Read morePonant’s new boutique cruise venture to debut in Indonesia - News & announcementsJust months before its official launch, Ponant’s new yacht cruise joint venture has unveiled its inaugural itineraries. PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT will set sail from East Timor in January 2025 for Bali, Indonesia, The inaugural 10-night expedition promises unique encounters with rare wildlife including whale sharks and Komodo dragons. Other highlights include swimming and snorkeling in the Seventeen Islands Marine Park, visiting remote Lembata Island and discovering ancient traditions in Alor. PONANT partnered with South Sea pearling company, PASPALEY to establish the new venture. They are introducing a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL, that sails year-round in the Kimberley in Australia's Far North, East Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Destination highlights will include Indonesia's Raja Ampat and Spice Islands, the Sepik River and New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley. On board, guests can relax on their private balconies and socialise on the Sunset Lounge or Sun Deck Lounge, which features an eight-person Jacuzzi.Related News Stories: Ponant and Paspaley unveil luxury expedition yacht Partner News - TravelMole Windstar Cruises deploying new ship in Japan, Alaska Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection ... Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole
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23 Jul 24
NEWS
Ponant hosts ‘bring a client’ agent events in AustraliaExpedition line Ponant recently conducted 'bring a client' events in Australia, which brought together a ...Read morePonant hosts ‘bring a client’ agent events in Australia - News & announcementsExpedition line Ponant recently conducted 'bring a client' events in Australia, which brought together a total of 100 agents and clients. The two evenings took place last week in Newcastle and the Central Coast. Ponant’s NSW & ACT State Manager, Kristina Sambaher was joined by Deon Johnson from Journey Beyond and Alexa Papoulias from Abercrombie and Kent. Together they welcomed travel agents and their clients for wine and canapés and to showcase travel experiences by rail, land, and sea. They presented a diverse range of trips, from Africa Antarctica and across Australia.Related News Stories: Expedition Cruise Network launching Antarctica agent training Holiday Extras teams up with eurochange Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection ... Partner News - TravelMole The Impact of Anti-Tourism Protests and Regulations on Europe's ... Exploring the Tranquil Oasis of Antigua and Barbuda A Pre-Hustle ... MSC Cruises - TravelMole Silversea - TravelMole Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) - TravelMole DidaTravel - TravelMole
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