PONANT released its first annual sustainability report, presenting early results to sshape the way towards more sustainable and meaningful tourism. Unveiled during the European Sustainable Development Week, the report showcases the objectives for PONANT, set itself with its Blue Horizon roadmap. "We see ourselves as having a responsibility to our guests, our employees and local communities to promote meaningful voyages," says Hervé Gastinel, CEO. "We aim to decarbonise our cruises, reduce atmospheric emissions, eliminate plastics, recover waste, protect biodiversity, support scientific research aboard our ships, and strengthen our partnerships with local communities." PONANT's roadmap is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals: 90% of the company's R&D is focused on improving their ships technical and environmental performance, the aim being to minimise emissions into the air and water. Managing water is another area in progress, with drinking water production, recycling, and biological waste treatment systems designed to avoid chemicals. On board, 100% of waste is separated and sorted, with 60% of it being recycled compared to the global average of barely 20%. By 2026, this recovery rate will be up to 80% in conjunction with specialised channels ashore. All vessels in the PONANT fleet have earned the international Cleanship certification issued by Bureau Veritas, attesting to the ships' optimal ecological performance. Last February, the company also made six founding commitments to the environment including reducing CO₂ emissions by 15% by 2026 and 30% by 2030 and completely eliminate single use plastics aboard and ashore from 2022;

PONANT has launched its 2023-2024 southern hemisphere’s summer season. The new itineraries have been chosen to explore remote islands, sandy beaches and scenic landscapes of the South Pacific. It presents 69 new sailings featuring a wide range of activities: meeting with local communities, visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, diving, and more. New voyages include:   “New Zealand’s North Island & Chatham Islands” – 7 nights  This brand-new itinerary will set sail to northern New Zealand cities showcasing strong Māori traditions and the nature of the Chatham Islands. Departing from Wellington aboard Le Lapérouse.   “From New Caledonia to Micronesia” – 16 nights  Aboard Le Soléal for a voyage to the remote islands in the Pacific, guests will travel from New Caledonia to Guam to explore rich local cultures and experience underwater life in Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo and Solomon Islands. After a port of call in Papua New Guinea, Micronesia will reveal hidden islands and atolls of the northern Pacific. Nouméa to Guam, aboard Le Soléal   “Seychelles to Sri Lanka Expedition” – 15 nights From the Seychelles to Sri Lanka via the Maldives, this expedition features untouched nature. Sailing among the archipelago’s most idyllic islets, from Victoria and Praslin, to the Aride Island. The Maldives will transport guests to islets and atolls protected by coral reefs, followed by Sri Lanka. Victoria, Mahé to Colombo, aboard Le Jacques-Cartier

Ponant’s iconic 32 guest three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant will offer new sailing expeditions in the Kimberley for the 2023 Kimberley season.   Commencing operations in April 2023, Le Ponant will offer new bespoke itineraries, showcasing the beauty of the Kimberley onboard the luxury sailing yacht. To add to the experience, a private scenic flight onboard one Paspaley vintage Grumman Mallard flying boat takes guests to their embarkation point, as well as private access to Paspaley’s pearl operations in Kuri Bay. “It is exciting to be partnering with the Paspaley Group in creating and delivering a new concept of luxury sailing expeditions in Australia’s north-west.” Ponant Chairman Asia Pacific, Sarina Bratton said. Le Ponant will join the company’s two other small luxury expedition ships Le Lapérouse and Le Soleal, already present in the region, having restarted post-pandemic Kimberley operations in April 2022. Mick Fogg, Director of Expeditions and Destination Development, Asia Pacific, said the Kimberley luxury sailings have been crafted to be fully flexible itineraries. The new itineraries onboard Le Ponant will be available for booking later in May 2022. These comprise 7-14 night luxury sailing experiences from April to October 2023 in the Northern and Southern Kimberley regions.

  As the fine weather returns, the urge to escape to sunny destinations grows, be it as a couple or with family and friends. From the Mediterranean region to the outer limits of French Polynesia, here are six of the best PONANT Spring-Summer 2022 cruises to get right away to blue skies and sunshine.   From Croatia to Corsica, the Dalmatian coast to the Cyclades, and as far as the Society Islands, this selection of PONANT’s most beautiful itineraries offers a compendium of cultural, architectural, historic, and natural heritage.   A whole range of activities await according to the destination, including zodiac outings, scuba diving, water sports, hiking, exploring the terroir and culture talks, far from the hectic pace of city life.   Find more details on these cruises   The best of Croatia During this cruise, the Dalmatian coast with its turquoise blue waters never fails to enchant. Starting from Venice, this voyage explores all the cultural, gastronomic, and natural treasures of the Adriatic Sea, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The ship sets course for Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo, Split’s architectural jewels, Kotor the pearl of the Adriatic, then Hvar and the picturesque town of Rovinj, before returning to Venice and its lagoon. “The best of Croatia” Venice – Venice aboard Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Lyrial. 8 sailings from 7 June to 26 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights From £3,770 – Find more details on this cruise   Wild and authentic Corsica With its luminous white cliffs, rocky inlets in coves of transparent waters, and bright sunshine, Corsica is a haven of peace. This circumnavigation of Corsica has been conceived by PONANT to reveal the most secret hidden away places, far from the crowds. This voyage is also an opportunity to discover or rediscover the joys of scuba diving and to meet a dazzling diversity of marine wildlife and flora. “Wild and authentic Corsica” Nice – Nice aboard Le Bougainville. 3 sailings from 6 to 20 June 2022, 8 days – 7 nights From £3,270 - Find more details on this cruise   From the canals of Venice to the city of gods Departing from Venice and its lagoon, the ship explores the pearls of the Dalmatian coast and Montenegro’s most beautiful bays in the blue waters of the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas. After setting course for the Greek islands of Itea and Corfu, the most famous town of this Ionian archipelago, the ship crosses the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens. “From the canals of Venice to the city of gods” Venice – Athens aboard Le Lyrial. 3 sailings from 27 May to 19 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights From £2,840 – Find more details on this cruise   At the heart of the Greek islands A flagship destination, Greece overflows with turquoise blue waters and heavenly fine sandy beaches where it is good to bathe and bask in the sun. From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, drifting from island to island discovering stunning landscapes, this cruise offers a taste of Greek-style dolce vita. This enchanting break away from it all, is also an opportunity to be immersed in Greek myths and legends on the many cultural excursions to ancient heritage sites in the Aegean Sea. “At the heart of the Greek islands” Athens – Athens aboard Le Lyrial, Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Bougainville. 7 sailings from 12 July to 23 September 2022, 8 days – 7 nights From £2,870 – Find more details on this cruise   Turkish shores and Greek archipelagos of the Aegean At sunset, the Aegean Sea unveils a dream panorama, from the shores of the Bosphorus to the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos. These tiny Mediterranean wonderlands harbour countless picturesque villages and coves, lapped by crystal clear waters that are ideal for bathing and lying in the sun. This cruise is also a chance to be immersed in the history of the region and explore the many cultural sites at the crossroads of East and West. “Turkish shores and Greek archipelagos of the Aegean” Istanbul – Istanbul aboard Le Bougainville. 2 sailings from 10 to 20 July 2022, 11 days – 10 nights From £4,640 – Find more details on this cruise   Tahiti and the Society Islands Those who love wildlife and lush vegetation will be seduced by this cruise against an idyllic backdrop of the South Pacific. From Papeete, the ship will set sail for the Society Islands:  Huahine, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora and Moorea. It is a unique opportunity to explore the coral gardens on snorkelling and underwater trails which are home to thousands of tropical fish. Or just to stroll along the white sandy beaches fringing turquoise blue lagoons in a heavenly setting. “Tahiti and the Society Islands” Papeete – Papeete aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. 9 sailings from 30 April to 12 November 2022, 8 days – 7 nights From £3,550 – Find more details on this cruise   For more information on booking conditions see Our Ultra Serenity policy  

  Le Ponant, the iconic three-mast sailing yacht, is redefining the contours of expedition cruises.  A raft of new itineraries tailored by expedition leaders and naturalist guides deploys all of PONANT’s expertise to ensure a once in a lifetime experience in the Seychelles. Onboard this ship, where intimacy is treasured, only 16 staterooms per sailing can now be reserved for the 2022-2023 winter season.   Le Ponant will be sailing with the trade winds to the most beautiful places in the Seychelles archipelago, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. A total of 11 departure dates are planned for this itinerary, including two new ports of call as unique as they are secret, namely the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island. Fringed by white sandy beaches, these islands are uninhabited, creating an exhilarating Robinson Crusoe sense of being the first to discover them.   As a prelude to the Seychelles, guests have the option to book a magical pre-cruise night beneath the stars in an eco-lodge nestled into the dunes on the Arabian Peninsula desert.   Reconnect to the essence of life   Lulled by the gentle rhythm of being under sail, time takes on a whole new meaning aboard Le Ponant. Sailing as close as possible to the fauna and flora of the Seychelles, all the senses are awakened in this biodiversity sanctuary. A range of full immersion activities tailored to experience the essence of Seychelles includes scuba diving, free diving initiation, yoga at sunrise and sunset, meditation, paddleboarding, and outings in glass-bottomed kayaks or snorkelling. A perfect occasion for each guest to reconnect with nature and his own inspirations, and an invitation to follow one’s desires with the wind.   As a pioneer of the expedition concept, PONANT has brought in all its expertise. On board Le Ponant will sail an expedition leader and three naturalist guides, among them a yoga expert and free diver instructor.     The Seychelles under the trade winds Mahé – Mahé, 11 sailings from 22 November 2022 to 20 February 2023, 10 days – 9 nights From €8,970 – Find more about these cruises   A sailing yacht that epitomises PONANT’s commitment   Le Ponant has been transformed to offer guests a truly unique travel experience. Having been totally renovated with a sleek sophisticated design by the Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, the end result is an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests. An invitation to go sailing and to recharge the batteries, to share and contemplate the world around, on a journey that combines voyage and eco-responsibility. Le Ponant, the company’s historic yacht, has been reflecting PONANT’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism since the beginning.   Now fitted with the latest technological innovations, the ambition to reduce her emissions is more relevant than ever. Everything has been thought through with meticulous attention to detail, from the fact there are no motorised watersports, with individual or small group landings only, through to the desire to be anchored in spirit to the destination, giving pride of place to local heritage. Le Ponant, which will navigate under sail as often as possible, includes other improvements such as a dockside connection, an innovative system of SCR filters to eliminate fine particles and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, waste sorting and a state-of-the-art water treatment system – all to help protect the environment.

PONANT will host a special two-part live online event on 17 March 2022 to highlight new expedition itineraries for 2023. The real time virtual event will be hosted by PONANT’s National Business Manager Craig Farrell, together with guest speakers Mick Fogg, PONANT’s Director of Expeditions and Destination Development, and Ryo Ijichi, a PONANT expedition guide and leader. Showcasing PONANT’s 2023 itineraries, the two-part free event invites guests and agents to discover new experiences and destinations across the globe for 2023. The first session at 3pm AEDT will explore PONANT’s new tropical expeditions, highlighting destinations from the Kimberley coast to Melanesia and Asia. From Antarctica to the Arctic, the second session at 5pm AEDT invites guests to discover PONANT’s new polar program for 2023. Guests go on a virtual journey exploring the new itineraries. Participants of the event will also have the chance to win a luxury expedition for two in Indonesia onboard Le Laperouse departing 31 March 2023.

  Last September, PONANT inaugurated Le Commandant Charcot, the first high polar exploration hybrid-electric vessel powered by liquified natural gas.  The launch does not stop there: by putting scientific research at the heart of its project, the company has designed the first cruise ship to accommodate teams of scientists, providing them with dedicated work areas.   On route for Science with PONANT   PONANT’s involvement in the study of the regions it explores contributes to improve scientists’ knowledge of these ecosystems and works towards protecting the planet. Le Commandant Charcot’s state-of-the-art specifications have not only revolutionised navigation capabilities, they also offer a remarkable tool to the international scientific community. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in making PONANT a key research partner, on which scientists can rely while leading their research independently.   A robust and lasting commitment to academic science   The resources provided by Le Commandant Charcot are an extension to actions already taken by PONANT to facilitate research. Analysis of coral reefs for the University of Oxford, recording cetacean sounds for bio-acoustician Michel André or observing the behaviour of humpback whales with the NGO Conservation International, are just a few examples.   But the novelty lies in the unique features on Le Commandant Charcot which allow researchers specialised in polar regions – such as biologists, geographers, climatologists, and ethnologists – to access unexplored or rarely covered places and extend the duration of their polar campaigns on a repeat basis. The ship also offers science facilities with two research laboratories (including one with openings on to the sea) as well as autonomous measuring instruments.   The EPHE (École Pratique des Hautes Études), the University of Washington, and IFREMER (French Institute for Research and Exploitation of the Sea), are already involved in this program. Several scientists have already been on board Le Commandant Charcot, including Ted Cheeseman (Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia), Johan Etourneau (Unité Mixte de Recherches Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques et Continentaux, EPOC, Bordeaux), Hanne Sagen (Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, NERSC, Bergen, Norway), and Camille Lique (IFREMER). The latter, an oceanographer, explains why: “We were able to immerse instruments to obtain data on temperatures, salinity and water properties from the surface to the depths. We have also deployed instruments that remain in the Arctic collecting data in the years to come. Le Commandant Charcot offers incredible opportunities for cutting-edge science”.   Citizen science activities   Alongside the academic science project, PONANT commits to offering its guests an opportunity to take part in the many projects led on board. Workshops and scientific protocols are animated by the naturalist experts on board, enabling the guests to get actively involved and feel they are making a tangible contribution to science. It was with this in mind that a partnership was set up with The Polar Citizen Science Collective, an association running and coordinating this type of workshop. Data collected for projects like the marine species census, cloud cover observations, or phytoplankton sampling are all being fed into programmes such as Happywhale, Globe Clouds, FjordPhyto and Seabird Surveys. The scientists on board also give lectures on the concerns behind their various missions.   Issues that Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT, puts at the heart of the company’s commitments: “For us, putting our technical and human resources at the service of science to create opportunities for research is a logical extension to raising our guests’ awareness of issues related to protecting the planet. With Le Commandant Charcot, and in the heritage of her eponymous explorer, our commitment to science is officially anchored as an integral part of our identity”.   A commitment that reinforces PONANT’s unique concept of travel, and through which it is forging a lasting bond with a planet that still has so many mysteries to reveal.

  PONANT has launched a selection of incredible new luxury expedition itineraries for 2023, perfect for travellers planning their next magical sea holiday to far-reaching destinations across the globe.   Each encompassing the authentic approach to passionate adventure, responsibility, and sustainability for which the company is renowned, the new expeditions include journeys in Antarctica, the Arctic, Northern Europe, Oceania, and Asia Pacific.   The company will set sail with 9 new luxury expeditions in warmer waters off North-West Australia and through Indonesia and South-East Asia, as well as 5 new departures to the Arctic, Alaska and Antarctica offering isolated islands and mysterious icy landscapes.   Among the tropical expeditions includes an odyssey between North-East Australia and Indonesia where travellers can experience the magic of UNESCO site Komodo National Park, swim with marine life in the most beautiful reefs and explore the heavenly islands of the largest archipelago in the world.   Komodo National Park is also part of a new itinerary from Bali to Singapore, with other highlights including a visit to the island of Sumbawa as well as southern Borneo, home to a vast population of orangutans.   In the Arctic, the PONANT’s fleet new addition Le Commandant Charcot will set sail from Greenland to Spitsbergen, exploring the world’s largest icebergs and fjords with majestic ice plunging into the blue waters below as bird colonies congregate on uninhabited islands. Also on-board Le Commandant Charcot, guests will travel deep into Antarctica, retracing the Heroic Age expeditions of the White Continent as it travels from New Zealand to Argentina, crossing the Antarctic Circle to the Bellingshausen Sea.   Of PONANT’s 75 luxury expeditions departures scheduled for 2023, a total of 14 new sailings are proposed aboard the company’s 10 small-luxury ships, providing supremely comfortable tranquil settings for refined sea travel and immersive expedition experiences. Find out more on all sailings   “Tropical Odyssey between North-East Australia and Indonesia”    This tropical expedition discovers the sublime natural landscapes of north-east Australia and Indonesia. Highlights include Lizard Island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, home to white sandy beaches fringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life; the isolated and mysterious Asmat region; Triton Bay in the middle of the Coral Triangle; the “Spice Islands’ shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences; and ultimately Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo Dragon.   Cairns, Australia – Benoa, Bali Aboard Le Lapérouse 16 days, 15 nights From 20 February to 7 March 2023 From AUD $13,140 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom* 15% savings with the PONANT Bonus when you book early.* Find out more about this cruise   “Intriguing Indonesia”   This new luxury expedition itinerary from Bali to Singapore showcases the heart of Indonesia and the largest archipelago in the world. Highlights include exploring the famous Komodo National Park; the active volcano Mount Bromo on the island of Sumbawa; the majestic Tanjung Putin National Park in southern Borneo which is home to many orangutans; and sailing through the Belitung Islands east of Sumatra.   Benoa, Bali – Singapore  Aboard Le Lapérouse 10 days, 9 nights From 7 March to 16 March 2023 From AUD $7,090 in a Deluxe Stateroom* 25% savings with the PONANT Bonus when you book early* Find out more about this cruise   “Islands and Fjords: from Greenland to Spitsbergen”    In the Arctic, an itinerary has been crafted on board the new Le Commandant Charcot’ from Greenland to Spitsbergen, exploring the Arctic Islands and Fjords. Commencing in Reykjavik, the ship sails to the east coast of Greenland to discover the Inuit culture in Ammassalik Island before moving through the magical scenery of Kangerlussuaq fjord full of ice and rock that plunges into the deep blue waters below. It then sails towards Ittoqqortoormiit Regin before reaching Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world; then onto the uninhabited volcanic Jan Mayen Island on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans teeming with large bird colonies before reaching Svalbard and Isfjorden and ultimately Longyearbyen.   Reykjavik, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Aboard Le Boréal 13 days, 12 nights From 31 July to 12 August 2023 From AUD $15,980 per person in a Prestige Stateroom* 30% savings with the PONANT Bonus when you book early* Flight + Transfer Longyearbyen/Paris included Find out more about this cruise   “From Dumont d’Urville to Mawson: retracing Heroic Age expeditions”    Onboard Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT is offering an all-new half-circumnavigation of Antarctica from the New Zealand shores to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world. Guests will travel deep into Antarctica, retracing the Heroic Age expeditions of the White Continent, exploring the shores of Macquarie Island where there is an abundance of penguins before heading south, crossing the Antarctic Circle to the Bellingshausen Sea.   Dunedin, New Zealand – Ushuaia, Argentina Aboard Le Commandant Charcot 28 days, 26 nights on board From 13 February to 12 March 2023 From AUD $56,630 per person in a Prestige Stateroom* 30% savings with the PONANT Bonus when you book early* Flight Auckland/Dunedin + transfers & transfers Ushuaia/Santiago included Find out more about this cruise     All PONANT voyages including cruises, expeditions, pricing, and shore excursion highlights available at https://au.ponant.com/   Contact your preferred travel agent, or PONANT Consultants on 1300 737 178 (Australia) or 0800 767 018 (New Zealand), or email [email protected] to obtain assistance and information.   *Advertised price and PONANT bonus are yield managed and subject to change at anytime without notice.