PONANT is adding inclusive excursions on all its expedition cruises from winter 2024-2025. Reservations are now open with 17 itineraries, 32 departures for Asia, Oceania, Antarctica and Northern Europe. One excursion is included per port of call. They range from local culture and heritage, participating in outdoor sports activities, attending artistic events, or free time. As capacities are limited, pre-booking will open around two months before departure. For all expedition cruises, requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. The choice of excursions can be viewed on the “Included Excursions” tab on the website. For guests who would like to experience more exclusive activities, optional paid excursions will also be offered for each departure. These include ice fishing, dogsledding, and volcano exploration.

PONANT's 2024-2025 winter program will offer a one-of-a-kind voyage through the ice on St Lawrence River cruises to Québec and the Innu and Micmac communities of Canada.  Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the 13-day expedition will showcase expansive frozen landscapes and the aurora borealis. The ship is the first luxury icebreaker, fueled by LNG. Hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, dog sledding and ice fishing is available for guests. The landscapes are home to caribou, elk and black bears in their natural habitat. There will be four sailings from January to February 2025 The St Lawrence cruise itinerary features shore visits with a team of naturalist-guides including traditional villages and meeting the indigenous communities. There is also the chance of viewing the Northern Lights. Activities include kayaking, ice fishing and dog sledding. During time in Québec guests can attend the world's largest winter carnival.

  After four years of varied partnerships, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux are strengthening their ties with Le Ponant, the company’s iconic three-master flagship superyacht joining the large family of Relais & Châteaux establishments as a new member. The historic achievement marks the first time a sailing yacht has been granted the esteemed label and featured in their exclusive collection of the world's most exquisite travel destinations.   An exceptional catalogue for an exceptional establishment   “Both our firms are committed to sharing expertise and promoting the inimitable French lifestyle to design meaningful voyages. Aboard Le Ponant, the jewel of our fleet, everyone can reconnect with nature and their own inspirations and live out their desires under sail”, PONANT Global CEO Hervé Gastinel said.   With only 16 elegantly decorated staterooms and a dedicated chef, the travel experience for guests on board Le Ponant is as if they are on their own private yacht, with its small size enabling the yacht to offer exclusive ports of call.   Dream destinations for Le Ponant and Relais & Châteaux in 2023/2024   The first voyages aboard Relais & Châteaux member Le Ponant are tropical expeditions through an infinite palette of blues in Cape Verde and the Caribbean for the 2023/2024 season, after she finishes her one-season-only Kimberley sailings this year.   The partnership highlights a shared passion for personal experiences and authenticity offering richness and diversity of the world’s finest cuisine to the most discerning Relais & Châteaux guests. In line with PONANT, the collaboration prioritises commitment to preserving local heritage and the environment.

Luxury expedition operator PONANT achieved a new cruise sales record for the first quarter of 2023 surpassing its previous best by 30%. It also reported an 80% booking increase compared to the first quarter of 2019. It results in PONANT’s best ever quarterly cruise sales results in its history. The Asia Pacific market contributed 20.7% of the company's global success. It comes as the company is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year. "It not only reflects our industry recovery but our ability to stand out in its market," said Chief Sales, Marketing & Communications Officer Hervé Bellaïche.

  PONANT has revealed its new Japanese luxury expedition programme for 2024 featuring acclaimed sailings in the Nippon archipelago as well as three new itineraries never offered before, for travellers to discover and rediscover the Empire of the Rising Sun.   Commencing in March 2024, the world leader of luxury expeditions PONANT is expanding its programme of Japanese expeditions with the addition of sailings in Kyushu’s islands between Kagoshima and Fukuoka, and in the Seto Inland Sea from Kagoshima to Kobe. PONANT, a trailblazer in the small luxury expedition cruise landscape, is the first operator to bring its modern fleet in some of Japan most remote locations, offering its guests the unique chance to encounter another fascinating and never-seen-before part of the country.   Travellers sailing onboard Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Soleal will not only be amongst the first to explore some of Japan south islands on a luxury expedition but can also expect to discover the unexpected Christian heritage off the coast of Nagasaki – a religion which survived being banned for three centuries during the Edo period. At the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions, guests will access various UNESCO sites and hidden Christian sites, including Sakitsu and Kamigoto on Yakushima Island.   Each sailing promises a rich itinerary combining some of Japan’s most diverse and sometimes under-the-radar assets, from luxurious vegetation to sharp rugged cliffs; from green-topped volcanoes to white-sand beaches; from modern metropoles to ancestral remote towns.   The new itineraries add to PONANT’s existing routes across Japan’s subtropical islands, gently taking travellers away from the lively Kobe, Fukuoka and Onomichi, to the exotic and remote provinces of Iheyajima, Kerama or even Ishigaki. On select itineraries, guests will have the chance to embark on a wider Asian exploration stopping by some of South Korea’s most famous southern ports of Busan, Yeosu or Jeju, Keelung in Taiwan, or Ha Long in Vietnam.   The new 2024 programme is the result of a highly curated selection of the country best-kept secrets carefully curated by Ryo Ijichi, PONANT’s Expedition Leader and Commercial Manager for Japan and Korea who commented on the expansion of the existing Japan programme whilst staying true to PONANT’s ethos of unparallel and meaningful expedition sailings.   “As an island state, Japan was originally more connected by sea than by land. Most of the cities, the gateways to these regions, there faced the ocean. Imagine what a great playground this is for an expedition ship discovery. When one considers Japan, one often thinks of the contemporary pace of Tokyo and the traditional aspects of Kyoto, but it is my   hope from our itineraries that our guests will learn and experience an entirely different way or being in this unexpectedly rich country,” Ryo said.   NEW - Japan, natural archipelago, and secular heritage   A new itinerary for the 2024 season, PONANT invites guests to discover one of Japan’s unique heritages between Kagoshima and Kobe through a 9-day trip. Sailing through the Seto Inland Sea and its picturesque villages, Le Jacques-Cartier will son set course to the fascinating Koshikijima Islands and its monumental cliffs, before heading for the island region of Amakusa, once the refuge of Christians fleeing the ban on Catholicism in the Edo period and visiting Sakitsu’s UNESCO-listed church. After a stop in South Korea’s second largest city, Busan, travellers will return to Japan and discover Moji on the northern tip of Kyushu, a preserved architectural jewel evoking the traditional Japan of the Meiji  era. After a trip to Onomichi, home to numerous temples and emblematic shrines, guests will visit Tomonoura and its craggy landscape before reaching Kobe.   From Kagoshina to Kobe – 9 days, 8 nights From 4 May 2024 to 12 May 2024 From AUD 10,270 per person* Save up to 25% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.   Japanese Subtropical Islands – Okinawa to Keelung   As the first cruise company to take travellers to the heart of the sublime landscapes of the tropical islands in southern Japan, PONANT’s guests can expect to discover the rich natural heritage, traditional villages and craft of the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands in the Ryukyu archipelago. From Naha Island, Le Jacques-Cartier will set sail for Iheya Island where the traditional “Eisa” show takes place before heading to Zamami in the Kerama Islands and its unspoiled beauty from where “Kerama blue” is known. Guests will then head for Kumejima, a truly multifaceted island with mythical rock formation and idyllic beaches. The sail will conclude in Keelung (Taipei’s port) but not before visiting the highlights of Japan’s southern islands, including Ishigaki, Taketomijima, and UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Iriomotejima island’s southern coast.   From Naha, Okinawa to Keelung (Chilung) – 8 days, 7 nights From 16 March 2024 to 23 March 2024 From AUD 8,030 per person* Save up to 30% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.   Japanese Subtropical Islands – Fukuoka  to Keelung   From Fukuoka to Taiwan, this 8-day expedition cruise will take travellers through the mountainous island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site with unspoiled nature and endemic species such as Yakushima monkey and deer, before making their way to Zamami, and Taketomijima. On a southward journey, Le Jacques-Cartier will sail to Ishigaki, the capital island of the Yaeyama Islands, which hosts the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, with idyllic scenery, crystal-clear turquoise water and beaches of white sand. Following a stop in the island of Iriomotejima, another UNESCO World Heritage Site for its authentic and preserved character in luxurious tropical forest and mangrove, travellers will reach Yonagunijima, then Keelung – the port of Taiwanese capital Taipei.   From Fukuoka to Keelung (Chilung) – 8 days, 7 nights From 6 April 2024 to 13 April 2024 From AUD 8,420 per person* Save up to 30% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.   Japanese Subtropical Islands – Keelung to Kagoshima   Departing from Taipei’s Port of Keelung, the capital of the lush island of Taiwan, travellers will set sail for the southern islands of Japan including Ishigaki, the capital island of the Yaeyama Islands. There in the heart of the magnificent Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, guests will be able to enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the eponymous city or discover   Kabira Bay and its crystal-clear turquoise water and beaches of white sand. After a stop in Taketomijima and the island of Iriomotejima, travellers will call in Kumejima which once linked Okinawa to China and today known for being one of the world’s most famous spots for underwater activities, and Iheya Island and its traditional “Eisa” show featuring traditional drums. Le Jacques-Cartier will then make its way to the island of Amamioshima and its stunning coral reefs, the UNESCO listed island of Yakushima and finally, Kagoshima: a bustling city nestling between ancient forests and majestic volcanoes.   From Keelung (Chilung) to Kagoshima – 8 days, 7 nights From 13 April 2024 to 20 April 2024 From AUD 8,990 per person* Save up to 25% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.   Expedition in the Seto Inland Sea   Sailing through the oldest sea route in Japan, with a history as a strategic hub during Antiquity, guests of Le Jacques-Cartier will set sail from Kobe, a charming harbour city between sea and mountains, and make their way to the island of Inujima – a flourishing centre of the mining industry. Onboard one of the zodiac inflatables, travellers will adventure into Tomonoura and its craggy landscapes before visiting Onomichi, a charming coastal town surrounded by green hills and home to many temples and emblematic shrines. Sailing by the jagged coastlines of Miyajima Island and witnessing the emblematic Shino Shrine of Itsukushima, a UNESCO World Heritage where time seems stuck in the  feudal era, Le Jacques-Cartier will drop anchor on the island of Honshu, home of the samurai. After taking travellers to Yeosu (South Korea), home of the Marine Expo in 2012, the sailing will end in Fukuoka.   From Kobe to Fukuoka – 8 days, 7 nights From 30 March 2024 to 6 April 2024 From AUD 9,560 per person* Save up to 20% when you book early – conditions apply . Find more about this sailing.   Expedition to the Kitamae Route   One of PONANT’s most extensive Japan sailings will start from Otary, taking its guests to the north of the island of Honshu and the charming city of Sakata, long known as a prosperous town with authentic and traditional architecture. Guests of Le Jacques-Cartier will then head to the small island of Sado, Wajima, Ine and Miyazu, all known for their ancestral arts and crafts, before a change of scenery with the Uradome Coast, one of the major geological sites in the Sainin Kaigan National Park. Stopping by Tottori, an ancient, fortified town and home to Japan’s largest sand dunes, guests will soon sail to South Korea and discover the fascinating Busan. Back in Japan, travellers will discover the picturesque Shimonoseki, a city known for its rich history and emblematic fish market. As the sailing draws to a close, PONANT’s zodiac inflatables will provide the perfect way to explore Onomichi and its numerous temples and shrines, before stopping by Tomonoura and ultimately, Osaka.   From Otaru, Hokkaido to Osaka – 12 days, 11 nights From 9 April 2024 to 20 April 2024 From AUD 15,480 per person* Save up to 15% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.   Kyushu’s Secret Islands and Ancestral Heritage   A new itinerary for the 2024 season, travellers can expect to uncover an unsuspected side of Japan onboard Le Jacques-Cartier, combining enchanting nature and unexpected Christina heritage at the intersection of Western and Japanese traditions. From bustling Kagoshima, travellers will head to the mountainous island of Yakushima, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its rich wildlife and unspoiled nature, before reaching Koshikijima Islands and their majestic cliffs. Guests will then discover the island region of Amakusa, off the coast of Nagasaki, once the refuge of Christians  fleeing the ban on Catholicism during the Edo period, including an immersion in the emblematic UNESCO-listed church.   of Sakitsu. Further North, in Goto Islands’ Kamigoto, further traces of this under-the-radar heritage can be found across small towns. Pursuing this new discovery expedition, travellers will then unveil the secrets of Iki, a little-known island between South Korea and Fukuoka, set amongst verdant-topped rock formations, heavenly beaches and no less than 150 shrines. The new sailing will conclude in Fukuoka after a stop by the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea.   From Kagoshina to Fukuoka – 8 days, 7 nights From 20 April 2024 to 27 April 2024 From AUD 8,990 per person* Also operates in reverse from 20 April to 27 May 2024 Save up to 30% when you book early – conditions apply. Find more about this sailing.

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 showcased the newly renovated three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant ahead of her voyage to Australia Le Ponant operates her inaugural Kimberley season in 2023. After several months undergoing renovation in Italy, the yacht has been entirely updated with various eco-responsible innovations. After itineraries in the Mediterranean, Le Ponant will spend the winter in the Seychelles before arriving in Australia in April 2023. The ship now accommodates just 32 guests with a 1:1 passenger to crew ratio. The layout was designed by the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Sterling Design. The four passenger decks provide 16 staterooms including a 60 sqm Owner's Suite on the upper deck with a private balcony. The common areas have been refitted including the restaurant; wellness area and sun lounge area. The ship is equipped with all the latest technologies to optimise emissions reduction:. "Le Ponant has regained her splendour and more, while setting new eco-responsible navigation standards," says Herve Gastinel, CEO of PONANT.  

PONANT is working on a new eco-design cruise ship that it says will have no impact on the environment when sailing. It will be the line’s 14th ship. The aim is for a ship that can combine several non-fossil fuel energy sources, including wind propulsion, by integrating ‘technological bricks.’ The scope of work is expected to be ready by the end of 2022 The goal is to have the ship up and running by 2025. “We’ve been working on a new whole life cycle concept ship to reduce ecological footprint. We’re assessing all the potential impacts,” said Mathieu Petiteau, New Building and R&D Director. “A total new generation ship needs to be designed and we intend to deliver it.” New biofuels are being assessed for the ship, like green hydrogen, as well as the possibilities for wind and water propulsion. PONANT is contributing to various European research projects to develop and test these technologies.

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 has released a limited time offer for Australian and New Zealand guests looking to experience the Kimberley this 2022 season. Last minute savings are available for the 28 May and 7 June departures    Valid on all new bookings made until 20 May 2022, there are savings of up to 30% on the brochure fare with the PONANT bonus. It includes an onboard bonus credit of €150 per person to use on shore excursions, onboard shopping, spa treatments and premium beverages. In addition, both departures have no solo supplement for single usage of a double cabin. It is valid for ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley,’ 10 nights on board Le Soleal from Darwin to Broome departing on 28 May 2022 or 7 June 2022. First timers to PONANT also save AUD800 as a welcome offer, based on a twin share.

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