Compagnie du Ponant

---

Onboard

Though all ships sport slightly different looks, they aim to create an elegant, relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere onboard. The intimate onboard spaces create a convivial atmosphere among guests, and the crew offer personalized service. Because this is a French cruise line, fine French cuisine is a hallmark of the cruise experience (though on charters to Americans, it's tailored more for the U.S. palate).

About Compagnie du Ponant

Ponant Cruises made headlines in 2008 when one of its ships was hijacked by pirates while sailing between Somalia and Yemen's Aden. However, to the European and Americans who have sailed on the cruise line's intimate, upscale ships, the line is better known for its convivial atmosphere and Mediterranean and exotic itineraries.

Created in 1988, Ponant Cruises is based in Marseilles, France, and is owned by CMA CGM, the world's third largest container shipping company. It runs a fleet of three ships.

In 2012, the line switched to an all-inclusive pricing model. Cruise fares now include all meals, an open bar, stocked mini-bars in all staterooms and suites, a welcome aboard cocktail party, 24-hour room service, all entertainment as indicated within an itinerary and gratuities. Even port charges, taxes and fees are included in the upfront pricing.

Most of the time, the line markets its small-ship cruises to a French and European market, but Tauck offers several charters a year aimed at North Americans. Plus, full-ship charters are also available.

Although the majority of the line's sailings are in the Mediterranean, its ships spend the off-season exploring far-flung destinations, including South America, Antarctica, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.

Compagnie du Ponant Fleet

Compagnie du Ponant's current fleet consists of three vessels. The 64-passenger Le Ponant, which debuted in 1991, is a three-masted sailing ship.

Two identical new-builds debuted in 2010 and 2011. The 264-passenger Le Boreal and L'Austral are state-of-the-art cruise yachts, featuring all-outside cabins, 95 percent with balconies. A sister ship, Le Soleal, will launch in 2013.

Fellow Passengers

Ponant attracts a mostly French clientele, with a healthy mix of other Europeans and a sprinkling of Americans occasionally onboard. Full-ship charters through Tauck, a Connecticut-based travel company, tend to have a mostly North American passenger roster. On these cruises, travelers tend to be 50-plus, well to do, well traveled and interested in engaging with the destination.