Ponant Cruises

385 Reviews
Le Lyrial (Photo: Ponant Cruises)

About Ponant Cruises

European and Americans who have sailed on the cruise line's intimate, upscale ships love the line for its social atmosphere and Mediterranean and exotic itineraries. Good value for money for an upmarket experience with a strong French influence.

  • More about Ponant

  • Who goes on Ponant cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Ponant cruise?

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Le Boreal
Le Boreal

9 Night
World Cruise

59 Reviews
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Le Boreal
Le Boreal

9 Night
World Cruise

59 Reviews
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Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier (Image: Ponant)

7 Night
Southeast Asia Cruise

3 Reviews
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Le Laperouse
Le Laperouse

7 Night
Baltic Sea Cruise

22 Reviews
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14 Night
South Pacific Cruise

59 Reviews
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9 Night
Australia & Pacific Cruise

3 Reviews
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14 Night
Antarctica Cruise

78 Reviews
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14 Night
Southeast Asia Cruise

22 Reviews
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11 Night
Mediterranean - Western Cruise

10 Reviews
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11 Night
Indian Ocean Cruise

22 Reviews
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7 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

11 Reviews
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10 Night
Australia & Pacific Cruise

3 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

112 Reviews
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12 Night
Arctic Cruise

9 Reviews
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7 Night
Arctic Cruise

54 Reviews
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Ponant Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Ponant cruise ships?

With the bilingual staff fluent in French and English, the passenger mix is strongly French and European, although a small, but growing number of North Americans are finding the line. The average age on a Ponant cruise is early 60s, and most passengers are married and college educated. There are some designated family-friendly cruises, and the line does offer special rates for kids up to age 17 traveling with their parents, but, in general, you will not find many kids onboard.

Do I have to dress up on a Ponant cruise?

We'd say yes. Though there isn't a specific dress code, you'll be uncomfortable if you don't show up for dinner in country club casual dress at the bare minimum. The French passengers generally wear chic designer clothing, high heels for women and jackets and ties for men. The dress code by day is casual, but you won't see shorts, jeans or T-shirts in the evening. Each sailing also hosts one or two gala dinners, where the line recommends a formal cocktail dress or dark suit.

Is everything free on Ponant cruises?

No. One difference between Ponant's cruises and those of other upscale lines is that the onboard pricing is more a la carte. You will pay extra for shore excursions, gratuities, spa and beauty services and other amenities and services, with varying policies for people booking in different countries.

The cruise fare includes all dining on board, beverages at all times (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Henri Abele Brut Champagne, spirits, coffee, tea), unlimited Wi-Fi and port taxes.

What are Ponant’s most popular activities?

As elegant as it is, Ponant is an expedition line, so the destination is the center of activities, with presentations from naturalists and various experts enhancing the shore excursions. Lectures are offered separately in French and English.

While sailing, passengers choose their own activities as they feel moved. Many head for the heated seawater pool or the solarium and relax in the hammam. Ponant ships have no casinos but do have comfortable lounges where cruisers often sit to read and chat. In the evenings there is music or cabaret in the theater.

Why go with Ponant?

  • Intimate ships with elegant, yet casual onboard atmosphere.
  • Authentic French cuisine cooked by French chefs.
  • Offers sailings to exotic destinations around the world.

Best for: Luxury expedition travelers, Francophiles and those who would like to sail their own yachts to exotic destinations

Not for: Those who don't enjoy traveling with an international crowd or who adore casinos and a wide choice of entertainment and dining

Ponant Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Amazing Ultra luxurious Polar Cruise in an Icebreaker

The way this icebreaker ship sails on Sea Ice, Fast Ice , Ice Floes and the way it navigates in between gigantic icebergs is amazing and it can reach farthest corners of Antarctica ( and Arctic upto North Pole).We booked in The commandant Charcot in 2019 , for summer of 2020 to North Pole , as soon as we had heard about its Polar Class 2 Ice breaking capabilities.Read More
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DrKP

many10+ Cruises

Age 66s

Lovely ship but some disappointments.

Entertainment was impressive for a small ship and we thoroughly enjoyed the pianists, singers and dancers.It is a lovely ship!Read More
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Golfgirl canada

many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

90.0 North Once in a lifetime

Pros Very impressive ship as far as the cutting-edge technology; a walking track on deck 5 the entire length of the ship; excellent crew – super attentive and not a single one you wanted to avoid; open bridge policy; the tenders are the nicest and most comfortable we have ever been on; the bread – except for the croissants – is wonderful (from someone who bakes their own bread); soups – with ironically the exception of French onion – were all very tasty and usually served hot; mains were usually very good sometimes arrived hot but more often warm.Expected better croissants given this is a French line, eggs just warm not hot.Read More
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2SailingNomads

many10+ Cruises

Age 60s

HIGH LEVEL EXPERIENCE BUT BAD RECEPTION AND EXCURSIONS

Despite these negative aspects, I must admit that overall, the cruise was an incredible experience, especially considering it's a ship with only 90 rooms.In fact, I've already booked the next two cruises with Ponant, as I believe they offer a very good quality-service relationship that surpasses the mentioned setbacks.Read More
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PEDRO_ESMAR

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 40s

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