Founded in 1988 by a group of French merchant navy officers, Ponant Cruises began with a vision to bring the French art of living to sea. It launched its first vessel, Le Ponant, a luxury sailing yacht, which marked the beginning of a new era in boutique expedition cruising. With French roots and a refined approach, Ponant quickly earned a reputation for combining immersive travel experiences with upscale, personalized service.
Today, Ponant is recognized globally for offering intimate luxury cruises with a strong emphasis on exploration, culture, and sustainability. Its fleet includes state-of-the-art small expedition ships, elegant yachts, and ice-class vessels, designed to access remote destinations that are often out of reach for larger cruise lines. The line offers a truly all-inclusive experience with gourmet French cuisine, onboard enrichment programs, shore excursions, open bar, and butler service on select suites. Ponant places a strong focus on responsible tourism. All ships are equipped with advanced eco-technologies, and the company actively supports scientific research and environmental conservation.
Ponant continues to expand its expedition offerings, collaborating with National Geographic to deliver deeper, expert-led voyages. With over three decades of expertise and a growing fleet of luxurious, eco-conscious vessels, Ponant Cruises remains at the forefront of small-ship expedition cruising—bringing travelers closer to nature, heritage, and adventure, all while maintaining a refined sense of elegance at sea.
Fellow Passengers
Though primarily catering to a French crowd, their ships also see some European and American guests. Most travelers are 50+, affluent, experienced, and destination-focused.