Ponant Archives

Cruise ship refurbishments & stats

Updated: January 11, 2021 How recently a cruise ship has been refurbished is an important factor to many seasoned cruisers, especially if you are investing a significant amount in your cruise vacation. It can be very disappointing to find a ship with stained or worn carpets and beat up furnishings. Many cruisers prefer a ship that is no more than a few years from its last refurb. So here is a guide so you can be better informed on how recently a ship has been updated & upgraded. This list will be continually updated: ......

By Brian Raymond|2021-07-15T16:31:31-07:00January 11th, 2021|

Ponant Buys Paul Gauguin Cruises

Courtesy: Paul Gauguin Cruises The French luxury cruise line Ponant has confirmed its planned purchase of the Tahiti-based Paul Gauguin Cruises, which will continue to operate as a separate brand. Paul Gauguin Cruises has been sailing the South Pacific since 1997. Ponant currently has a fleet of 9 ships with plans to expand to 14 ships by 2021. Paul Gauguin has one ship which holds 332 passengers with itineraries in French Polynesia, Fiji and other South Pacific islands. Each company will retain its current management structure. “We are pleased to welcome Paul Gauguin Cruises to our Ponant family,” noted ......

By Brian Raymond|2021-07-19T14:29:37-07:00August 13th, 2019|

Ponant’s Antarctic cruise on climate change

Sometimes a cruise is more than just a vacation. It can be an opportunity to learn more about the world we live in. This cruise is ideal for those who want to learn about and experience the effects of climate change on Antarctica while sailing on Ponant's L'Austral. Renowned New York Times science writers Henry Fountain and James Gorman will lead lectures and discussion sharing their knowledge of how climate change is affecting Antarctica. LEARN FROM CLIMATE CHANGE MASTERS Henry Fountain's topics will include: "The State of the Cryosphere" "The Corrosive Ocean" "Fixing the Climate" James Gorman will cover ......

By Brian Raymond|2021-07-19T14:40:13-07:00July 23rd, 2019|

Ponant’s newest flagship “Le Commandant Charcot”

A Polar Class 2 & LNG powered CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Ponant's Charcot Last month, the construction of Ponant’s first LNG-powered polar exploration ship began with the traditional steel cutting ceremony. Ponant’s new flagship vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, will be launched in 2021 offering two week to one month polar expedition cruises. A POLAR CLASS 2 VESSEL As a PC 2 (polar class 2) vessel, the ship will attain the second highest rating based on its operational capability and strength of the vessel for polar expedition ships. Ships with this rating are designed for “year-round operation in moderate multi-year ......

By Brian Raymond|2021-07-19T15:30:34-07:00December 4th, 2018|

It’s time to consider a Northwest Passage expedition cruise

Courtesy of Travel Weekly As the global oceans continue to warm, new polar cruise routes are opening and several cruise lines are offering new and exciting expedition voyages. Now passengers can cruise from Seattle through the Northwest Passage from Seward, Alaska, to New York City. Crystal Cruises began these sailing about two years ago. Since then Ponant, Silversea, Lindblad, and Hurtigruten have begun sailing the passage. Cruises typically run 12 – 21 days. THE LURE OF THE NW PASSAGE The draw of these luxury expedition cruises is the ability to experience the wild and primeval wonder of the Canadian ......

By Brian Raymond|2021-07-19T15:33:54-07:00November 27th, 2018|