Ponant Explorer Fleet - Sept 2016

The world leader in luxury expeditions presents its news series of 4 exceptional yachts

Kit Press - 09/04/2016

The pinnacle of expeditions September, 2016 | Ponant, the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in luxury expeditions, presents its new series of yachts, the PONANT EXPLORERS. Four new yachts will soon be added to the Ponant fleet, confirming the cruise line’s position as the world leader in luxury expeditions. The first two will arrive in time for the Summer 2018 season and the other two for Summer 2019.

Combining great design, cutting-edge technology, a small capacity and respect for the environment, these new ships will enable Ponant to offer an ever-wider range of destinations.

Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Kerguelen: the names of the 4 ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series pay tribute to great French explorers who set sail to discover new continents.

This choice reflects Ponant’s loyalty to the French flag, the safest in the world according to the Paris MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) ranking for flags in 2013 and 2014.

Ponant is the only cruise ship operator flying this flag, a guarantee of environmental quality, ship safety and good working conditions.

The names of the 4 ships also pay tribute to Ponant’s expertise in luxury expeditions and to its legitimacy as world leader: the PONANT EXPLORERS are designed to gain access to the most inaccessible locations and to go further, where others do not go.

Ships designed specifically for luxury expeditions True to its philosophy, Ponant has made the choice of smaller capacity ships, in contrast with the giant hulks that are so popular in the cruise industry today.

The PONANT EXPLORERS will measure 131 meters in length, will have 92 cabins and suites only, and will be manned by 110 crew members.

A new generation of ships that are among the safest in the world is now being introduced. Flying the French flag, they are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and have Ice Class 1C certification.

These four new yachts will comply with the International “CLEANSHIP” label (from Bureau Veritas) for innovative green equipment including: • A dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor, thereby protecting the sea bed; • Silent and fuel-efficient electronic propulsion; • FarSounder sonar providing 3D vision of the sea bed at different depths; • Diesel engines that can run on lighter, less-polluting MDO (Marine Diesel Oil); • Wastewater and sewage treatment systems on board; • Low-energy bulbs for lighting.

Zodiac fleet for exploring

88 ocean-view staterooms with private balcony

4 suites with bay windows and large private terrace

Infinity pool

Theatre

Reinforced hull for polar navigation Stabilisers Restaurant with terrace Main lounge Adjustable marina 3 positions: sundeck / submersible mini-marina / at water level for water sports

New travel experiences await you These four new limited-capacity yachts feature innovative equipment, elegantly-designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside.

Submersible mini-port − an original, unique concept giving direct access to the zodiacs.

Fully-equipped sundeck, removable marina platform from which to swim or engage in activities directly from the ship (kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterskiing, and more).

Infinity pool and grill restaurant.

Main lounge - ethnic chic. Light and airy ambiance that opens onto the outside, with warm ethnic touches hinting at the cultures and destinations visited.

Panoramic restaurant.

Staterooms and suites − a decor where luxury and nature mingle to create a sophisticated seaside atmosphere.

The French Art of Travel Bilingual French-English crews, expertise, attentive service, gastronomy: in the comfort of a luxurious environment, set sail to discover exceptional destinations and experience a unique conception of travel that is both refined and authentic.

Discover exceptional cultures and destinations As an expert in polar navigation for over 15 years, Ponant has taken no less than 35,000 passengers to the polar regions since the cruise line’s first expedition in 2000.

Ponant continues to establish itself as the benchmark for a new style of cruising that now extends to tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Shore visits and zodiac excursions, exclusive tours to inaccessible places, encounters with the locals, and opportunities to chat with our experienced naturalist guides and expedition leaders punctuate these exceptional trips. From the close contact each day with the crew and the expedition teams made up of passionate experts, to the bridge access and the shore visits and zodiac landings organised in small groups… everything is designed to bring you as close as possible to nature for a thrilling, unforgettable experience.

Passengers taking our tropical and sub-tropical expedition cruises will be able to discover Oceania’s lagoons and secret islands, get access to the most pristine sites in South America, or discover the Orinoco River in the Amazon, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, the Indian Ocean and much more.

We are bringing you a host of routes to help you discover more about the local culture, flora and fauna.

The Amazon River, Brazil and Peru

French Polynesia

Asmat, Papua

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

These Ponant moments will be live from April 2018.

MEDIA CONTACT Michael Corbett T : (+61-2) 4360 1116 Mail : michael.corbett@bigpond.com www.ponant.com

All rights reserved. Non contractual documents and photos. The photos used in this document are only possible experiences and therefore can not be guaranteed. Photos credits: PONANT - Stirling Design International - 3D rendering Loïc Cardon - Studio Jean-Philippe NUEL / image : Axe 3D studio - Michale Corbett - Eric d’Herouville - François Lefebvre. Creation and conception © PONANT, September 2016.