UNLEASH YOUR INNER EXPLORER

The idea of exploring the world’s remote, untouched wilderness areas has long called to the heart of intrepid travellers. However gone are the days of suffering, in pursuit of these wild places.

While PONANT scores the No. 1 spot for Best Expedition Cruise Line, it is a pioneer in the rapidly growing trend that combines luxury with adventurous itineraries.

Ponant offers luxury expedition and soft adventure cruising aboard sleek, stylish ships that can slip in and out of ports and tiny bays that are inaccessible to vessels carrying more than a few hundred guests.

Ponant’s 13 luxury expedition vessels sail to some of the world’s most remote, sought-after destinations, in both local areas and further afield. The company has garnered many awards over the 35 years it has been operating.

Ponant’s four sister ships, L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and Le Soléal accommodate up to 264 guests each. The six Explorers, Le Champlain, Le Laperouse, Le Bougainville. Le Dumont-D’urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier, accommodate up to 184 guests and are probably best known for their multi-sensorial, underwater Blue Eye lounges.

Ponant guests return again and again for the ships’ elegantly appointed accommodation and public spaces, fine wining and dining, and the wonderful sense of camaraderie that comes with a small-ship expedition.

Did you know, that several of the world’s renowned magical coastal regions and wildlife experiences lay just a few hours from home? New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands, Antarctica’s Ross Sea region and Australia’s Kimberley coastline are all examples of the magnificent,

LUXURY SMALL SHIP EXPEDITIONS, CLOSE TO HOME!

bucket list experiences you can enjoy without having to endure a long haul flight.

The 6 island groups that form the Sub-Antarctic Islands South of New Zealand are among some of the most well-protected areas of this planet. The 2 days spent at Macquarie Island are said to be a highlight, where guests are welcomed by close to 850,000 Royal Penguins, found across 57 colonies. This breed of Penguin is found nowhere else in the world.

No destination can quite compare to the Antarctic continent. Whilst many flock to South America each year for a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. With Ponant, you can venture from Dunedin to the icy continent instead and enjoy the seldom-visited Ross Sea region, retracing the historic expeditions of Scott and Shackleton.

Fear not..if the icy realms at the ends of our earth don’t sound like your dream holiday, you will find a smattering of tropical expeditions throughout the South Pacific too. Australia’s North Western Kimberley coast is the pinnacle of a warm weather getaway, with departures from April through September each year.

It’s time to unleash your inner explorer! There’s no better time to experience the best of what our back doorstep has to offer, with a PONANT luxury small ship adventure.