The Ponant trade team has showcased ship Le Jacques Cartier to travel agent partners in Cairns. Janelle Ramsey, Ponant State Manager QLD & NT and Kristina Sambaher, State Manager NSW & ACT conducted the ship visit for trade partners. It included hosted accommodation, a welcome dinner, breakfast and an exclusive ship inspection aboard the luxury Explorer Ship. This provided a valuable first-hand learning opportunity, giving advisors a better understanding of the Ponant experience. Trade partners were invited from Queensland, New South Wales, and ACT. Each travel agent partner received the latest Ponant brochure and a fun Ponant crossword. Those who completed the crossword were to be treated to a team lunch, courtesy of Ponant.

Ponant Explorations is unveiling a brand-new itinerary on the Côte d’Azur. Three-master sailing yacht Le Ponant will sail to iconic ports from Nice to Portofino, from May 2026. The new itinerary unlocks glamorous ports of call and hidden harbours thanks to the ship’s small size and shallow draft. Highlights include Nice, Portofino, Menton, Cannes Antibes and Saint-Tropez.  “Le Ponant is a proper sailing yacht for sailors, as we are managing the wind and sea every day.  Le Ponant is also a state of mind and connection with the marine element and environment,” said Jean-David Lemaire, Captain of Le Ponant. Le Ponant offers the marina for watersports, from paddleboard, to a glass-bottomed kayak as well as zodiac excursions. The roundtrip sailings from Nice depart on 7 and 23 May 2026. The journeys include overnight stops in Antibes and Cannes and a stop in Cassis, a small fishing port known as the gateway to the ‘calanques’.

  PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a world leader in luxury expedition cruises in the small ships segment under 500 passengers, proudly announces the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, the award-winning small ship expedition company renowned for its exceptional river and ocean cruises in South America, Southeast Asia and beyond.   This strategic acquisition by PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s investment company—which owns prestigious fashion houses through Kering including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and famed auction house Christie's; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; Artémis Domaines, encompassing a collection of the most exclusive wine estates, including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency—will empower Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding its footprint globally and enabling the company’s growth as a destination specialist. Aqua Expeditions currently operates small ships in biodiversity hotspots such as the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon River. Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and Founder will remain as a shareholder and along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit, continuing to operate under the brand name "Aqua Expeditions".   This transaction comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra group of islands.   "We are thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family," said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector. It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space."   "Joining forces with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions," said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions. "Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand. With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well- positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values."

  PONANT, world leader in luxury expeditions, has released their new March to November 2025 brochure featuring 13 brand new sailings exploring Northern Europe & the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Asia, Oceania & Polynesia as well as 9 polar itineraries offering experiences exclusive to PONANT aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker. Each PONANT voyage now includes a minimum of one excursion per port of call, promising equally enriching and immersive experiences as luxurious as the expeditions themselves.   PONANT’s 2025 sailing programme features new itineraries exploring Northern Europe and the Atlantic, featuring destinations from the English Channel to the Irish Sea, the Baltic Sea, and Celtic lands. Special experiences are also available for guests such as a Baltic Sea itinerary in partnership with the Paris Opera Ballet and a choice of enriching daily excursions, such as a Stockholm city tour and a visit to the Vasa Museum, as well as a brand new itinerary in partnership with world renowned chef Alain Ducasse’s consulting firm the Ducasse Conseil which will  feature two renowned Japanese Chefs to discover Japan’s ancient Traditions.   Also featured in the brochure are 9 exclusive experiences to PONANT aboard the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot. These journeys feature experienced and passionate destination experts and lecturers including naturalists, historians, photo ambassadors plus a range of thrilling activities including dog sledding, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, and the exhilarating polar plunge. Guests will explore the ice floes of Baffin Bay, marvel at the immense frozen icebergs of UNESCO World Heritage Site Disko Bay, and enjoy an immersive, authentic encounter with two local Greenlandic communities in villages accessible only to Le Commandant Charcot at this time of year. Additionally, there is an all-new port of call in Corner Brook, on the island of Newfoundland, offering the possibility of skiing in one of the nearby resorts or discovering the town and its history. Guests can also explore the region of Ammassalik and the Blosseville Coast, with its ice cap that extends directly from the North Pole and enjoy an exclusive opportunity to participate in a unique 2-day/1-night Nordic skiing polar trek.   To view the brochure online please click here.

Luxury expedition cruise line Ponant has announced the dates for its 2024 UK-wide ship visit programme. There are over 450 ship visit places for travel agents available between April and September 2024 across numerous UK ports. Agents can spend time aboard Ponant ships Le Lyrial, Le Boréal, Le Champlain and Le Dumont d'Urville. The ship visits will enable travel agents to experience everything the ships have to offer as well as sampling the cuisine. Agents and trade partners can visit a ship at one of twelve regional ports in the UK and Ireland. These include Dartmouth, Cobh, Douglas, Aberdeen, Dover, Cowes and Portsmouth. Each ship visit group will be welcomed by the trade team, followed by a short introduction to Ponant and an overview of the types of sailings offered. Agents will then take a full ship tour before dining onboard. To register for a trade visit, agents should visit here      2024 Ship Visits Dartmouth - April 29th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Lyrial Cobh - May 8th (from 13.00 to 15.00) - Le Boréal Dublin - May 9th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Boréal Douglas IOM - May 10th (from 10.00 to 12.00) - Le Boréal Aberdeen - May 10th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Lyrial Rosyth - May 11th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Lyrial Dartmouth - May 14th (from 15.00 to 17.00) - Le Champlain Dublin - May 16th (from 14.00 to 16.00) - Le Champlain Belfast - May 17th (from 14.00 to 16.00) - Le Champlain Glasgow - May 18th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Boréal Glasgow - May 18th (from 13.30 to 15.30) - Le Boréal Glasgow - May 18th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Champlain Glasgow - May 18th (from 13.30 to 15.30) - Le Champlain London - May 21st (from 12.30 to 14.30) - Le Dumont d'Urville Dover - May 22nd (from 14.00 to 16.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Cowes - May 23rd (from 10.00 to 12.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Portsmouth - June 6th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Portsmouth - June 6th (from 13.30 to 15.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Glasgow - June 14th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Glasgow - June 15th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Champlain Rosyth - June 21st (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Aberdeen - August 27th (from 14.00 to 16.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Rosyth - August 28th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville Dover - September 21th (from 11.00 to 13.00) - Le Dumont d'Urville 

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The newest vessel in Ponant's fleet will soon set sail. The Spirit of Ponant accommodates just a dozen guests on a 24m maxi-catamaran. It has a crew of four including a chef. "The Spirit of Ponant is a first in the luxury cruise sector," said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant. "Our guests will experience what it is really like to be a sailor. They will benefit from hidden away anchorages." The yacht launches in June 2024 and will spend the summer in Corsica, France. It will then sail to the Seychelles for winter 2025. The itinerary is fluid and developed based on the Captain's recommendations and what the guests would like to do. Nautical activities will range from paddleboarding, wakeboarding and snorkelling. During the summer, Spirit of Ponant will sail seven-night cruises from 13 July 2024, roundtrip from Bonifacio, followed by sailings in the Seychelles later this year. The full deployment of itineraries and fares will be announced later this month for booking.

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  PONANT, world leader in luxury expeditions, has launched their 2025 Kimberley season with 18 departures available to book between May and September 2025. PONANT promises an added layer of enrichment with Le Jacques-Cartier returning to the region in 2025 for the second year after her inaugural season in the Kimberley in 2024, alongside renowned sistership Le Soléal sailing 10-night ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ itineraries between Broome and Darwin.   Featuring a limited capacity of 132 staterooms and suites aboard Le Soléal and only 90 aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, both vessels are designed to seamlessly explore the untamed beauty of Australia’s iconic Kimberley coast. The 10-night itineraries offer an expert led and awe-inspiring immersion into the spectacular untouched landscapes and fascinating Indigenous culture that continues to this day.   ‘’We are thrilled to announce the opening of our 2025 Kimberley expedition season,’’ says Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific. “As award winning expedition leaders in the region, we are excited to showcase our expertise and continue to provide the unrivalled experience our Ponant expeditions are known for.”   For guests looking to experience the Kimberley in 2024/25, Ponant can now take care of all expedition arrangements effortlessly with PONANT PLUS, ensuring each guest embarks with ease and returns rejuvenated. PONANT PLUS offers extensive added value, including flights, airport and hotel transfers, accommodation, local touring, and more, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.   *Conditions Apply   Australia’s Iconic Kimberley   Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, from Darwin or Broome embark for an 11-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet. In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, guests will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds. Discover the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs. At Ashmore Reef, gaze out over the shades of blue of the Timor Sea off the mainland. The corals are home to extraordinary marine life in this incredibly beautiful paradise. At Collier Bay, guests can admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.   From Darwin to Broome or Broome to Darwin – 11 days, 10 nights 18 departures from 24 May to 21 September 2025 From AUD $10,170 per person* Discover these explorations

Ponant has opened sales for the 2025 Kimberley season with 18 departures available to book. The season lasts from May to September 2025, with Le Jacques-Cartier returning to the region. The ship sails her inaugural season in the Kimberley in 2024, alongside sistership Le Soléal sailing 10-night 'Australia's Iconic Kimberley' itineraries between Broome and Darwin. Featuring a limited capacity of 132 staterooms and suites aboard Le Soléal and 90 aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, both vessels are designed to explore in detail Australia’s iconic Kimberley coast. The 10-night itineraries offer immersion in the iconic landscapes and Indigenous culture of the region. ''We are thrilled to announce the opening of our 2025 Kimberley expedition season,'' said Deb Corbett, GM, Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific. For the 2024/25 season, Ponant can now take care of all expedition arrangements with PONANT PLUS. The programme offers extensive added value, including flights, airport and hotel transfers, accommodation, local touring, and more. Australia's Iconic Kimberley sailing unlocks wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds. It explores the King George River and Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia. At Collier Bay, guests can admire the Montgomery Reef, home to lagoons and expansive coral reefs.

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  An outstanding Relais & Châteaux three-mast sailing yacht, Ponant offers a uniquely intimate and exclusive travel experience, combining high-end refinement and the authenticity of cruising under sail. Bookings for Summer 2024 and Winter 2024-2025 are now open. From the Mediterranean to Cape Verde and the Caribbean, 46 sailings have been carefully crafted to reconnect with the essentials, embrace the elements and discover iconic destinations.   “Embarking aboard Le Ponant is to enjoy a genuine sailing experience and share a sailor’s adventure,” explains her Captain Jean-David Lemaire. “The ship is at one with the elements - the sea that bears us along, the wind that propels us and the sun as our guide. Le Ponant sets a soothing rhythm, instils a spirit of adventure, and inspires travel. This ship has a soul.”   Summer 2024: The Confidential Mediterranean   Next summer, Le Ponant will be bearing a privileged few out to sea to rediscover the magic of the Cyclades and explore the Adriatic coast, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots, closer to nature. With 16 sailings from Athens and Dubrovnik, guests can enjoy all the charm of niche islands, strolling through fishing villages and breathe in the intoxicating scent of fig trees as they approach the shore. Freedom, the good life, swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking await, with evening ports of call to experience the lively ambiance of the harbours at sunset.  

• Croatia, Under Sail Aboard Le Ponant, Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik, 7 nights, 7 sailings, 18 August to 29 September 2024
• The Cyclades, In the Wake of Le Ponant Athens to Athens, 7 nights, 8 sailings, 2 June to 21 July 2024

  Winter 2024-2025: To the rhythm of the Caribbean and Cape Verd   Le Ponant will begin Winter 2024-25 exploring the many facets of the Cap Verde archipelago. From desert panoramas to lush green landscapes and white sandy beaches, the three-master will sail from island to island. During ports of call, guests will have plenty of opportunity to appreciate the cultural diversity of this archipelago, a blend of colonial heritage, nostalgic rhythms and tropical flavours.   The Many Faces of Cap Verde Mindelo to Mindelo, 8 sailings, 8 November to 27 December 2024   From January 2025, Le Ponant will be heading for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. From Guadeloupe to the Grenadines, r from the British Virgin Islands to Anguilla, 6 sailings are offered to explore some of the secret islands in the Antilles, some uninhabited.  The occasion to relax and unwind in heavenly locations, discovering treasures of unspoilt nature and being immersed in Creole culture.  

• Reverie Under Sail in the Heart of the Lesser Antilles Phillipsburg to Marigot, 3 sailings, 1^st February to 29 March 2025
• Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands Pointe-à-Pitre to Pointe-à-Pitre, 3 sailings,18 January to 15 March 2025

  LE PONANT: THE WORLD’S FIRST SAILING YACHT TO OBTAIN RELAIS & CHATEAUX LABEL   After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux have strengthened their ties. The three master is a full member of the Relais & Châteaux establishments. It is the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses in the world.   “Both our firms are committed to sharing expertise and promoting the inimitable French lifestyle by offering meaningful voyages. Aboard Le Ponant, the jewel in our fleet’s crown, everyone can reconnect with nature and their own inspirations and live out their desires under sail,” says Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT. With only 16 elegantly decorated staterooms and suites and a dedicated chef, the travel experience is as if you are on your own private yacht. Due to its small size the ship can offer exclusive ports of call.

PONANT expedition cruise ship Le Champlain is to run on biofuel produced from recycled cooking oil. The landmark sustainable marine fuel trial is being carried out with supplier ALTENS and is the first of its kind in France. PONANT is the first French cruise line to test this new type of biofuel. The first bunkering will be accompanied by a series of tests to ensure that NOx emissions remain compliant SOx, particulates and black carbon emissions will also be measured. Once the trial stage is completed, PONANT plans to roll out its use to the rest of its fleet, subject to supply capacities. "This first marine biofuel test is part of our roadmap as their carbon footprint is infinitely lower than conventional fuels,” said Mathieu Petiteau, R&D Director. “They are produced from used cooking oils, can be incorporated directly into engines and are available now.” “We want to help demonstrate that it is a credible alternative to decarbonising for the entire maritime industry.” During a technical stop in Cherbourg, Le Champlain will take on biodiesel B100 which is 100% produced from cooking oils from the food industry in France. Le Champlain is fitted with Wartsila diesel engines and B100 is compatible as a drop-in fuel. Its CO₂ emissions are 90% lower than fossil fuels, and it exceeds European requirements for 2035.

PONANT is adding inclusive excursions on all its expedition cruises from winter 2024-2025. Reservations are now open with 17 itineraries, 32 departures for Asia, Oceania, Antarctica and Northern Europe. One excursion is included per port of call. They range from local culture and heritage, participating in outdoor sports activities, attending artistic events, or free time. As capacities are limited, pre-booking will open around two months before departure. For all expedition cruises, requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. The choice of excursions can be viewed on the “Included Excursions” tab on the website. For guests who would like to experience more exclusive activities, optional paid excursions will also be offered for each departure. These include ice fishing, dogsledding, and volcano exploration.

PONANT's 2024-2025 winter program will offer a one-of-a-kind voyage through the ice on St Lawrence River cruises to Québec and the Innu and Micmac communities of Canada.  Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the 13-day expedition will showcase expansive frozen landscapes and the aurora borealis. The ship is the first luxury icebreaker, fueled by LNG. Hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, dog sledding and ice fishing is available for guests. The landscapes are home to caribou, elk and black bears in their natural habitat. There will be four sailings from January to February 2025 The St Lawrence cruise itinerary features shore visits with a team of naturalist-guides including traditional villages and meeting the indigenous communities. There is also the chance of viewing the Northern Lights. Activities include kayaking, ice fishing and dog sledding. During time in Québec guests can attend the world's largest winter carnival.