PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is expanding its offering for lovers of exclusive sailing. This strategy comes to life with the launch of a new brand, PONANT YACHTING, which highlights the Group's expertise in creating intimate experiences that combine sailing, sophistication, and bespoke service.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP will also expand its fleet with the order of a new catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant II. Built by Lagoon, a world leader in sailing catamarans, the vessel will join the fleet at the end of 2026 and will be based in French Polynesia.
“With the acquisition of the Spirit of Ponant II, the twenty-second ship in the fleet, we are expanding our offering in the luxury cruise segment, with intimate, sophisticated, and responsible voyages. We are developing a unique universe where every experience is personalized: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions, and more,” confirmed Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP.
“This strategy is alsobeingrealized with the launch of our new brand, PONANT YACHTING, which combines the intimate experience of sailing with the sophisticated and personalized travel services of the Group. This strengthens our unique portfolio of brands in the cruise industry.”
In 2024, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP decided to innovate by launching a new range of tailor-made maritime voyages aboard luxury catamarans. With the success of the Spirit of Ponant, which confirms the relevance of this vision, the Group continues to develop this new market segment, targeting both families and groups of friends.
A crew of four (captain, first officer, chef and stewardess) offers guests the Group's service excellence in an all-inclusive experience: exclusive itineraries, personalized activities, refined gastronomy, wine and cocktail selection, tailor-made menus and a wide range of nautical activities (paddle surfing, snorkeling, water skiing, wing foiling, Tiwal sailing and Sublue scooter diving).
By the end of 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate a fleet of three catamarans: the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade, and the Spirit of Ponant II, each accommodating between 9 and 12 guests. These vessels offer an exceptional sailing experience and access to secluded anchorages. In fact, the available destinations—the Mediterranean, Seychelles, Caribbean, and Polynesia—are especially conducive to sailing exploration.
In the words of Juan Rodero, General Manager of Un Mundo de Cruceros/StarClass, representative of PONANT YACHTING in Spain and Portugal, “the commitment to exclusive catamarans from PONANT YACHTING reinforces the idea of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP to offer sustainable, exclusive and unique experiences in iconic areas for sailing and exploring dreamlike landscapes.”
The Spirit of Ponant II is a catamaran belonging to the new Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series, a high-end yacht measuring 24.97 meters in length and 11 meters in beam. Accommodating up to 10 guests, it features 5 double cabins and 427 m² of living space. It will be available exclusively for private charter.
The inaugural voyage will take place in late 2026, bound for Polynesia, a destination where PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP's expertise is widely recognized. Itineraries will be tailored to guests' preferences and adjusted according to current weather conditions.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2026, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has launched “The Essential Seychelles,” departing from and returning to Victoria, Mahé. This 8-day cruise is aboard Le Bouganville, one of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s classic ships, with four departures in January.
Also, in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is offering an 11-day voyage from Nosy Be (Madagascar) to Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – or vice versa – aboard another iconic ship in the fleet, Le Bouganville, with flights included. The trip is further enhanced by onboard lectures from two renowned experts: naturalist guide and environmental consultant Grant Nel and historian Jane Hooper.
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