When it comes to the world of expedition travel, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP stands out for its unique identity. Founded in France and driven by former merchant marine officers, the shipping company has built its reputation by combining an exploratory spirit, technological innovation, and the refined hospitality of France. Talking about exploration on the high seas no longer means sacrificing comfort.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP acts as an umbrella under the philosophy Explore to Inspire, integrating different premium exploration specializations through its four independent commercial brands PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Aqua Expeditions and PONANT YACHTING, but under the same technological, environmental and gastronomic vision.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP consolidates its position in the exploration segment. The company has a fleet of 13 state-of-the-art vessels and operates in polar, tropical, and remote regions, always adhering to the same principle: to offer privileged access to the planet's most fragile ecosystems without sacrificing comfort, gastronomy, and personalized service.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS is the Group's historical core. Its ocean fleet consists of smaller vessels—between 184 and 245 passengers—designed to access remote ports and polar regions where larger ships cannot operate. Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial represent the company's first modern generation. With a capacity of approximately 200 guests, they operate in Antarctica, the Arctic, Patagonia, and remote Asia.
The latest series—Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d'Urville, Le Bellot, and Le Jacques Cartier—introduces a distinctive feature: the Blue Eye, the world's first multisensory underwater lounge, from which passengers can observe and listen to marine life below the waterline. Equipped with hydrophones and surround-view projection systems, it is not simply a viewing platform, but a sensory extension of the voyage.
These vessels incorporate dynamic positioning to avoid anchoring and reduce environmental impact, and operate in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and less traveled destinations.
The three-masted sailboat Le Ponant represents the most intimate version of ocean exploration. Sailing, a boutique atmosphere, and routes designed for travelers who prioritize discretion, authenticity, and direct contact with the environment.
Le Commandant Charcot, an icebreaker that redefines exploration
The flagship of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is Le Commandant Charcot, the only PC2-certified icebreaker capable of traversing ice up to two meters thick. Its hybrid electric propulsion system, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), sets a new standard for efficiency and emissions reduction in the polar segment.
When the ship shuts down its combustion engines and moves solely on battery power through wildlife viewing areas, the silence is absolute. You can hear the ice cracking and the blows of whales on the surface. The exploration takes on an almost introspective dimension.
On board, real scientific programs are also conducted. The ship has laboratories where international researchers work in the field, and passengers can participate in collecting samples, identifying cetaceans, or deploying weather buoys. Exploration ceases to be merely contemplative and becomes participatory.
Meanwhile, the comfort remains intact: a kitchen designed by Alain Ducasse, a spa, a heated indoor pool with panoramic views, and spaces designed to contemplate the polar landscape.
Equipment management is also carefully planned. Each guest receives a technical polar parka—which they will keep after the expedition—and professional boots that are disinfected after each use to protect sensitive ecosystems. The “Mud Room” serves as a logistics center with individual climate-controlled lockers.
Summer 2026 – North Pole
In the summer of 2026, the Charcot will sail from Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) to the top of the planet, reaching the North Pole. During this voyage, the ship transforms into a mobile exploration base, offering experiences that include walks on the ice floes, as the ship stops directly on the sea ice, allowing passengers to walk on the frozen ocean, cross-country ski, or participate in symbolic activities such as the “Polar Plunge,” a controlled dive into the Arctic Ocean followed by a toast on deck. Kayaking excursions among ancient icebergs are also organized, a quiet way to experience the polar landscape.
Representative outputs:
- August 11, 2026 (17 days)
- August 27, 2026 (16 days)
- September 11, 2026 (17 days)
Winter 2026/27 – Antarctica
In the Southern Hemisphere, the route veers away from the more traveled paths, venturing into the Weddell and Ross Seas. Thanks to its icebreaking capabilities, the Charcot can approach emperor penguin colonies in the Weddell Sea, access granted to very few vessels.
Featured departures (from Ushuaia):
- December 2026: Christmas on the Weddell Sea (15 days)
- January 2027: Expedition to the Ross Sea (25 days)
- February 2027: Antarctic Circle (15 days)
All polar itineraries include 100% verified carbon offsetting and collaboration with The Explorers Club to strengthen scientific programs.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: Polynesia as a vocation
The m/s Paul Gauguin was specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters of French Polynesia, where destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Marquesas Islands are not merely port of call, but its natural territory. Its almost all-inclusive format, relaxed onboard atmosphere, and exclusive access to private motus reinforce its position as the undisputed specialist of the South Pacific, combining destination expertise, comfort, and authenticity into a single experience.
Aqua Expeditions: river and tropical dimension
Aqua Mekong, Aria Amazon, Aqua Nera, Aqua Blu, Aqua Mare, and Aqua Lares represent boutique exploration on remote rivers and coastlines: the Mekong, the Amazon, Indonesia, or the Galapagos. Each stop is even more intimate, featuring signature cuisine, contemporary design, and an experience focused on the destination rather than the ship.
PONANT Yachting: private exploration
Spirit of Ponant, Spirit of Ponant II and La Désirade expand the concept towards ultra-luxury private charters, designed for tailor-made trips or tropical extensions after a polar expedition.
Regarding environmental care, it is worth noting that PONANT was also a pioneer in eliminating single-use plastics, but above all, its Swap2Zero project, which anticipates the development of the first zero-impact transoceanic vessel, should be mentioned.
Every product in the Group shares a common element: gastronomy developed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, understated design, multilingual service, and a vision of luxury as a cultural experience. Four brands, one shared vision.
In Spain, the official sales agent of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is Un Mundo de Cruceros, specializing in luxury cruises and responsible for managing information on itineraries, availability and reservations.
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