The French cruise line Ponant (formerly Compagnie du Ponant) was founded in 1988 by various officers of the French merchant marine, but in 2006, the French transport and container company CMA CGM Group bought Ponant and moved its headquarters to Marseille. In the summer of 2012, Bridgepoint Capital Ltd., a UK-based investment firm, acquired the cruise line. Small ships look and feel more private yachts than traditional cruise ships, and all cruises are bilingual (French and English).
The atmosphere on board is much calmer than a normal ship, with few advertisements, no casino, and limited organized activities on board.
The company’s philosophy is the cruise «à la française», but the cruises are bilingual: French and English. Many of the staterooms, dining rooms and bar staff speak English as well (or better) than French.
The company’s five ships sail global itineraries to many exotic ports of call inaccessible to large cruise ships. Small boats and attractive itineraries are the company’s strongest points. The atmosphere is elegantly informal but varies by itinerary. For example, expedition cruises to the Arctic or Antarctica will be more casual than those to the Mediterranean or the Baltic.
In 2015, Ponant acquired part of Travel Dynamics International, an operator of educational programs aboard small cruise ships. The new company offers cruise programs for the US market under the brand name “PONANT, Cultural Cruises and Expeditions”.
Speaker Cruises:
Ponant has five elegant and very attractive ships:
- L’Austral (2011) – 264 passengers (identical to Le Boreal)
- Le Boreal (2010) – 264 passengers (identical to Le Boreal)
- Le Ponant (1991) – 64 passengers (contemporary sailboat)
- Le Soleal (2013) – 264 passengers (identical to Le Boreal)
- Le Lyrial (April 2015) – 264 passengers (identical to Le Boreal)
Two additional ships called Le Champlain and Le Laperouse will be added to the fleet in 2018.
Profile of the presenting passenger:
Most of the passengers on the Ponant ships are French or English speaking and love all things French. The age mix of guests is somewhat dependent on itineraries, with younger and more agile adults on expedition cruises including opportunities to explore on inflatable boats.
The boats are contemporary, elegant French and very much like a yacht. The ships don’t have casinos, and the onboard activities are quieter and geared more toward educational lectures than party games. So those who favor the frenetic party atmosphere of conventional cruise ships may be disappointed or bored.
Accommodation and guest cabins:
Since ships vary so much in design and size, cabins vary greatly as well. However, all the cabins are outside. Most of the cabins (125/132) on the four Le Boreal-class ships have private balconies, but none of the Le Ponant cabins have balconies.
I sailed into a Prestige stateroom at Le Boreal and found the 200 sq. Ft. + 43 sq. Ft. Balcony to be very nice. I loved the decor and the split bathroom, with the toilet in a separate room from the shower and sink. The storage space was impressive, as was the large flat-screen TV.
If planning a cruise with Ponant, be sure to study the deck plans carefully, as ship layouts and cabins vary significantly.
Ponant cuisine and gastronomy
As you would expect from a French cruise line, the food is very good, with many excellent items. Many of the dishes are regional, and it’s always fun to try dishes with a local flavor. Although the breakfast menu remains the same every day, the lunches vary, with a different cuisine each day.
All meals are open seating, with free wine at lunch and dinner. Le Boreal, Le Soleal and L’Austral have a main restaurant and an informal buffet restaurant; Le Ponant has one main restaurant.
Onboard activities and entertainment Ponant
All Ponant ships have a large showroom with music or cabaret shows in the evenings. Educational lectures (lectures in French and English are separate) are also held in the performance hall or in the main aft room on deck 3. Ships do not have a casino.
Common Areas Speakers
As noted above, the Ponant boats can best be described as French chic. The decor is contemporary and uncluttered. All ships, except Le Ponant, have a small outdoor swimming pool. Le Boreal, Le Soleal, Le Lyrial, and L’Austral have indoor and outdoor bars and large lounges used for tea, musical entertainment, and dancing.
Ponant Spa, Gym and Fitness
Le Boreal, L’Austral, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial have a very good spa, sauna and gym with modern exercise equipment. Le Ponant does not have a spa.
Ponant
The currency on board is the euro. The rate includes wine at lunch and dinner, but not at the bars or at other times. Tips are extra.
Speaker contact information
Dirección de EE. UU .: 4000 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 555-S, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: From the US and Canada: 1-888-400-1082 (toll free)
From the UK: 0808 234 38 02 (toll free)
From Germany: 0800 180 00 59 (toll free)
From Austria: 0800 29 60 94 (toll free)
From Switzerland: 0800 55 27 41 (toll free)
From anywhere in the world: +33 4 88 66 64 00
