Ponant Explorations expands luxury expedition cruise operations

Ponant Explorations, a French luxury expedition cruise specialist founded in 1988, operates a fleet of 13 vessels designed to access remote regions such as the Arctic, Antarctica, and the South Pacific. Headquartered in Marseille, the company focuses on an intimate, yacht-like experience with ships typically accommodating between 32 and 264 passengers. Its flagship, Le Commandant Charcot, is noted for its ability to navigate icy waters.

The company also manages the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program, which serves both Ponant and Paul Gauguin Cruises following the latter's acquisition in 2019. The program utilizes a tier system based solely on the number of sailings completed, offering benefits such as cruise discounts, onboard spending credits, and laundry services. Status levels within the club include titles such as ‘Admiral’ and ‘Commodore’.