Frequently Asked Questions

The "all-inclusive" package includes:

• cabin accommodation,

• full board,

• The Open Bar: from boarding and throughout the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served freely and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.

• free 24/7 Wi-Fi Internet access,

• an activity at each stopover (excluding cruises on board the ship) Paul Gauguin) to be chosen from a selection: the final program will be communicated approximately two months before the cruise departure,

• access to all common areas.

^{* The connection may be slow, and eventually interrupted, depending on certain geographical areas or circumstances beyond our control.} 

For some cruises, we charter planes and transfers to facilitate your arrival and departure. We offer air packages with the following benefits: direct flights, luggage transported on a single flight to ensure delivery upon arrival, departure of your ship postponed in case of flight delay.

Some flights are included in the indicated price. The relevant cruises can be identified by the mention "Round-trip flights included", "Outbound domestic flight included", or "Inbound domestic flight included".

Yes, port taxes are indeed included in the rate of your cruise.

In most cases, you are responsible for obtaining visas and necessary formalities for visiting certain countries. For bookings made by French, Belgian, and Swiss nationals, we now offer a visa service - please contact our reservation service for more information. We can also advise you on the type of visa required for your trip if you prefer to handle the procedures yourself. When certain visas are issued and charged directly on board, this information is indicated on our website, in the cruise description (Formalities tab).

For all cruises, except those offered on the Paul Gauguin, you will enjoy an activity included at each stop, to be chosen from a selection of guided tours led by naturalist experts (hiking, zodiac rides...) or excursions led by local guides (visits to monuments, tastings of local products...). These activities can be pre-booked two months before departure, subject to availability. To enhance the discovery of the destination, other optional paid activities can be offered.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on board are included in the cruise fare, from the dinner on the first day until the breakfast on the last day. Upon embarkation and throughout the cruise, drinks are served freely and at any time of the day. The Open Bar is valid for a wide selection of beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea). Some premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.

The spa, the fitness room, and the snow cabin (the latter only on Le Commandant Charcot) are freely accessible on ships equipped with these facilities. You will be able to discover all the paid services (body care, facial care, hair care, hairstyling...) on the various spa menus.

The brut champagne Charles Heidsieck or Abelé 1757 (subject to availability) is included in the Open Bar on board the Sisterships, PONANT Explorers, and the Paul Gauguin.

Veuve Clicquot or Henriot champagne (depending on availability) is included in the Open Bar on board Le Commandant Charcot and Le Ponant.

The prices displayed on the website are per person, based on double occupancy. A single supplement automatically applies for individuals wishing to travel alone. This supplement is offered on certain cruises. Discover the list of departures concerned at Please consult the page Single Supplement Offered.

The earlier you book, the more you can benefit from advantageous rates thanks to the PONANT Bonus, a discount of up to 30% on the price of your stateroom or suite. This percentage of discount decreases depending on the occupancy of the cruise.

The prices displayed on the website are updated in real time according to the evolution of the PONANT Bonus.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is committed to applying exactly the same rates to travel agencies as to its direct clients, including for online sales and in foreign markets. If you find different rates for the same cruise with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, please notify us at the following email address: contact@ponant.com

Every season, we offer a wide range of cruises with 'no single supplement': you thus benefit from a double stateroom to yourself, at no extra cost. The onboard atmosphere is conducive to meeting and interacting with other guests, and the crew ensures your well-being and integration on board. Discover the cruises by consulting the single page offered.

You can find the summary of your orders and cruises on your "My PONANT" account, in the "My bookings" tab.

To obtain more information about our cancellation policy, please consult the General Terms and Conditions of Sale here.

During the booking of a cruise on our website, you can make your payment by credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Carte Bleue, E-carte Bleue, or American Express. You can also choose between paying a deposit or paying the full balance of your booking. Online payments are completely secure, as we use the SSL encryption protocol system that protects your information during the transaction.

Your PONANT Yacht Club membership number can be found on the card that was sent to you. It is also included in all the emails we have sent you, as well as on your "My PONANT" account. If you have lost your card, you can obtain a new one by contacting us.

If the cruise you wish to book is fully booked, you have the option to join a waiting list. This list will notify you as soon as a stateroom becomes available for sale again. To join a waiting list, simply go to the cruise page of your choice and click on the "Fully Booked Cruise" button. A link will redirect you to the form to fill out.

On the day of your cruise embarkation, your ship leaves the port mentioned on the first day of the itinerary. A few weeks before your departure, you receive your travel booklet with all the necessary information for the smooth running of your cruise, including a reminder of your itinerary and the name of the embarkation port.

You can either make your own way to the departure point of your cruise, or use our services for your round-trip flights, transfers between the airport and the embarkation and disembarkation ports, or for pre and post-cruise programs.

The boarding schedule is indicated on the first day of your cruise itinerary. A few weeks before your departure, you will receive your travel booklet containing all the necessary information for the smooth running of your cruise, confirming in particular your boarding time. Usually, you will be welcomed on board from 4pm local time.

All guests must have a valid identification document and necessary visas, depending on their nationality and the countries visited. The details of the required documents can be found in the "Formalities" section of your cruise description. Upon boarding, the identification document used to fill out the information form will be requested and kept until the end of the cruise to be presented by the ship's officers to the customs authorities at each port. In case of need during a stop, it will be available at the reception, where you must return it upon your return on board.

Information regarding the end of cruise disembarkation will be provided to you in the onboard journal and at the reception. We thank you for carefully reading it. Disembarkation usually takes place in the morning, after breakfast service.

The arrival and departure times at each port are indicated the day before in the logbook. Please note that the ship cannot afford to wait for latecomers. We rely on your understanding to respect the communicated schedules.

Upon arrival at any port, customs and immigration authorities board the ship. Once the checks are completed, guests and crew are allowed to disembark. Due to a lack of infrastructure in some ports, the ship may be required to anchor offshore. In this case, disembarkation is done by the ship's tenders or local boats. As there is a limited number of these boats, disembarkation is done in groups. Please pay attention to the announcements made on board.

An offer of activities supervised by naturalist guides or local guides is available to you, depending on the ports of call. These activities can be pre-booked two months before the departure of your cruise, subject to availability.

Activities may be modified or cancelled without notice for technical reasons, in case of force majeure, or if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. You will not be charged if the excursion in question was paid for, but you will not be entitled to any compensation if the cancelled excursion was included in the price of your cruise.

Some particularly remote stopovers do not have sufficient local infrastructure to offer guided tours. These are free stopovers, during which you can independently enjoy time for swimming at the beach, to go shopping or have a meal at a local restaurant...

To enhance the discovery of the destination, other optional paid activities can be offered (such as scuba diving, kayaking excursions...).

Excursions are optional: you can choose not to book them or organise them by yourself.Nevertheless:

– You will not receive any discount or compensation if you choose not to participate in the excursions included in the price of your cruise.

– Only the excursions offered as part of the cruise guarantee that you will be back on board on time.

We make sure to offer excursions accessible to as many people as possible. When some excursions have a certain level of difficulty (long walk, rough trail, long journey...) or when a minimum age is required, we specify it in the description. If you have any doubts about the feasibility of a trip, do not hesitate to contact your travel advisor.

Yes, all excursions must be pre-booked, whether they are included or paid excursions.

You receive an email to inform you about the opening of pre-booking. Registrations for excursions are available for pre-booking at least 60 days before the start of your cruise, and up to 7 days before your embarkation, by email.reservation@ponant.com), by phone: +33 (0)4 91 36 41 65, with your travel advisor or by requesting to be contacted via the PONANT application.

The capacity of excursions is limited, so requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

Once your pre-booking is recorded, you do not need to visit the excursions desk on board to confirm.

The mentioned excursions are provided as examples, the excursion program is refined as the departure of your cruise approaches and is available on the website.

The payment for these pre-bookings is made directly on board.In the case of pre-sale excursions: for logistical reasons, some excursions must be booked and paid for before the start of your cruise (from your cruise booking, up to 30 or 60 days before its departure). After this deadline and once on board, it will unfortunately no longer be possible to request to participate.

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program).You then fill out a registration form. This form is kept at the office and is completed in case of additional booking. The cost of these excursions is directly added to your onboard account.However, some excursions have a limited number of spots and/or a registration deadline, after which it will no longer be possible to book or modify your excursions. Requests are therefore processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. We strongly recommend pre-booking your excursions.

It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

The day before your excursion, you will receive in your cabin a ticket reminding you of the name of the selected excursion, as well as the location and time of your meeting for departure.

On the day of the excursion, please make sure to bring this ticket with you as it will be required at the start of the excursion.

In order to participate in excursions with the same group as your family or friends, please inform the excursion desk of the stateroom numbers involved at the beginning of your cruise.

You can cancel your excursion up to 48 hours before the excursion departure (free of charge when the excursion is paid).

It is mandatory to present on board a medical certificate of fitness dated within the last year. This certificate cannot be issued by our onboard doctor. Without this certificate of non-contraindication, you will not be able to participate in scuba diving activities with tanks. Your certification card and up-to-date diving logbook will also be required for level 1 and 2 dives.

On expedition cruises, our guests are always accompanied by a team of about 10 naturalist guides and experts on board, with double that number on Le Commandant Charcot, which constitutes one of the best guest-to-staff ratios found on any voyage of this kind. They are all specialised in a particular field: history, geology, marine or land mammals, ornithology... Their objective is to share their knowledge with guests during on-board conferences and excursions as well as landings in zodiac boats, to make them true ambassadors of the regions they visit. They are also there to ensure safety during expedition activities, excursions and landings in zodiac boats. They set off on scouting missions, prepare meticulously for every excursion, supervise and ensure the safety of guests, etc.They are trained in the regulations governing exploration trips in the polar zones (IAATO in Antarctica, AECO in the Arctic) and have the necessary certifications and licences to ensure the supervision of the proposed activities.

Expedition cruises are an opportunity to interact with onboard guides, experts in the visited region. They offer lectures throughout your cruise to enhance your discovery.

On board, it is also possible to enjoy wellness areas such as the spa, hair salon, and fitness room, as well as the library and various common areas of the ship.

Projections in the theater, culinary demonstrations, and tastings are regularly organized.

For more information on the activities offered on board the ships, please refer to the "Leisure and Activities" section of this FAQ.

In addition to zodiac outings and landings, some expedition cruises offer additional activities (please check the "Activities" tab on the website of your cruise if applicable). As the number of spots is limited, these activities require a pre-booking.

On board Le Commandant Charcot, depending on the departures and destinations, many activities can be offered in the Arctic as well as in Antarctica:

^{The dog sledding activity is only offered at the beginning of the Arctic season on the east coast of Greenland, on the Scoresby Strait (Ittoqqortoormiit and its region). There are no dogs on board the ship. The activity is offered by a local partner.} 

For the polar diving activity, you are required to present:

• A medical certificate allowing you to swim in polar waters.

• a swimming certificate,

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) dating back less than 12 months: the presentation of the tracing to the onboard doctor is mandatory, interpretation by a specialist is not sufficient or necessary

• For those under 18 years old: a declaration of honor from parents or guardians regarding good swimming practice, as well as the presence of a parent during the activity.

The kayaking activity for those under 18 years old is subject to the following conditions:

• Sworn statement from parents or guardians of the good practice of swimming.

• Mandatory presence of a parent at the time of the activity.

For any medical questions, please refer to the "Health and Accessibility" section of this FAQ.

Furthermore, even though the goal is to offer activities whenever the opportunity arises, we are subject to ice and weather conditions, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to offer all activities to all guests.

Thanks to its 10-metre draught, its anti-roll stabilisers used in open waters, and its ice-breaking hull specially adapted to meet the requirements of a cruise ship and comply with comfort standards, Le Commandant Charcot is particularly stable. It is the first icebreaker with a reinforced hull equipped with integrated stabilisers.

To extend your journey, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP offers you the opportunity to continue your exploration before and after your cruise. Flights, transfers, accommodations, short or long stays... PONANT selects the best experiences for you.

The organisation of land programs is subject to a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, the service may be modified with possible additional costs, or even cancelled.

The pre and post programs, whether they take place before or after the cruise, must be booked in advance before departure.

The operation of land programs is subject to a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, the program may be canceled or subject to changes, with possible additional costs.

One (or more) 'key card' per stateroom will be distributed to you once on board. On all ships, simply close your door to lock it. Make sure not to forget your 'key card' inside when leaving your stateroom.

Each stateroom is equipped with adjustable air conditioning. Your stateroom attendant is at your disposal if you need to adjust the temperature.

Each of the staterooms (except on board the Spirit of Ponant) has a television with channels in different languages (depending on the geographical area). A selection of movies and documentaries is freely available.

An individual safe is located in each stateroom, where you can deposit your valuable items. For high-value items, we recommend using the ship's main safe and for this, please contact the ship's reception.

Upon arrival in your stateroom, the hotel team provides you with a bathrobe, slippers, towels, and Dyptique toiletries and skincare products, packaged in large eco-friendly containers.

All staterooms and suites on board PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot have a private balcony or terrace with a sea view.

On board the Sisterships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial), all staterooms and suites have a private balcony or terrace with a sea view, except for the 7 higher category cabins located on deck 3: cabin 300 has only a porthole and cabins 301 to 307 each have a scuttle (large square window).

On board the sailboat Le Ponant, all staterooms and suites located on the Zephyr and Trade Winds decks have a large private balcony with a sea view. The staterooms on the Mistral deck have portholes or gun ports.

On board the Paul Gauguin, only the staterooms and suites on decks 6, 7, and 8 have private balconies or terraces with sea views.

The staterooms of the catamaran Spirit of Ponant have only portholes.

On board the Sisterships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial), as well as the PONANT Explorers, there is a door between certain Prestige staterooms, which allows them to be combined to create Prestige suites.

On the ship plans (available at the end of the brochure and on the website on each ship's pages), all Prestige staterooms marked with an arrow can be converted into Prestige suites.

For safety reasons, when the ship is at sea, the door is locked in either the open or closed position and cannot be operated by guests. If two Prestige staterooms have been booked in a suite configuration, the connecting door remains open and cannot be closed.

On board each of the ships, you can enjoy room service at any time of day and night (except at night on board the ship).

A butler service is also available to guests:

• on board the Sisterships: for guests staying in one of the suites on deck 6,

• on board the PONANT Explorers: for guests staying in one of the Privilege, Grand Deluxe, and Owner's suites,

• on board Commandant Charcot: for guests staying in the Shipowner's Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites, and Grand Prestige Suites,

• on board Paul Gauguin: for guests staying in the Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, Veranda Suites, and Veranda Staterooms.

No, there is no currency exchange office on board the ships. We recommend you to exchange money at your bank or at international airports.

Upon boarding, an account will be opened for you, where all your onboard expenses will be recorded: at the shop, at the bar, at the spa, at the PONANT Studio, for laundry, or for excursions. We invite you to leave your credit card imprint at the reception. Thus, the bill with your credit card receipt will be delivered to your accommodation the day before disembarkation. At any time during your voyage, a partial bill can be issued by the reception upon request. Since onboard accounts are closed the day before disembarkation, any payment after 10pm the day before disembarkation must be made in cash. This also applies to individuals who have booked two or more consecutive cruises. You can also settle your expenses in cash at the reception.

Credit cards (Visa card, EuroCard/Master Card, and American Express) and cash are accepted. Traveler's checks and Diner's Club card are not accepted.

The currency on board is the euro, but the US dollar is also accepted. The amount of bills is always indicated in both currencies.

Depending on the trips and ships, a program of activities on board is offered to you during the day and/or in the evening: conferences, concerts, musical shows, culinary demonstrations, tastings, screenings...

You can also find a selection of books and board games on board.

On board all ships (except Le Ponant and the Spirit of Ponant), a Studio PONANT photo space is set up for viewing and ordering photos from your cruise.

The staterooms of all ships (except the Spirit of Ponant) are equipped with a television offering free movies and documentaries.

Different relaxation areas are available to you.

• On board Le Ponant: solarium, outdoor lounge area, bar, salon, massage room, fitness room.

• On board the PONANT Explorers, Sisterships, and the Paul Gauguin: lounges, bars, spa, hair salon, fitness room, outdoor pool, theatre, boutique, Studio PONANT photo space, Blue Eye underwater lounge (PONANT Explorers only).

• On board the PONANT Explorers, enjoy a drink in a unique environment at the Blue Eye: this underwater lounge bar located below the waterline is equipped with two large portholes. Depending on the voyage, musical performances, lectures, or meditation sessions may be offered in this space.

• On board Le Commandant Charcot: lounges, bars, spa, hair salon, fitness room, theatre, indoor pool, snow room, Blue Lagoon, fire pit, Cigar Lounge.

• On board the Spirit of Ponant: indoor lounge, two outdoor lounges, two nets at the front of the ship, beach at the back of the ship, flybridge.

We recommend booking your spa treatments after you have settled on board. It is not possible to make reservations before your departure.

Discover all the spa menus on the dedicated pages of each ship on the website.

All ships have a fitness room (except the Spirit of Ponant).

In order to maintain your physical fitness, depending on the program and the ships, you may be offered a group session of gentle gymnastics on the outdoor decks, in the pool, or at the theatre.

On board LeCommandant Charcot, in addition to the group sessions open to all, personalised private lessons are offered by the fitness and wellness coach (lessons not included, with priority given to guests in the Owner's, Duplex, Prestige, and Grand Prestige suites, and then subject to availability).

The water (sea water) in the outdoor pools of the relevant ships is heated.

You will find a boutique area on board all ships (except on board Le Ponant and the Spirit of Ponant). Whether it's for a gift for loved ones, or simply to treat yourself during the trip, the shops offer a selection of ready-to-wear products, technical equipment for polar and tropical expeditions, personalised exclusive collections, as well as a wide range of accessories and souvenirs related to your travel experience.

All ship deck plans are available on the ships pages of the website. You can also find the plan of each ship in the brochures. On board, the plans of all decks are available in the elevators.

For any questions regarding the visit of the ships, please contact us. Any authorisation is subject to the approval of local authorities.

Sustainable development is enshrined in the company's statutes and is at the heart of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP project. Founded over 30 years ago by committed sailors, the company was born out of a desire to share the passion for the oceans and the treasures of the Earth. This responsibility commits us to engage in a respectful dialogue with the environment and the populations encountered, and to invest in various areas related to the preservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of polar and oceanic regions.

To learn more about our commitments to sustainable development and about the PONANT Foundation, visit the page. Engagements.

We were among the first in the world to abandon heavy fuel. Our ships are equipped with electric diesel engines and SCR catalytic converters, which help reduce our emissions and fuel consumption. Our high polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is a hybrid electric ship, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and light fuel. Thanks to LNG, there is a reduction of -25% in CO2 emissions, -85% in nitrogen oxide emissions, and -95% in fine particle emissions. Every time we design a new ship, we equip it with the latest eco-technologies available, allowing us to maintain our position as a leader in the cruise industry in terms of the environment, surpassing international regulations in some aspects. This commitment is recognised by numerous independent organisations. If you would like to learn more, please visit our section on 'labels, certifications, and distinctions' on the Engagements page.

Wastewater is treated using processes that exclude the use of chemicals. The treated water is sometimes reused on board for technical purposes (laundry, deck washing...) and is used for the external cleaning of the ship. Even though we have optimised our organisation to reduce waste at the source, waste is still produced on board. Equipment adapted for sorting each type of waste is in place. This equipment helps reduce the stored volume and facilitates their recovery. We ensure complete traceability of this waste and have a valuation rate of 80% by 2026.

We have eliminated single-use plastics (such as straws, cups, food portions, laundry bags, etc.). A metal water bottle is provided to each guests during expedition cruises, and water fountains are available in the common areas of the ships. We are also developing the bottling of our water in glass bottles.

Discover all our products in daily actions.

We work closely with local communities to plan excursions. We are attentive to their wishes, needs and advice to build a sustainable tourism offer together. Established in 2018, the PONANT Foundation aims to promote exchanges with indigenous people by supporting concrete projects for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, their protection and enrichment.

Le Commandant Charcot navigates during periods of the year when ice is still present and impassable for other ships. Much of the navigation takes place in channels that are already naturally open, as the drifting ice pack is constantly moving.

We have developed our own ice-routing software that allows us to take the best route, minimise our impact, and optimise our fuel consumption.

The onboard helicopter is used solely for navigation and safety purposes, particularly to identify the best routes. These outings are carried out at the discretion of the Captain, who determines their frequency.

Even though its power would allow it to do so, Le Commandant Charcot does not navigate in the fixed coastal ice floe, which is a vital space for wildlife and Inuit communities. When conditions allow, the ship moors at the edge of this coastal ice floe to organise landings and activities on the ice floe.

To find out everything about the different types of ice and explore the art of polar navigation, check out our online magazine Escales

During activities, the objective is not to disturb the wildlife. In polar regions, we follow the guidelines of organisations governing tourist activities to preserve the biosecurity of the visited sites: AECO (Arctic) and IAATO (Antarctic). In the Arctic, armed guides are stationed around the perimeter where activities take place to ensure your safety.

The guides and crew inform you daily of these essential good practices, available in the Traveler's Code of Ethics.

Our entire fleet features the best levels of acoustic comfort and underwater noise emissions, thus minimising the impact on marine fauna. We also reduce our speed in areas frequented by marine mammals and are working on implementing intelligent collision avoidance systems.

PONANT SCIENCE is a pioneering program that supports scientific research and embarks researchers on board our ships, to learn more about the ocean, the least-known ecosystem on our planet.

For several years, we have been closely collaborating with scientists from around the world, enabling them to conduct their research in often inaccessible regions.

On board Le Commandant Charcot (equipped with two laboratories) or from Paul Gauguin (equipped with mobile laboratories), these experts can carry out essential and valuable work.

In polar or tropical regions, our ships are increasingly welcoming scientists who share their research with guests during onboard conferences. All these exchange times are exceptional opportunities for everyone to deepen their knowledge about the visited regions and the issues related to their protection.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is making progress in fulfilling its mission. Explore to better understand, share and help.

We recommend wearing casual and elegant outfits, cocktail attire for gala evenings, and white or black and white attire for the Officers' evening. Shorts and bermudas are not allowed in the evening at gourmet restaurants.

For an expedition cruise, pack practical clothing and comfortable shoes. During your polar cruises, a polar parka in your size will be provided and boots in your size will be loaned to you.

The new sites we visit and the times we go there result in facing colder temperatures. The temperatures recorded in the areas we visit over the past 20 years have averaged -10°C/14°F. It is recommended to equip yourself with the same type of clothing as those recommended for polar expeditions, but even warmer. 70% of the human body's heat loss occurs through the head, so it is important to cover your head well in these polar areas.

• First layer: underwear (tops), leggings, socks.

• Insulating layer: fleece jacket.

• Outer layer: parka (provided on board), waterproof overtrousers.

• Accessories: warm hat, neck warmer, liner gloves, warm and waterproof gloves.

The parkas offered during expedition cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot are suitable for lower temperatures. They are distributed directly in the staterooms and suites before boarding.

• Available sizes: adults from 32 (XXS) to 50 (5XL), children from 4 years old (104 cm; 4T) to 14 years old (164 cm; XL)

The loan of suitable boots is organised on board.

• Available sizes: adults from 37 (5US) to 48 (14US), children from 25 (8US) to 36 (4.5US).

You keep the same boots throughout the entire cruise.

Snowshoes and a pair of walking sticks are provided. You can complete your equipment with a selection of technical clothing (base layers, hats...) available for purchase at the on-site shop.

We recommend that you bring a ski mask, sunglasses, walking sticks, a waterproof backpack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito net for the face (in the Arctic), and a waterproof pouch. These accessories are also available for purchase at the onboard shop.

Breakfast is buffet style or can be taken in your stateroom upon request.

Lunch can be served in restaurants, buffet style (except on board Le Ponant and the Spirit of Ponant where menus are available).

In the evening, a formal dinner is offered à la carte at the gourmet restaurant. However, a buffet is available at the grill for guests wishing to dine more informally.

A room service menu is available to you 24/7 (except on board Le Ponant and the Spirit of Ponant).

On board Le Ponant: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served à la carte or upon request.

On board the Spirit of Ponant: Meal organisation adapts daily to your schedule and expectations.

Yes, outside of the restaurant's opening hours, hot drinks and pastries are offered in the morning. In the afternoon, an afternoon tea is scheduled in the grand salon. Instructions will be provided in the logbook placed in your cabin every evening.

On board the Spirit of Ponant: Meal organisation adapts daily to your schedule and expectations.

From boarding and throughout the cruise, drinks* are served complimentary and unlimited. This also applies to the minibar and room service offerings.

^{* Excluding premium alcoholic beverages featured on the menu.} 

The chefs and their teams share with you their passion for the French culinary heritage, enriched by the products and traditions of the visited countries. Thus, the menus are constantly renewed according to the destination and itinerary of the cruise.

The availability of certain specific products, such as Bordier butter and cheese, Kaviari caviar, pata negra, foie gras, or Pierre Hermé macarons, cannot be guaranteed on end-of-season departures to Antarctica (from late January/early February). Furthermore, products directly from France are prohibited in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, as well as in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines). The availability of French products in these areas depends on local supply possibilities. In Australia and New Zealand, the fish menu includes John Dory, sole, tuna, salmon, and red mullet.

Discover more about onboard gastronomy by visiting the page "Excellence in gastronomy.

Every day, the chefs and their teams offer a varied menu. Breakfasts and lunches served in buffet style showcase a wide selection of savoury and sweet dishes, as well as breads made daily by our French baker on board.

For all cruises, a certificate stating any medical or physiological conditions that are contraindicated will be sent to you and must be signed and returned before the start of the cruise.

When you visit certain destinations, vaccines may be recommended. Once your reservation is made, we will send you all the important information to help you approach your cruise with peace of mind. If you want to learn more about a destination, the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides valuable advice.

A ship's doctor and a nurse are available on all ships, except for the sailboat Le Ponant on which there is a nurse and a telemedicine service.

• The consultation hours are indicated daily in the logbook (emergency consultations 24/7).

• The Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, Paul Gauguin, and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for minor surgery operations.

• During excursions and outings outside the ship, guests are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse to provide first aid.

Consultations, medical and surgical procedures, laboratory tests or medical imaging examinations (radiology) carried out on board by the doctor or nurse are subject to charges. The price may vary depending on the time and location of the consultation (at the onboard hospital or in the cabin). The cost of all procedures is displayed in the waiting room. Guests are also required to pay for any medications.

The ship's doctor is unable to provide medical certificates and prescriptions. Only reports and invoices are issued, which can be used by the guest to claim a refund from their health insurance if their policy allows it.

If you have a special treatment, please inform the reservation service at the time of your registration, indicate it on the information form filled out before departure, then inform the crew on board at the time of boarding and bring your specific medications for the duration of the cruise.

Our ships (with the exception of Le Ponant and the Spirit of Ponant) are equipped with stabilisers fitted with dynamic fins that adapt to the movements of the ship. This system allows for anticipation and compensation for pitch and roll to provide great stability. Guests anticipating seasickness experience reduced symptoms and are surprised not to be inconvenienced.

Only the Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot have been designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

• Staterooms specially designed on board the Sisterships, decks 3 (307), 4 (407) and 5 (509) 3 c for two people aged 18. in a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 shower and toilet in the bathroom as well as a balcony of 4  2 (only for cabins on the decks 4 and 5) having a small ramp Wheelchair accessible,

• on board the PONANT Explorers, decks 4 (431) and 5 (527) 2 cabins for two people each at 27.5 2in a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 sink, shower, and toilet in the bathroom, as well as a balcony of 4  Wheelchair accessible,

• on board the Commandant Charcot, points 6 (626 and 628) and 8 (818) 3 cabins for two people each of 28 

• 2I'm accIin a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 shower and toilet in the bathroom, as well as abalcony of 7.5.2 a small ramp Wheelchair accessible,

• on board the Paul Gauguin, bridge 4 (415 and 416) 2 cabins for two people each aged 21 in a wheelchair, with a double queen size bed (160 x 200) cm) only for the 416, and a double queen size bed (160 x 200 cm) or two single beds (80 x 200 cm) for the 415, shower and toilet in the bathroom, as well as.a window with panoramic view.

• Ramps providing easy access for movement in common areas.

• Posters, signage, and cabin numbers translated into braille.

Despite these arrangements, each passenger must be able to be autonomous or travel with a companion who can provide all the necessary assistance during their journey. If a person is not deemed sufficiently fit to travel safely, the company reserves the right to refuse their boarding. Landings in difficult areas or on zodiacs are subject to the approval of the captain, always with the passenger's well-being and safety in mind.

If you follow a specific diet (vegetarian, diabetic, low calorie, gluten-free, allergy...), it is essential to specify it when making your reservation. You will then receive adapted menus throughout your cruise.

Electrical plug adapters are provided on board, they are available at the reception.

Some electrical outlets are available for you to use in the common areas.

Yes, the alternating current 220 volts 50 Hertz is distributed through outlets compliant with European standards. The electricity on board is in 220 volts AC (European standard) and 110 volts AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, the use of hair straighteners and irons is not allowed in the staterooms. On board Le Ponant, the 110 volts AC is only distributed in the bathroom of the staterooms.

On board ships (except the Spirit of Ponant), you will be able to enjoy the following services:

• a 24-hour reception  on the Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, the Paul Gauguin and LeCommandant Charcot, and

• 7 23 

• Le Ponant

• a travel ambassador office,

• an excursion desk,

• breakfast in the cabin,

• a butler service 

• on board the Sisterships : for passengersI'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the text to be translated. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English.traveling in theI'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any text to work with. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English.One of the bridge's suites 6.

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• on board the Commandant Charcot : for passengers staying in the Shipowner's Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites, and Grand Prestige Suites,

• on board the Paul Gauguin : for passengers staying in the Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, Veranda Suites, and Veranda Staterooms.

• a free in-cabin service available 24 hours h/24 (except To on the edge PonantSure, please provide me with the text you would like me to translate into English.

• a wake-up call service provided by the reception,

• a laundry service,

• a shop,

• a fitness room,

• a wellness space,

• group sessions of gentle gym,

• an outdoor swimming pool (except at the edge of the PonantI'm sorry, but there is no text to translate in your message. If you provide me with the text you would like me to translate into English, I will be happy to help.

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• the bars,

• a postal service,

• the restoration.

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• A restaurant by Alain Ducasse (Pont 5)

• The Brasero and the Blue Lagoon,

• an indoor swimming pool,

• a snow cabin,

• a Cigar Lounge,

• Private fitness classes (subject to coach availability, not included, priority to passengers in Owner's Suites, Duplex, Prestige, and Grand Prestige).

The languages spoken on board are French and English. The signage is in French and English. On some cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

Children under 1 Bathrooms are not allowed.I'm sorry, but I need a text to translate into English. Please provide me with the text you would like me to translate.I'm sorry, but I need a text to translate. Could you please provide me with a sentence or a paragraph to work on? To to board.

On classic cruises, children are accepted from the age of one, up to a maximum of 5 on board. Maximum children I'm sorry, but it seems like you have entered a character that does not belong to any language. Could you please provide me with a text in a specific language that you would like me to translate into English?I'm sorry, but I need a text to translate. Could you please provide me with a text in order to proceed with the translation?I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any text to work with. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English.s from 1 to 6 Sure, please provide me with the text you would like me to translate into English.

The children are 4 years old. ans or more can I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any text to work with. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English.Be welcomed at the Kid.I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any text to work with. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English.s Club when the service is offeredI'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the text to work on. Please provide the text you would like me to translate into English. To board.

On Expedition cruises, children are accepted from the age of 6. I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any text to work with. If you provide me with the text you would like me to translate, I will be happy to help.To Starting from 8. I'm sorry, but I need a text to translate into English. Please provide the text you would like me to translate. to on the edge Commandant Charcot) and must be able to be completely autonomous during landings in zodiacs, understand and respond immediately to orders given by the responsible persons. Therefore, these landings are subject to the agreement of the captain and the expedition leader depending on the sea conditions and the difficulty of access to each site visited. In all cases, children and young minors are at all times, on board or on land, under the full and total responsibility of their parents or accompanying adults.

Yes, up to 3 months of pregnancy at the end of the cruise date, except for expedition cruises, for safety reasons in case of early complications that are difficult to manage in isolated environments.

On board, every space has been designed to respect everyone's desires: preserved privacy or friendly moments coexist or alternate in perfect harmony.

A passenger's testimony:

"I had already been on a cruise accompanied by someone, and recently another one alone, for a cruise in Patagonia. I can assure you that the conditions were just as pleasant in both cases. The atmosphere was very friendly, starting with the captain and his crew, then with the always very attentive staff, and finally with the other passengers open to quickly friendly exchanges. Activities of all kinds are offered to get to know each other, interspersed with rest times if you wish. Personally, I was never bored. Do not hesitate, whether you are a man or a woman. It is an adventure that will leave you with excellent memories." 

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For safety and hygiene reasons, animals are not allowed on board.

Ships are non-smoking, even on accommodation balconies. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas of the ship.

On board Le Commandant Charcot, you can enjoy a Cigar Lounge on deck 5, with a refined selection of cigars (cigarettes not allowed) and prestigious spirits.

The gratuity for the staff is part of the customs on board cruise ships and is left to your discretion. An anonymous envelope is placed in your cabin at the end of the cruise. You can then slip it into a designated urn at the reception. For informational purposes only, the average gratuity is 10 to 12 € per day per passenger.

Yes, your staterllm attendant is at your disposal to provide a laundry service. It takes 24 to 48 hours to wash and iron your clothes. Only an ironing service can be provided on the same day. Dry cleaning is not possible, so we kindly ask you to only give us clothes that can be washed with water.

^{** These services are chargeable and billed directly to your cabin account.} 

Gifts and souvenirs can be purchased on board at the shop. Please note that the law does not allow us to open the shop during the entire duration of the stops. The items are sold tax-free, except on board Paul Gauguin where some of the products offered are eligible for tax exemption.

It is also possible to book your next travel adventure on board with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP through the travel ambassador. For any cruise booked on board, you will receive a 5% discount (on the cruise portion only, combinable with your PONANT benefits).

For the list of prohibited items, please consult the following document.

Letters and postcards can be dropped off at the reception desk, which will take care of sending them. Please make sure to write your stateroom number in the stamp area. The postage cost will be added directly to your bill.

To reach a correspondent around the world, a satellite communication system is available to you. The cost of communications is charged directly to your account (pricing depends on the navigation zone). Calls from your correspondents can be transferred directly to your accommodation or to any common area on the ships. You can also send and receive faxes. Contacting reception.

You have free Wi-Fi internet access on board all ships (cabins and common areas). On the Sisterships (L'Austral, Le Lyrial, The Boréal, Le Soléal), one or more computers are available to you in the leisure areas.

Thanks to the Starlink network provided by Marlink, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP guarantees you quality Wi-Fi access, regardless of the location and navigation conditions.

If you no longer wish to receive electronic communication, please click on the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of one of the emails that has been sent to you, or mention it to your travel advisor so that the change can be properly noted.

You can get in touch with us via the Contacts listed at the bottom of the homepage. If you wish, you can also contact us via Facebook, by private message.

Our website is available in French, English and German. If you wish to change the language, select your country from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the homepage of the site.