Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best in Cruise Awards
December 3, 2025
CEO, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Americas
Samuel Chamberlain
« It’s an honor to be recognized for Best Itineraries and Best in the Arctic by the industry’s leading experts—including our own guests, whose passion for exploring the world’s most remote destinations inspires everything we do. PONANT EXPLORATIONS was born from a pioneering spirit, and we’re proud to continue leading in sustainable, small-ship exploration. We bring travelers to places no one else can go, creating rare and authentic moments—all backed by the peace of mind that only 35 years of expertise can provide. »
Inaccessible to other passenger ships
The awards underscore PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ commitment to offering travelers a diverse range of destinations, including some that are often unreachable by flight and inaccessible to other passenger ships. PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships visit more than 120 destinations across all seven continents.
Sustainable ships
PONANT EXPLORATIONS is the only cruise line with dedicated itineraries to places like the Geographic North Pole on Le Commandant Charcot, as well as Snow Hill in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea and the Bissagos Islands of Western Africa, thanks to its sustainable ship designs that minimize their environmental impact. In 2026, the company will reinforce its presence in French Polynesia with the first passenger ship calling on the Austral and Gambier Islands.
Cruise Critic’s editors
“No matter where—or how—you want to explore the world, PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ fleet has a way to do it. From small sailing yachts and stylish expedition vessels to powerful polar ships, PONANT EXPLORATIONS allows maximum access to hidden corners of the globe.”
“As more ships venture into the Arctic, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has separated itself from the pack by serving up unique itineraries and an ice-breaking vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, that delivers guests all the way to the North Pole.”
“The onboard experience, no matter the ship, is pure luxury, where you can enjoy exceptional dining and well-appointed staterooms before heading out for hiking, kayaking, or walking on the pack ice. With expert guides who know the Arctic well and are skilled at spotting wildlife, like the elusive polar bear, guests on PONANT EXPLORATIONS will feel like true explorers.”
“Everything from the very moment we stepped on board this cruise ship was exceptional. The expedition team was highly qualified (marine biologists, botanists, etc.) and provided excellent information prior to and on all of the excursions. We were able to access areas of the Kimberly in the Zodiacs that otherwise you could not reach. The wildlife, landscape, and indigenous and rock art were at times breathtaking. This gave us very personalized and unique experiences solely for our ship.”
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All-inclusive voyages
PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ all-inclusive voyages cover all gourmet meals, one shore excursion in each port of call, unlimited Wi-Fi, and more, all delivered with the line’s signature French flair and refinement.