Your stateroom Officer will be able to take care of your laundry**. The washing and ironing of your clothes will take between 24 and 48 hours. Only ironing** can be delivered on the same day. As dry-cleaning is not possible on the ship, please only give us clothes that can be washed in water.

** These services are not free of charge and are billed directly to your stateroom account.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships are non-smoking, even on the stateroom balconies. Smoking is only allowed in the exterior parts of the ship designated for the purpose.

Adapters are provided on board, they are available at the reception office of our ships.

European Standard Sockets

The 220 volt 50 hertz alternating current is distributed by sockets meeting European standards. Onboard power is 200 volt AC (European standard) and 110 volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, hair irons and clothes irons cannot be used in staterooms. Please note that on Le Ponant, 110 volt AC is only available in stateroom bathrooms.

Children under one year of age shall not be authorised to embark on the ships.

For children aged between 1 and 8 years old, an authorisation to board the ship must be made in writing to PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Subject to agreement, a liability waiver must be completed and returned to the company to validate the registration.

On classic cruises (“yachting”), children are accepted from the age of one, with a maximum of 5 children between 1 and 6 years old on board.

On “expedition” cruises children are accepted from 6 years old (except cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot) and must be fully independent during all the outside activities organised and during disembarkation in rubber boats, be sufficiently tall to sit on the inflatable sides of the boats, and old enough to understand, and immediately respond to the orders given by the persons in charge. As a result, children’s participation in any activity in an inflatable boat shall be subject to the agreement of the Captain and of the Expedition Head, depending on the sea conditions, and the difficulty of disembarking at each location visited. The ships do not carry Parka’s in children’s sizes. Parents must arrange to bring a suitable Parka for children. In all cases, children and young people under the age of 18 are at all times on board or on land under the full and total responsibility of their parents or carers.

Children aged 4 years or more can be welcomed in the Kid’s Club when the service is offered on board

The crew are bilingual in French and English. All signage and announcements made are in French and English. On certain cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

A satellite telephone system is at your disposal for contacting anyone, anywhere in the world. The cost of the call is added to the stateroom account (€6/minute). Calls that you receive can be transferred directly to your stateroom or to any other communal area on the ship. To receive or send faxes, please see Reception.

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available on all of our ships, in both the staterooms and the communal areas. One or several computers are at your disposal in the recreation centres. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection may be discontinued depending on the navigation area and landscapes that may block the vessel from satellite coverage, especially at high latitudes (no connection possible beyond 80° North or South), or for technical reasons beyond our control.

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

• The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).
• The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.
• During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.
• There is a fee for consultations on board . The price may vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or staterooms). You must also pay for medications.
• The doctor on board is not authorised to distribute sick leaves and prescriptions. Only accounts and invoices are provided which may be used by the passenger to obtain a refund from his/her health insurance if his/her contract allows.

Medical Consultations

There is a charge for medical consultations undertaken by the doctor or nurse on board. The price can vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or stateroom). Any medication must also be paid for by the passenger. If using medications on a regular basis make sure to bring adequate supplies for the duration of your cruise.

Special Medical Treatment

If you have any special treatment, we ask you to inform the reservation service when you register for the cruise, to note it on the information sheet before departure, then inform the on-board crew at the moment of departure and always keep your medication with you for the duration of the cruise.

Seasickness

Our ships (except Le Ponant) have stabilisers equipped with dynamic fins which adapt to the movements of the ship. This system allows the ship to anticipate and compensate for the pitching and tossing of the sea to achieve greater stability. Passengers suffering from seasickness will see their symptoms alleviated and are pleasantly surprised to not feel uncomfortable during their journey. However it is wise to bring travel motion medication with you for peace of mind.

Our Sisterships, PONANT EXPLORERS and Le Commandant Charcot were designed for people with reduced mobility in mind:

• Specially designed staterooms;
• Access ramps allowing easy movement in communal areas;
• Posters, signage and stateroom numbers are translated into Braille.

Despite these arrangements, each passenger should be able to be independent or travel with a close family member or friend who can give them whatever assistance they require during their trip.

If a person has not been judged suitably fit for travel in complete safety, the company reserves the right to refuse their embarkation. Disembarkation in difficult places or in a Zodiac® is subject to the approval of the Captain, who will always have the safety and wellbeing of the passenger in mind.

Technical Accessories

We advise you to equip yourself with a ski mask, sunglasses, walking poles (available to purchase in the shop), a waterproof rucksack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito head net (for the Arctic) and a waterproof pouch.

Dress Code

We recommend wearing elegant, casual clothes at your discretion, and for the gala evenings, a cocktail dress for ladies and a shirt and tie for gentlemen, and a white or black-and-white outfit for the Officers’ evening. Shorts/Bermudas are not permitted in the evening in the gastronomic restaurants.

Expedition Cruise

On an expedition cruise, be sure to bring practical clothes as well as comfortable shoes suitable for travelling in Zodiacs and disembarking on beaches or mud flats. On tropical expeditions be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and long sleeved/legged clothing. For polar cruises, you will be given a polar parka in your size and suitable boots will be available for use when ashore.

Sustainable development is enshrined in the company’s articles of association and has been at the heart of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS project since its inception. Founded over thirty years ago by committed sailors, the company was born out of a desire to share a passion for the oceans and the treasures of the Earth. This responsibility commits us to a respectful dialogue with the environment and the populations we meet and to investing in many fields related to the preservation and development of the natural and cultural heritage of the polar and oceanic regions.

Clean Ships

We were among the first cruise operators in the world to abandon the use of heavy fuels, and our ships are equipped with electric diesel engines and SCR catalytic converters, which enable a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Our polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is a hybrid-electric vessel, propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG enables a 25% reduction in carbon emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and a 95% reduction in fine particle emissions. Each time we design a new ship, we equip it with the latest available eco-technologies, enabling us to maintain our position as the cruise industry’s environmental leader, ahead of international regulations in some areas. A commitment recognised by many independent organisations:

• Our entire fleet is Clean Ship certified by the Bureau Veritas. This certification guarantees that our ships fulfil very precise criteria: emissions levels, waste processing, waste water etc.
• In 2020, PONANT EXPLORATIONS was recognised as “the cruise operator with the greenest fleet in the world in terms of airborne emissions” by the German NGO, NABU.
• PONANT EXPLORATIONS was awarded the Prix des Palmes du Tourisme Durable 2020 (Prize for Sustainable Tourism) in the “Voyage” category for the elimination of heavy fuel oil in favour of LS MGO.
• In 2019, PONANT EXPLORATIONS became the first European cruise company to obtain the North American Green Alliance certificate. This certifies that its members have adopted practices and technologies that are respectful towards the environment.
• PONANT EXPLORATIONS is also a signatory of the Charte Bleue from Armateurs de France, which commits the maritime sector to act to protect the marine environment.

Wastewater

All of the wastewater is treated by means of processes that exclude the use of chemical products. The recycled water is used to clean the exterior of the ship. The water that is discharged into the sea is treated, drinkable water.

Waste

We have optimised our organisation in order to reduce waste at the source. Waste is nonetheless still produced on board. As of 2020, 60% of this is sorted and recycled, with an objective of 85% set for 2023. We ensure the complete traceability of this waste.

Single-use plastics

We have eliminated the use of single-use plastics (straws, cups, food serving trays, laundry bags etc.). A metallic flask is issued to each passenger on 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.

And so that everyone’s tastes are catered to, special menus are available on request for guests with specific dietary requirements (low-fat, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc).

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. 

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

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

Are the electrical outlets on board compliant with European standards? 

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.

Children under one (1 year old / 12 months) are not permitted on PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruises.

On Classic cruises, children are permitted from one (1 year old), with a maximum of five children aged one to six (1 to 6 years old) on board each voyage.

Children aged four years and older are welcome at the Kids’ Club when the service is offered on board.

In all cases and at all times, both on board or on land, children and young minors are the full and total responsibility of their parents or accompanying adults.

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.

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.

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).

The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.

During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.

There is a fee for consultations on board . The price may vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or staterooms). You must also pay for medications.

The doctor on board is not authorised to distribute sick leaves and prescriptions. Only accounts and invoices are provided which may be used by the passenger to obtain a refund from his/her health insurance if his/her contract allows.

Medical Consultations

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.

Special Medical Treatment

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.

Seasickness

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.

Technical Accessories

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.

Dress Code

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.

Expedition Cruise

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.

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.

Clean Ships

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

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.

Waste

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.

Single-use plastics

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.

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.

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.

Attentive and discreet, your butler offers you a fully personalized service.

The butler service is reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites located on deck 6 aboard the Sisterships, as well as in all suites of the Shipowner, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites located on deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.

Our app accompanies you in your preparations and during your stay on board. Find the services offered and the information that facilitates your journey.

Are you soon boarding with us?

Thanks to its app, PONANT accompanies you in your travel preparations, and then during your stay on board. Find our services and information that will make your cruise even easier.

Prepare your cruise with peace of mind

• Receive notifications to pre-book your programs before and after the cruise, as well as your excursions.
• Get a sneak peek of the captain and crew who will accompany you during your stay.
• Follow in real-time the positioning of the ship on which you will embark.
• Access your luggage checklist, the clothing outfits recommended by our experts for your destination, and the formalities to be expected before your departure.
• Check the steps of your journey and find out the details of the amenities in your cabin.

Once on board, the PONANT app makes all your procedures easier

• Use the guest mode to access onboard services without logging in.
• Find the highlights of your cruise, day by day.
• Add your favourite excursions to your wishlist.
• Check out the most beautiful photos from your cruise.
• Order your breakfast and room service from your smartphone.
• Conference schedules, spa relaxation sessions… All your important appointments on board are noted in your application.

Download the application

The companion of your next journey

Download on the App Store

Download on Google Play

Required Android version: 5.0 and later Required iOS version: 12.4 and later

A complete offer (excluding Spirit of PONANT and La Désirade¹)

SERVICES INCLUDED ON ALL OUR CRUISES

• Full board from arrival to departure day
• High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
• All drinks in restaurants, bars and minibars. All drinks are included² (selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot drinks)
• 24-hour room service
• Butler service for certain suites³
• Free and unlimited internet access on board
• Evenings, shows and other entertainment
• Access to the fitness area and the hammam or sauna, depending on the ship.
• All port and security fees

SERVICES INCLUDED DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF CRUISE/SHIP

• Timeless: one included excursion⁴ per person, per day and per stopover, led by local guides (visits to monuments, tastings of local products, etc.)
• Discoveries: one included activity per person, per day and per stopover, which can be either an included excursion⁴ led by local guides or an included activity led by naturalist guides
• Expeditions: one activity included per person, per day, per port of call, led by naturalist guides (hiking, zodiac excursions, etc.).
• Some more secluded ports of call, with few or no facilities, will be offered for independent exploration. Passengers will thus have the freedom to explore the area and enjoy activities on their own (swimming at the beach, shopping, restaurants, shows, etc.).
• Lectures by our naturalist guides or our destination expert (excluding sea voyages)
• Non-motorized water sports activities (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the ship, are subject to weather and safety conditions, local authorizations, and the Captain’s agreement.
• Taxes for national parks and protected areas
• The accompaniment of a team of naturalist guides is provided only on expedition and discovery cruises; on land or, depending on the destination, during excursions and/or landings by Zodiac.