Ponant Cruises

The dining experience aboard a PONANT cruise ship is something truly spectacular; from the very first bite, you’ll be treated to exquisite food prepared by chefs who have been through the Ducasse Conseil training program – a renowned culinary program where the quality of ingredients and presentation is emphasised.

With food playing such an important role in French culture, it’s no surprise that this cruise line and its chefs take such pride in their restaurants; although, fine French cuisine is far from the only option available onboard. Using carefully-selected, fresh ingredients, the passionate culinary team aboard each and every PONANT cruise ship prepare a variety of international dishes alongside French favourites for everyone onboard to enjoy. And, with a cruise line-wide focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, PONANT sources food directly from the destinations the ships are visiting as much as possible.

PONANT also caters to a variety of special dietary requirements, with menus featuring low-fat, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more dishes adhering to specific dietary requirements available.

With two restaurants available onboard alongside 24-hour room service*, you’ll also have some freedom with how you dine – whether you want to enjoy a meal in a more formal setting, or in the comfort of your stateroom. The restaurants available are:

• Le Nautilus - with both classic and contemporary French cuisine on the cards, and a la carte menus also on offer, this stylish restaurant is perfect for a more formal lunch or dinnertime meal; you’ll also be able to enjoy a selection of the world’s finest wines here, with recommendations from the talented sommelier onboard
• Grill Restaurant - ideal for those looking for a more casual dining experience, this modern restaurant has a set buffet menu that’s available from breakfast all the way through the day to dinner; here, choose from a plethora of options, including dishes from around the world, succulent meats, and cheeses

*Le Ponant only features the Le Diamant panoramic restaurant; primarily an al fresco dining experience, you’ll have the chance to indulge in fine gastronomic cuisine made from the finest local ingredients when you dine here.

Whilst PONANT ships are more intimate than others, that doesn't mean that they compromise on entertainment, with a variety of spaces onboard designed to bring passengers together. No matter what the time of day, there's something onboard to keep you entertained.

With a variety of lounges and bars on offer, alongside live performances and music, you'll have a fantastic time on your PONANT getaway regardless of where you're travelling to. Top entertainment highlights onboard PONANT ships include:

• The Theatre - from shows to lecturers from experts, guests of honour and naturalist guides, this venue is a must-visit when on PONANT getaway
• The Main Lounge - a stylish and comfortable space with dance classes, themed evenings and more
• The Panorama Lounge - a cosy piano bar with beautiful views of the ocean, ideal for a tipple or two!
• The Outside Bar - located next to the sun deck, this picturesque bar is the perfect place to relax and unwind during your cruise escape
• The Blue Eye (on select ships) - an underwater lounge with a unique view of the ocean

Themed nights onboard include the likes of officer's evenings, white parties, karaoke parties, casino parties and more. Films are also regularly shown in the Theatre, including features such as National Geographic documentaries and feature films. Make sure to check your daily programme for more information.

Sailing to a diverse variety of destinations around the world, PONANT vessels offer voyages that feature holiday hotspots and lesser-known gems alike. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the frigid expanses of Antarctica, what sets PONANT apart from the rest is its ability to access unique ports of call and remote destinations other cruise lines often can’t reach with larger ships. This distinctive feature gives guests the chance to explore off the beaten track during their cruises, enjoy authentic experiences in these incredible destinations, and make lasting memories in some truly impressive places.

Alongside escapes to the Mediterranean and adventures in Antarctica, PONANT also offers Caribbean cruises, transatlantic voyages, and itineraries around Asia.

Spa and Fitness Onboard PONANT

PONANT likes to ensure that its guests are as relaxed as possible during their cruise, which is why they offer spa and salon services throughout their fleet. Whether you're looking for a full makeover at the beauty salon or a simple massage at the spa, simply book in and let yourself be pampered. Alternatively, the fitness room is equipped with exercise machines and free weights, perfect for an intensive workout as you gaze out over the ocean.

Recreation

During your time on a PONANT cruise, there are plenty of public spaces onboard for you to enjoy. From a pool and sun deck to shops, a library and a card room, your free hours can be as active or laid back as you wish. There's also a marina platform on select ships, allowing you to ensure a plethora of watersports, from paddleboarding to kayaking and more.

Smithsonian Journeys and PONANT

Available on select itineraries, PONANT has partnered with Smithsonian Journeys to enrich your experience onboard and shore with careful use of the Smithsonian’s resources and the talents of Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Through a series of enlightened conversations, Smithsonian Journeys Experts – which have been carefully chosen for their expertise and ability to inspire – will explore the core themes of the Smithsonian and offer insight into the destinations on your itinerary.

Tying into the shore excursions and experiences available, the specific Smithsonian Journeys itineraries available are a fantastic way to make even more of your time aboard one of PONANT’s incredible cruise ships.

What's Included on a PONANT cruise?

When you embark on a PONANT voyage, there’s a wide variety of inclusions to take advantage of. These include:

• Luxurious accommodation, from staterooms to suites
• All meals from breakfast to lunch and dinner
• Entertainment, from live music to films
• Access to the fitness room and spa (on ships that feature these)
• Port taxes