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Choosing a luxury expedition cruise is exciting—but with so many incredible destinations, ships and itineraries available, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.
Should you cruise Antarctica or the Kimberley? Is an Explorer Class ship right for you? Would you enjoy a wildlife-focused expedition, a cultural journey or a luxury yacht experience?
This guide has been created by BlueSun Travel to simplify the decision-making process. Drawing on years of expedition cruise expertise, we've organised everything you need into easy-to-follow planning guides that help you compare destinations, understand the ships, choose the right experiences and select the itinerary that best matches your travel style.
Whether this is your first expedition cruise or your tenth, these resources will help you plan your next PONANT adventure with confidence.
A PONANT voyage is far more than simply selecting a destination. The experience you'll have is shaped by several important decisions, including the ship you travel on, the time of year, the style of expedition, the length of the itinerary and the activities that interest you most.
Some travellers dream of photographing polar wildlife from Zodiac® boats, while others prefer leisurely cultural discoveries through Europe, Japan or the Mediterranean. Some enjoy intimate ships carrying fewer than 200 guests, while others are drawn to the unique capabilities of Le Commandant Charcot or PONANT's Explorer Class vessels.
Taking time to choose the right combination ensures your cruise matches your expectations and travel style.
Rather than searching through dozens of articles, we've organised our planning resources into six simple categories.
1. Cruise Styles
Understand the different types of luxury cruising available and discover which style best suits your travel preferences.
Topics include:
- First-Time Luxury Expedition Cruises
- Is PONANT Right for You?
- Expedition Cruise vs Luxury Ocean Cruise
- Small Ship vs Large Ship Cruises
- Luxury Yacht vs Expedition Ship
Explore Cruise Styles →
2. Choosing the Right Ship
Every PONANT ship has its own personality.
Learn how Explorer Class ships differ from the Sisterships, which vessels are best suited to Antarctica or the Kimberley, and which ships offer unique features such as marinas and helicopters.
Compare PONANT Ships →
3. Choosing a Destination
Not sure where to travel?
Compare some of the world's most spectacular expedition regions to discover which destination best matches your interests.
Popular comparisons include:
- Antarctica vs Arctic
- Kimberley vs Alaska
- Greenland vs Iceland
- Japan vs Mediterranean
Explore Destinations →
4. Choosing the Right Experience
Every traveller is different.
Some travel for wildlife encounters.
Others seek culture, photography, history or simply the relaxation of small-ship luxury.
Our experience guides help match your interests with the perfect voyage.
Explore Experiences →
5. Choosing Your Itinerary
Not every itinerary is the same.
Learn how cruise length, season, embarkation ports and voyage style can affect your overall experience.
We'll help you understand the differences between shorter expeditions, longer immersive journeys and Grand Voyages.
Compare Itineraries →
6. Cruise Planning Advice
Once you've chosen your destination, we'll help you prepare.
Find practical advice on cabins, packing, travel insurance, shore excursions, seasickness, accessibility and what to expect onboard.
Plan Your Trip →
There really are so many variables to consider that this is why clients love working with BlueSun. We are PONANT experts and available 7-days a week to help you out.
Have a read of some of these basic FAQs but feel free to reach out and call us any time: 1300 799 758.
The best advice is always to look at the choice of ships and destinations first. This will help you build basic knowledge....the length and duration of cruises, the type of ships and cabins, the prices, the deck plans, the itineraries. But the best advice is always to talk to an expert like BlueSun Travel.
After 30 years, we do know the lay of the land (and the water) better than most agenices worldwide and not just in Australia. We know what works and how much to pay for a cruise.
There's no such thing as a "Best PONANT ship" as they all have their merits and are backed with outstanding first class service by PONANT itself. However, in certain destinations, some ships will stand out for being newer, like the Le Commandant Charcot in Antartctica, or Le Jacques Cartier in the Kimberley. But big does not always mean better...for you.
The two polar caps offer very different experiences. For instance, you will only find polar bears in the Arctic. Or Emperor Penguins in the Antarctic. Getting to each location is also interesting. Antarctica cruise are famed for their crossing over the Drake Passage from Ushuaia. If you are ever going to rock and roll on the seas, you need to know about "The Drake Shake".
Yes. PONANT combines genuine expedition capability with elegant accommodation, exceptional dining and personalised service on all ships. However, some vessels will be larger and offer more modern accommodation. The design might differ too between Sister Ship and Explorer ships.
In our opinion, you choose the destination first and then the cruise line and/or ship. Many passengers are loyal to cruise lines like PONANT and want to accrue the benefits of repeat cruising and loyalty points. That being said, many cruise lines are offering "Status Matches" which will allow you to apply your sea days with other cruise lines for loyalty bonus discounts. This is where it is best to work with BlueSun Travel, as we do this all the time for our cruise customers.
Absolutely. Many guests will only book through BlueSun, because of our famed customer service, exceptional package prices, attention to detail, and availability to chat - 7-days a week.
Here are a few guides that we think will help you plan your cruise:
👉 Cruise Styles
👉 Choosing the Right Ship
👉 Choosing a Destination
👉 Choosing the Right Experience
👉 Choosing an Itinerary
👉 Cruise Planning Advice
Continue exploring other unforgettable ways to discover the world with PONANT:
Choosing between destinations, ships and itineraries doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our expedition cruise specialists have first-hand knowledge of PONANT's fleet and can help match you with the voyage that best suits your interests, travel style and budget.
Whether you're planning your first luxury expedition or your next unforgettable adventure, we're here to help you make the right choice.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758
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Need more help Choosing Your Cruise, speak to your BlueSun Travel PONANT cruise experts now:
Call 1300 799 758 now.
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