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Plan Your Cruise with PONANT knowing that you are in the best hands on water.Β
Planning a luxury expedition cruise is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. Whether you're travelling to Antarctica, the Kimberley, the Arctic, Japan or the Mediterranean, making informed decisions before you book can make all the difference to your experience.
Our collection of expert planning guides has been created to answer the questions travellers ask most oftenβfrom choosing the right ship and itinerary to understanding what's included, what to pack and what life is really like onboard.
With more than 30 years' experience designing exceptional travel experiences, BlueSun Travel is here to help you plan every step of your luxury expedition.
BlueSun Insight
The most rewarding luxury expedition cruises aren't necessarily the most expensive or the longestβthey're the ones that match your interests, travel style and expectations. Taking the time to choose the right destination, ship and itinerary will have a far greater impact on your experience than focusing on price alone. That's why we've created this planning hub: to help you travel with confidence and get the most from every voyage.
Remember, BlueSun is not just a recognised Australian cruise expert, we are a world leader in Expedition Cruising and much more.
Planning a luxury expedition cruise involves more than simply selecting a destination. Every decisionβfrom choosing the right ship to understanding what's included in your fareβcan influence your overall experience.
Our expert planning guides have been organised into six easy-to-follow sections, making it simple to find the information you need at every stage of your journey.
Choosing Your Cruise
The first step is finding the voyage that's right for you. Explore guides that compare destinations, explain different expedition styles and help you select the PONANT ship that best suits your travel preferences.
Suggested cards:
- First-Time PONANT Cruisers
- Which Ship Is Right for Me?
- Choosing the Right Destination
- Expedition vs Traditional Luxury Cruise
- Small Ship Advantages
- Cruise Styles Explained
Choosing Your Cruise
The first step is finding the voyage that's right for you. Explore guides that compare destinations, explain different expedition styles and help you select the PONANT ship that best suits your travel preferences.
Suggested links to look at:
- First-Time PONANT Cruisers
- Which Ship Is Right for Me?
- Choosing the Right Destination
- Expedition vs Traditional Luxury Cruise
- Small Ship Advantages
- Cruise Styles Explained
Once you've booked, it's time to prepare for departure. Our practical guides cover everything from packing lists and travel documents to flights, visas and travel insurance.
Suggested cards:
- Packing Guide
- What to Wear
- Passport & Visa Information
- Travel Insurance
- Flights & Transfers
- Pre-Cruise Hotels
Curious about daily life on a PONANT expedition? Learn about dining, dress codes, Wi-Fi, wellness facilities, expedition teams, lectures and onboard services before you sail.
Suggested cards:
- Dining
- Dress Code
- Internet & Wi-Fi
- Spa & Wellness
- Expedition Team
- Zodiac Excursions
Make the most of every day with practical advice on photography, wildlife viewing, shore landings and expedition etiquette.
Suggested cards:
- Photography Tips
- Wildlife Etiquette
- Zodiac Landing Tips
- Shore Excursions
- Daily Life on Expedition
- Seasickness Advice
Your expedition doesn't have to end when you disembark. Explore ideas for your next voyage, discover loyalty benefits and find inspiration for future adventures.
Suggested cards:
- Planning Your Next Expedition
- Loyalty Programme Guide
- Future Cruise Credits
- Cruise Reviews
- Sharing Your Photos
- Where to Cruise Next
Luxury expedition cruising is about more than visiting remarkable destinationsβit's about choosing the right experience for you. With decades of expertise and a passion for small-ship exploration, BlueSun Travel provides personalised advice that helps you book with confidence.
Whether you're embarking on your first expedition or adding another extraordinary voyage to your travel story, our planning guides are designed to make every stage of the journey easier, more enjoyable and more rewarding.
Planning Your PONANT Cruise
Before embarking on a luxury expedition cruise, travellers naturally have many questions. With more than 30 years of experience helping guests explore the world, BlueSun Travel has answered thousands of questions about destinations, ships, preparation and life onboard.
Below are some of the most common questions we receive. For more detailed expert advice, visit our BlueSun Knowledge BankΒ or call us any time on 1300 799 758.Β
A luxury expedition cruise combines the comfort and service of a premium cruise experience with the opportunity to explore remote destinations, wildlife regions and culturally significant locations. Unlike traditional cruising, expedition voyages focus on discovery, with expert guides, Zodiac excursions and immersive shore experiences.
Read more: Luxury Expedition Cruises Guide
Choosing the right PONANT cruise depends on several factors, including your preferred destination, travel style, level of activity, interests and the type of experience you want to enjoy. Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley, Japan and Mediterranean voyages each offer very different experiences.
Our expert team can help match you with the right ship, itinerary and departure.
Read more: Choosing Your Cruise Guide
Each PONANT vessel offers a different experience. The Explorer Class ships provide intimate luxury expedition cruising, while vessels such as Le Commandant Charcot are purpose-built for extreme polar exploration.
The right ship depends on your destination, interests, preferred facilities and style of travel.
Read more: PONANT Ships Guide
Important considerations include choosing the right destination, selecting a suitable ship, understanding what is included, choosing the right cabin and preparing for the expedition environment.
Planning ahead ensures your cruise matches your expectations and travel style.
Read more: Cruise Planning Guide
Packing depends on your destination. Polar voyages require different clothing and equipment compared with tropical expeditions or European voyages.
Most travellers need a combination of comfortable onboard clothing, suitable footwear, weather protection and personal essentials.
Read more: Luxury Cruise Packing Guide
Expedition cruising is designed to be accessible to a wide range of travellers. While some excursions involve walking over uneven terrain or boarding Zodiacs, many activities can be adapted depending on your ability and comfort level.
The expedition team will always provide guidance and assistance.
Read more: Expedition Cruise Fitness Guide
BlueSun Travel provides personalised advice based on decades of experience in luxury travel and expedition cruising. We help travellers compare destinations, ships and itineraries to find the experience that best suits their expectations.
Read more: Why Book With BlueSun Travel
Explore the BlueSun Knowledge Bank which is our ever-evolving resource on booking cruises and not just for PONANT.Β
Expert answers to the questions travellers ask before they sail.
From choosing the right ship and understanding expedition cruising to packing advice, cabins, destinations and onboard experiences, the BlueSun Knowledge Bank brings together decades of travel expertise in one comprehensive resource.
Button: Explore the BlueSun Knowledge Bank
Continue exploring other unforgettable ways to discover the world with PONANT:
Choosing the right luxury expedition cruise is about finding the perfect match between destination, ship, itinerary and travel style.
With more than 30 years of experience helping travellers explore the world's most remarkable destinations, BlueSun Travel can provide expert advice to help you make the right choice.
Whether you are considering Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley, Japan, Europe or another extraordinary destination, our team is here to help you plan a voyage that exceeds your expectations.
Speak with a Luxury Cruise Specialist today!Β
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Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758
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Reach out and learn more about how we can Plan Your CruiseΒ using our expert team:
Call 1300 799 758Β now.Β
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