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Choosing a cruise destination is one of the most exciting parts of planning your journey.
But with PONANT offering voyages across some of the world's most remarkable regions, deciding where to go can sometimes be just as challenging as choosing the right ship.
Do you dream of penguins and icebergs in Antarctica, dramatic waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley, polar landscapes in the Arctic, historic ports in the Mediterranean, or tropical islands in the South Pacific?
Perhaps you are looking for somewhere completely different.
PONANT's small luxury ships open the door to destinations that combine nature, culture, wildlife, history and authentic exploration, often with access to smaller ports and less-visited coastlines.
The best destination for you ultimately depends on what you want to see, when you want to travel and how you want to experience the world.
A cruise is not simply about the ship.
Where you travel can influence almost everything about your holiday—from the scenery outside your balcony to the excursions you join, the wildlife you encounter and the activities available each day.
A voyage through the Mediterranean may focus on food, history, architecture and cultural discovery.
An Antarctic expedition is likely to be centred around ice, wildlife, photography and exploration.
A Kimberley cruise combines wilderness, waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal culture and Zodiac excursions.
Meanwhile, a South Pacific voyage may offer a more relaxed combination of tropical scenery, island culture, beaches and luxury small-ship cruising.
This is why we recommend starting your cruise planning with a simple question:
Where in the world do you most want to be?
Once you know the answer, choosing the right itinerary and ship becomes much easier.
Instead of choosing a destination simply because it looks beautiful in a brochure, think about the experiences you want to have.
Do you want to:
- See penguins in the wild?
- Watch whales and other marine wildlife?
- Explore remote wilderness?
- Discover ancient cultures?
- Visit historic cities?
- Photograph spectacular landscapes?
- Explore by Zodiac?
- Visit smaller ports and islands?
- Enjoy exceptional food and wine?
- Combine adventure with luxury?
Your answers can help point you towards the destinations that best match your travel style.
For example, travellers prioritising wildlife and remote landscapes may be drawn towards Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley.
Travellers interested in history, food and architecture may prefer Europe and the Mediterranean.
Those looking for tropical landscapes and island culture may find the South Pacific and French Polynesia particularly appealing.
PONANT's destinations span polar wildernesses, tropical islands, historic coastlines and some of the world's most culturally fascinating regions.
Each destination offers something different—and there is no single "best" destination.
The right choice depends on what you want your holiday to feel like.
PONANT Destination Guide
| Destination | Best For | Highlights | Cruise Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | Wildlife, photography and adventure | Penguins, icebergs, glaciers and whales | Luxury Expedition |
| Arctic & Greenland | Polar landscapes and wildlife | Fjords, glaciers, icebergs and Arctic wildlife | Luxury Expedition |
| Kimberley | Wilderness, wildlife and Indigenous culture | Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, rock art and Zodiac exploration | Luxury Expedition |
| Europe & Mediterranean | Culture, history and cuisine | Historic cities, islands, villages and Mediterranean cuisine | Luxury & Discovery |
| Asia | Culture, history and discovery | Ancient cities, temples, cuisine and diverse coastlines | Luxury & Expedition |
| South Pacific | Island life, scenery and relaxation | Tropical islands, lagoons, beaches and local culture | Luxury Small Ship |
| Australia & New Zealand | Nature, culture and coastal discovery | Remote coastlines, islands, wildlife and distinctive landscapes | Luxury & Expedition |
Here, enormous icebergs, snow-covered mountains and vast colonies of penguins create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
A PONANT Antarctic expedition is about more than simply seeing the continent from the ship.
Depending on the itinerary and conditions, you may explore by Zodiac, step ashore at remote locations, watch penguins, search for whales and learn about the region from experienced expedition specialists.
Antarctica is best suited to:
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Photographers
- Adventure travellers
- First-time expedition cruisers
- Travellers fascinated by polar landscapes
- Those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey
Don't miss: Penguin colonies, icebergs, glaciers, whales, and Zodiac exploration.
Explore Antarctica Cruises →
Depending on your itinerary, you may encounter dramatic fjords, enormous glaciers, floating ice, remote communities and remarkable Arctic wildlife.
Greenland provides an opportunity to combine spectacular scenery with cultural discovery, while destinations such as Svalbard offer extraordinary opportunities to experience the polar environment.
The Arctic is best suited to:
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Photographers
- Adventure travellers
- Polar explorers
- Travellers interested in Arctic cultures
- Those looking for dramatic landscapes
Don't miss: Glaciers, fjords, icebergs, remote communities and Arctic wildlife.
Explore Arctic Cruises →
This remote region of Western Australia combines dramatic sandstone cliffs, powerful tides, spectacular waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art and abundant wildlife.
A small expedition ship allows you to explore beyond the conventional tourist route.
Zodiac excursions can take you into rivers, gorges, mangrove-lined waterways and secluded anchorages that are difficult or impossible to access by road.
The Kimberley is best suited to:
- Australian travellers seeking adventure
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Nature lovers
- Photographers
- Travellers interested in Aboriginal culture
- Those wanting luxury without sacrificing exploration
Don't miss: King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, the Hunter River, ancient rock art and Zodiac excursions.
Explore Kimberley Cruises →
The Mediterranean offers a very different style of cruising, combining historic destinations, beautiful coastlines, local cuisine and cultural experiences with the intimacy of a luxury small ship.
Explore iconic destinations while also discovering smaller ports and less-conventional stops that can provide a more intimate perspective of the region.
Europe & the Mediterranean are best suited to:
- Couples
- Luxury travellers
- Food and wine enthusiasts
- History lovers
- First-time small-ship cruisers
- Travellers seeking culture and relaxation
Don't miss: Historic cities, Mediterranean islands, coastal villages, architecture and regional cuisine.
Explore Mediterranean Cruises →
A PONANT cruise can combine major cultural destinations with smaller ports, islands and coastal communities, allowing travellers to experience the region from a different perspective.
Depending on the itinerary, you may encounter ancient temples, historic cities, colourful markets, exceptional cuisine and extraordinary landscapes.
Asia is best suited to:
- Culture enthusiasts
- Food lovers
- History buffs
- Photographers
- Experienced travellers
- Travellers seeking a combination of luxury and discovery
Don't miss: Ancient cultures, historic ports, local cuisine, temples and coastal landscapes.
👉Explore Asia Cruises →
For travellers dreaming of turquoise lagoons, tropical islands and laid-back island culture, Oceania and Pacific Islands offer an entirely different kind of luxury.
Rather than focusing exclusively on active exploration, these voyages can combine beautiful scenery, local culture, relaxed days and the intimacy of small-ship cruising.
Oceania and Pacific Islands are particularly appealing to travellers looking for an elegant tropical escape.
Oceania and Pacific Islands are best suited to:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Luxury travellers
- Travellers seeking relaxation
- Island lovers
- Those wanting a tropical small-ship experience
Don't miss: Lagoons, tropical islands, beaches, local culture, and spectacular sunsets.
👉Explore Oceania and Pacific Islands →
The best destination is the one that matches what you want from your holiday.
If your priority is wildlife, Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley should be high on your list.
If your priority is culture and history, consider Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia.
If you want tropical scenery and relaxation, explore the South Pacific and French Polynesia.
If you want adventure, look towards expedition destinations where Zodiac excursions, shore landings and remote landscapes are central to the experience.
Which PONANT Destination Matches You?
| If You Want To... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| See penguins and icebergs | Antarctica |
| Explore remote wilderness in Australia | Kimberley |
| Experience polar landscapes and wildlife | Arctic & Greenland |
| Discover history, architecture and cuisine | Europe & Mediterranean |
| Explore ancient cultures and exceptional cuisine | Asia |
| Relax among tropical islands and lagoons | South Pacific & French Polynesia |
| Combine adventure with luxury | Antarctica, Kimberley, Arctic or other expedition destinations |
Once you have chosen where you want to go, the next question is when.
Some PONANT destinations are highly seasonal.
Antarctica, for example, is accessible during the Southern Hemisphere summer, while the Kimberley cruise season is also concentrated around the Australian dry season.
The Mediterranean and other temperate destinations generally offer greater flexibility, although weather, local events and seasonal conditions can still influence the experience.
For this reason, don't choose your destination based solely on a preferred travel month.
Instead, consider:
- Your preferred travel dates
- Weather conditions
- Wildlife activity
- Daylight hours
- Sea and ice conditions
- Seasonal scenery
- Local cultural events
- Availability of your preferred itinerary
👉Read our Best Time To Cruise Guides →
1. Decide What You Want to See
Start with the experience rather than the cruise fare.
Would you rather see penguins, waterfalls, ancient temples, Mediterranean villages or tropical islands?
Your answer is the strongest starting point.
2. Choose Your Preferred Level of Adventure
Some destinations are naturally more expedition-focused.
Antarctica and the Kimberley, for example, may involve Zodiac excursions, shore landings and changing environmental conditions.
Other destinations may provide a more relaxed combination of sightseeing, culture and luxury.
3. Consider the Season
Make sure your preferred destination is suitable for the time of year you want to travel.
For seasonal expedition destinations, timing can have a significant impact on the experience.
4. Think About Your Activity Level
Expedition destinations can involve walking, Zodiac boarding, shore landings and outdoor activities.
If you prefer a slower-paced holiday, consider an itinerary that places more emphasis on cultural discovery, scenic cruising and relaxation.
5. Consider the Itinerary
Two cruises visiting the same broad region can provide very different experiences.
Look closely at:
- Ports of call
- Time spent ashore
- Sea days
- Included excursions
- Expedition activities
- Overnight stays
- Embarkation and disembarkation ports
6. Match the Destination to the Ship
Once you have chosen your destination, you can start looking at the ships that operate there.
This is where our Choosing the Right PONANT Ship guide can help.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Start with the destination—not the ship
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make when choosing a luxury cruise is starting with the ship.
It's understandable. Beautiful photographs, suites, restaurants and onboard facilities can make one vessel look more appealing than another.
But your ship is ultimately the way you experience the destination.
If your dream is Antarctica, the most important question isn't simply which PONANT ship has the nicest lounge.
It's whether the ship and itinerary provide the expedition capability, Zodiac operations and access needed to experience Antarctica properly.
Likewise, if your dream is the Kimberley, you'll want to consider expedition capability, Zodiac access and the itinerary's ability to showcase the region's waterfalls, wildlife and cultural sites.
For a Mediterranean journey, your priorities may be completely different.
Our advice is simple: choose the destination first, then choose the experience, then find the ship that brings it all together.
That is how we believe a PONANT cruise should be planned.
PONANT's fleet includes different vessels designed to deliver different experiences.
Some are particularly well suited to expedition cruising in remote regions, while others are ideal for elegant coastal and cultural voyages.
The destination can therefore be an important factor in deciding which ship is right for you.
For a detailed comparison, visit our PONANT Ships Guide.
You can also read:
For Wildlife Lovers
Look towards Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley.
These destinations provide some of the world's most remarkable opportunities to experience wildlife in natural environments.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Wildlife Cruises →
For Adventure Seekers
Consider expedition destinations where Zodiac excursions, shore landings and remote landscapes form an important part of the journey.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Luxury Adventure Cruises →
For Culture & History Lovers
Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia offer extraordinary opportunities to explore ancient cultures, historic cities, architecture and local traditions.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Cultural Cruises →
For Photographers
Almost every PONANT destination provides photographic opportunities, but polar landscapes, the Kimberley and remote expedition destinations can be particularly rewarding.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Photography Cruises →
For Couples
The right destination depends on the type of holiday you want.
Choose a Mediterranean or South Pacific voyage for a more relaxed luxury escape, or select an expedition destination if you want to combine adventure with comfort.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Luxury Cruises of Couples →
For First-Time Expedition Cruisers
If Antarctica or the Kimberley has always been on your bucket list, a luxury expedition cruise can provide an approachable way to experience remote destinations while retaining the comfort and service expected from a luxury cruise.
👉 Learn more about PONANT's Photography Cruises →
Choosing the right destination can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your PONANT cruise. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our PONANT experts have answered to help you choose the destination that suits your travel style.
Have a read through these FAQs, or reach out to us any time on 1300 799 758.
There is no single best PONANT destination. The right destination depends on your interests. Antarctica and the Arctic are ideal for polar wildlife and adventure, the Kimberley is exceptional for Australian wilderness and Indigenous culture, while Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia are particularly appealing for history, culture and cuisine.
Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley are among the strongest choices for wildlife-focused travellers. Depending on the destination and season, you may encounter penguins, whales, seals, polar wildlife, crocodiles, dolphins and abundant birdlife.
The answer depends on your interests and comfort level. Travellers who prefer culture, food and historic destinations may enjoy a Mediterranean voyage, while those seeking adventure may find a luxury expedition to the Kimberley or Antarctica particularly rewarding.
Antarctica is a seasonal destination and PONANT voyages operate during the Antarctic cruise season. The experience can vary throughout the season, so consider whether your priority is wildlife, ice conditions, photography or longer daylight hours when selecting your departure.
Yes. The Kimberley can be an excellent introduction to expedition cruising, particularly for Australian travellers. It combines wilderness and adventure with the comfort of a luxury small ship.
Couples have a wide range of choices. Mediterranean and South Pacific voyages can be ideal for relaxed luxury, while Antarctica and the Kimberley are excellent for couples seeking a shared adventure.
PONANT attracts travellers across a wide age range. However, expedition itineraries can involve Zodiac boarding, shore landings, walking and changing weather conditions. Check the physical requirements of your specific itinerary before booking.
Think about the wildlife, landscapes and culture you want to experience. Antarctica is famous for penguins, enormous icebergs and dramatic Antarctic landscapes, while Arctic voyages can offer glaciers, fjords, polar wildlife and encounters with northern communities.
Start with your destination and preferred travel dates. Then compare the itinerary's ports, excursions, duration, activity level and included experiences. Once you have identified the itinerary that best matches your interests, choose the PONANT ship that suits the journey.
Expedition Cruises
Discover what expedition cruising is and why it is one of the most rewarding ways to explore remote destinations.
Choosing a PONANT Ship
Learn how destination, expedition capability, ship size and onboard lifestyle can influence your choice of ship.
Choosing the Right PONANT Ship
Compare individual PONANT ships and find the vessel that best matches your expedition.
Antarctica
Explore PONANT's Antarctic expedition options and discover what makes the White Continent so extraordinary.
Kimberley
Discover one of Australia's great expedition destinations, from dramatic gorges and waterfalls to wildlife and remote coastal landscapes.
Choosing the right destination can shape your entire PONANT cruise experience.
You do not need to know exactly where you want to go. You simply need to consider what you would like to experience, from extraordinary wildlife and remote landscapes to rich cultures, history and unique coastal destinations.
BlueSun Travel can help you compare the right destination, season, itinerary and cruise style for your journey.
Tell us what you would like to experience, and we will help you find the right PONANT destination.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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If you are Choosing a Destination for your next PONANT cruise, talk to our friendly PONANT experts today. We are specialists in Luxury Expedition Cruises and can help you find the right destination for your journey.
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