- DEALS
- AUSTRALIA CRUISE DEALS
- AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST & INDIAN OCEAN CRUISE DEALS
- ALASKA CRUISE DEALS
- ANTARCTICA CRUISE DEALS
- ARCTIC CRUISES
- ASIA CRUISE DEALS
- ATLANTIC ISLANDS CRUISE DEALS
- CARIBBEAN CRUISE DEALS
- CENTRAL AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- CHRISTMAS CRUISES
- EUROPE CRUISES
- ICELAND CRUISES
- KIMBERLEY CRUISE DEALS
- MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE DEALS
- NEW ZEALAND CRUISE DEALS
- NORTH AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- NORTHERN EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA CRUISE DEALS
- OCEANIA & PACIFIC ISLANDS CRUISE DEALS
- SOLO TRAVELLER CRUISE DEALS
- SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- TAHITI, TONGA & COOK ISLANDS
- TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE DEALS
- LATEST PONANT CRUISE DEALS
- All dealsSee all
- DESTINATIONS
- SHIPS
- EXPERIENCES
- LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISES
- LUXURY YACHT CRUISES
- SMALL SHIP CRUISES
- EXPEDITION CRUISES
- LUXURY ADVENTURE CRUISES
- KIMBERLEY CRUISES
- POLAR CRUISES
- WILDLIFE CRUISES
- CULTURAL CRUISES
- PHOTOGRAPHY CRUISES
- SOLO CRUISES
- FAMILY LUXURY CRUISES
- LUXURY HONEYMOON CRUISES
- LUXURY CRUISES FOR COUPLES
- A DIFFERENT WAY TO CRUISE
- OUR VIDEOS
- PLAN YOUR CRUISE
- CRUISE THEMES
- ABOUT
PONANT SHIP COMPARISONS are about more than simply selecting an itinerary.
The ship itself can shape your experience — from the atmosphere onboard and the number of guests you travel with to the destinations the vessel can access and the type of exploration it can support.
PONANT's fleet is deliberately different from that of a large mainstream cruise line. Its ships are designed around small-ship luxury, exploration, sailing and access to remarkable destinations.
But not all PONANT ships are the same.
The fleet includes the PONANT EXPLORERS, the Sisterships, the specialist polar vessel Le Commandant Charcot, and sailing vessels including Le Ponant.
So, which PONANT ship category is right for you?
This guide compares the different ship types so you can understand the key differences before choosing a specific vessel or itinerary — making PONANT SHIP COMPARISONS easier.
At a Glance
| Ship Category | Primary Experience | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONANT EXPLORERS | Luxury expedition cruising | Travellers wanting luxury and exploration | Modern expedition-yacht design and Blue Eye underwater lounge |
| Sisterships | Luxury expedition cruising | Small-ship exploration and remote destinations | Established PONANT expedition design and small-ship access |
| Le Commandant Charcot | High-polar exploration | Serious polar explorers | Specialised polar capability, including PC2 classification |
| Le Ponant | Luxury sailing | Travellers seeking an intimate sailing experience | Three-masted sailing yacht atmosphere |
Rather than offering dozens of almost-identical ships, PONANT operates a relatively small fleet where each category has a distinct character.
The main PONANT ship categories are:
PONANT EXPLORERS
Modern small expedition yachts designed to combine luxury, exploration and innovative features.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Explorers  →
Sisterships
Small luxury expedition ships that provide an established PONANT cruising and exploration experience.
Le Commandant Charcot
A specialised high-polar exploration vessel designed for some of the world's most challenging polar environments.
👉 Learn more about Le Commandant Charcot  →
Le Ponant
A three-masted sailing yacht offering an intimate and distinctive sailing experience.
Understanding these categories is useful because the biggest difference is not simply the age or size of the vessel. It is what the ship has been designed to do.
👉 Learn more about Le Ponant  →
The PONANT EXPLORERS are the next-generation yachts within the PONANT fleet.
The current Explorer fleet comprises:
PONANT highlights the Explorer ships' Blue Eye underwater lounge and technologies designed to reduce their environmental impact.
These ships are particularly appealing to travellers who want a modern, contemporary onboard environment without moving away from the intimate scale associated with expedition cruising.
What makes the Explorers different?
The Explorer concept focuses on:
- Small-ship intimacy
- Contemporary design
- Luxury accommodation
- Expedition-style exploration
- Connection with the sea
- Outdoor spaces
- Marina platforms
- Blue Eye underwater lounges
The Explorer ships can operate across a broad range of destinations, so they are not simply "polar ships."
Best for:
- Luxury expedition travellers
- Couples
- Travellers who prefer smaller ships
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Destination-focused explorers
- Travellers who value modern design
- Guests who want luxury without a large-resort atmosphere
👉 Learn more about PONANT Experiences →
PONANT's Sisterships are:
PONANT describes these vessels as expedition yachts capable of accessing isolated locations and smaller ports.
They retain the intimate scale and elegant atmosphere associated with PONANT while providing the flexibility needed for destination-focused exploration.
What makes the Sisterships different?
Compared with the newer Explorer generation, the Sisterships represent an established PONANT design philosophy.
They can be particularly appealing if you want:
- A small luxury ship
- An intimate atmosphere
- Expedition-style cruising
- Access to smaller ports
- Remote destination experiences
- Comfortable accommodation
- A classic PONANT feel
Best for:
- Expedition travellers
- First-time PONANT guests
- Travellers seeking small-ship access
- Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
- Guests who prefer established PONANT vessels
- Travellers who find a suitable itinerary aboard one of the four ships
👉 Learn more about PONANT Experiences →
Le Commandant Charcot is fundamentally different from the other PONANT categories.
PONANT describes it as a high-polar exploration vessel and the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. It is designed to explore environments that are inaccessible to ordinary cruise ships.
The ship has a PC2 polar classification, allowing it to navigate challenging polar waters and ice conditions. Current PONANT itineraries include high-latitude Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
What makes Le Commandant Charcot different?
This ship is not simply another luxury expedition yacht. Its design is centred around:
- High-polar exploration
- Advanced ice capability
- Polar expeditions
- Scientific research
- Remote destinations
- Observation of extreme environments
PONANT also highlights dedicated scientific facilities, including more than 100 m² dedicated to science and two laboratories.
Best for:
- Experienced expedition travellers
- Polar enthusiasts
- Travellers seeking unusual Arctic destinations
- Guests interested in scientific research
- Antarctica travellers seeking more extreme routes
- Travellers who want to venture deeper into polar environments
👉 Learn more about PONANT Experiences →
Le Ponant provides a completely different experience from PONANT's expedition yachts.
PONANT describes it as its legendary three-masted sailing yacht and the vessel through which the company's exploration adventure began more than 35 years ago. It was also the first sailing yacht to receive the Relais & Châteaux label.
The appeal here is not primarily expedition capability.
It is the sailing experience itself.
You can enjoy the atmosphere of a private yacht while travelling under sail, with an intimate number of guests and a strong connection to the sea.
Best for:
- Sailing enthusiasts
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Travellers seeking an intimate experience
- Guests who enjoy a traditional maritime atmosphere
- Luxury travellers who want something different from an expedition yacht
👉 Learn more about PONANT Experiences →
For many travellers, the biggest question will be whether to choose an Explorer or a Sistership.
Both categories provide small-ship luxury and expedition-style experiences. The difference is primarily in the ship design, generation and individual features.
PONANT Explorers vs Sisterships
| Feature | PONANT EXPLORERS | Sisterships |
|---|---|---|
| Design generation | Next-generation expedition yachts | Established PONANT expedition design |
| Atmosphere | Contemporary and intimate | Elegant and intimate |
| Expedition focus | Yes | Yes |
| Blue Eye | Key Explorer feature | Not a standard Sistership feature |
| Best deciding factor | Ship features and preferred itinerary | Ship features and preferred itinerary |
Neither category is automatically "better."
If your preferred destination and itinerary are available on both, compare the individual ships rather than choosing purely by category.
The Explorer Class is designed for a broad range of expedition and luxury destinations.
Le Commandant Charcot is a highly specialised polar vessel.
PONANT describes Le Commandant Charcot as a high-polar exploration ship capable of operating in environments inaccessible to ordinary cruise ships.
Which PONANT Ship Should You Consider?
| If You Prioritise... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| A broad choice of destinations | PONANT EXPLORERS |
| Modern expedition-yacht design | PONANT EXPLORERS |
| Blue Eye underwater lounge | PONANT EXPLORERS |
| Extreme polar environments | Le Commandant Charcot |
| Advanced ice capability | Le Commandant Charcot |
| High-polar expedition | Le Commandant Charcot |
These two categories appeal to different types of travellers.
If you want the sensation of sailing, Le Ponant is the obvious choice.
If you want a more traditional small luxury ship with expedition capabilities, an Explorer may be a better fit.
Le Ponant vs PONANT Explorers
| Feature | Le Ponant | PONANT EXPLORERS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary experience | Luxury sailing | Luxury expedition cruising |
| Ship style | Three-masted sailing yacht | Modern expedition yachts |
| Best reason to choose | The sailing experience | The combination of luxury and exploration |
Choose PONANT EXPLORERS if...
You want a modern small luxury ship that combines expedition-style experiences with contemporary design.
Choose Sisterships if...
You prefer the established PONANT expedition-yacht experience and find an itinerary that perfectly matches your plans.
Choose Le Commandant Charcot if...
Your priority is serious polar exploration and reaching environments that require specialised ice capability.
Choose Le Ponant if...
You love sailing and want the vessel itself to be an important part of the holiday.
Which PONANT Ship Category Is Right for You?
| Your Priority | Best Category to Explore | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury + expedition | PONANT EXPLORERS | Strong combination of contemporary luxury and exploration |
| Classic small-ship expedition | Sisterships | Established expedition-yacht design and small-ship access |
| Extreme polar adventure | Le Commandant Charcot | Specialised high-polar capability |
| Luxury sailing | Le Ponant | Authentic sailing-yacht experience |
A ship category is a useful starting point, but it should not be the final decision.
The same category can operate very different itineraries, and two ships within the same category can have differences that matter to you.
For example, if you are choosing between two PONANT Explorer voyages, compare:
- Destination
- Ports of call
- Duration
- Departure date
- Stateroom category
- Onboard facilities
- Expedition activities
- Included experiences
- Ship-specific features
- Price and current offers
The best ship is ultimately the one that delivers the right combination of ship, itinerary and experience.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Don't ask "Which PONANT ship is the best?" Ask "Which PONANT ship is best for me?"
There is no universal winner in the PONANT fleet.
Le Commandant Charcot may be the obvious choice for someone dreaming of extreme polar exploration. But that doesn't make it the best choice for someone who wants a relaxed Mediterranean voyage.
Likewise, the PONANT EXPLORERS may be perfect for a traveller who wants contemporary luxury and expedition-style exploration, while Le Ponant could be the better choice for someone who wants the romance of sailing.
Our recommendation is to work backwards:
1. Choose your destination.
Where do you want to go?
2. Choose your experience.
Do you want luxury, expedition, wildlife, culture, sailing, adventure or a combination?
3. Shortlist the right ship category.
Use this guide to narrow down the vessels that fit your priorities.
4. Compare the individual ships.
Look at the actual vessels operating your preferred itineraries.
5. Choose the itinerary.
Finally, make sure the route gives you the destinations and experiences you actually want.
This approach is much more useful than simply choosing the newest ship or the ship with the longest list of facilities.
Before booking, ask yourself:
- Does this ship operate the destination I want?
- Is the ship suitable for the environment?
- Do I want an expedition, luxury or sailing experience?
- How important is ship size to me?
- Do I prefer contemporary or established ship design?
- Do I want a Blue Eye underwater lounge?
- Do I need specialised polar capability?
- Which stateroom or suite category suits me?
- What facilities are important onboard?
- What excursions are included?
- Does the itinerary match my priorities?
- Does the departure date work for me?
- Does the overall value make sense?
Choosing the right PONANT ship can make all the difference to your cruise experience. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our PONANT experts have answered to help you compare the different ship categories.
Have a read through these FAQs, or reach out to our friendly team any time on 1300 799 758.
PONANT's current fleet includes the PONANT EXPLORERS, Sisterships, Le Commandant Charcot, Le Ponant and Spirit of Ponant. PONANT describes these categories according to their different roles, from expedition yachts and high-polar exploration to sailing experiences.
Both are small luxury expedition vessels. The PONANT EXPLORERS are the newer generation and feature the Blue Eye underwater lounge, while the Sisterships represent an established PONANT expedition-yacht design.
No. PONANT classifies Le Commandant Charcot separately as its high-polar exploration vessel.
It depends on the Antarctic itinerary. PONANT operates Antarctic voyages aboard Sisterships and Le Commandant Charcot, with Le Commandant Charcot designed for more specialised high-polar exploration.
For high-polar Arctic exploration, Le Commandant Charcot is the specialist choice. PONANT currently operates voyages aboard the vessel in remote Arctic regions including Greenland.
Yes. PONANT focuses on a human-sized fleet rather than large resort-style cruise ships. The exact capacity varies significantly between categories, with Le Commandant Charcot, for example, listed at a maximum of 245 guests.
No. PONANT's fleet includes different ship types. Expedition capability is central to the Explorer and Sistership concept, while Le Ponant and Spirit of Ponant offer different sailing experiences. Le Commandant Charcot is specifically designed for high-polar exploration.
The Blue Eye is a defining feature of the PONANT EXPLORERS. PONANT describes the Explorer fleet as being equipped with the underwater lounge alongside other technologies and expedition features.
Le Ponant is classified by PONANT as a sailing ship rather than an Explorer or Sistership. Its primary appeal is its three-masted sailing experience and intimate luxury-yacht atmosphere.
For most travellers, we recommend starting with the destination and the experience you want, then comparing the ships operating suitable itineraries. A beautiful ship is of little value if its itinerary does not take you where you want to go.
Choosing a Ship
Start with the fundamentals of selecting the right PONANT vessel.
Choosing the Right Ship
Learn which ship characteristics matter most when comparing PONANT vessels.
Best Ship by Destination
Find out which PONANT ship types may be best suited to Antarctica, the Kimberley, the Arctic, Mediterranean and other destinations.
Explorer Class Explained
Take a closer look at the PONANT EXPLORERS, their ships, features and onboard experience.
PONANT Ships Guide
Explore the wider PONANT fleet and individual vessels.
With several distinct ship categories and individual vessels to choose from, selecting the right PONANT ship can initially feel overwhelming.
Our cruise specialists can help you compare ship categories, individual vessels, destinations, itineraries, accommodation and current PONANT offers to find the cruise that best matches your travel style.
Whether you're dreaming of Antarctica aboard Le Commandant Charcot, an expedition aboard a PONANT Explorer, a classic Sistership experience or an intimate sailing voyage aboard Le Ponant, we can help you find the right option.
Start comparing PONANT cruises today.
Browse the Latest PONANT Cruise Deals
Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758
Click on the button below to request a Personalised Cruise Recommendation
If you want to explore PONANT Ship Comparisons, talk to our friendly PONANT experts today. We are specialists in Luxury Expedition Cruises and can help you find the right ship for your journey.
Call 1300 799 758Â now.Â
Call us 7 days a week!