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Choosing a cruise is about more than deciding where you want to go or which ship you would like to sail on. The experience you have during your voyage can be just as important.
Do you want to get closer to wildlife? Explore remote wilderness? Photograph extraordinary landscapes? Discover ancient cultures? Enjoy a romantic escape? Or combine adventure with the comfort and service of a luxury small ship?
PONANT offers a remarkable range of experiences across destinations around the world. Understanding what you want to experience first can make it much easier to choose the right destination, itinerary and ship.
At a Glance
| Experience | Best For | Typical Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition | Adventure seekers and curious travellers | Remote destinations, Zodiac excursions, wildlife and exploration |
| Wildlife | Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts | Penguins, whales, seals, polar wildlife and native species |
| Adventure | Active travellers | Shore landings, Zodiac exploration, remote landscapes and discovery |
| Photography | Amateur and professional photographers | Wildlife, glaciers, landscapes, culture and dramatic scenery |
| Cultural | History and culture enthusiasts | Indigenous heritage, historic sites, local communities and traditions |
| Luxury | Travellers seeking comfort and refinement | Gourmet dining, elegant accommodation, service and relaxation |
| Polar | Travellers fascinated by the Arctic and Antarctica | Icebergs, glaciers, wildlife and extraordinary landscapes |
| Romantic | Couples and honeymooners | Intimate destinations, luxury accommodation and shared adventures |
When we talk about your PONANT cruise experience, we mean the way you want to spend your time and the memories you want to take home.
Two travellers can visit the same destination but have completely different experiences.
One may be most interested in photographing wildlife from a Zodiac. Another may be fascinated by Indigenous culture and local history. Someone else may simply want to enjoy spectacular scenery from a comfortable small ship while experiencing exceptional cuisine and service.
This is why choosing your experience is such an important part of planning a PONANT cruise.
Your preferred experience can influence:
- The destination you choose
- The time of year you travel
- The itinerary you select
- The activities available during your voyage
- The level of physical activity involved
- The type of ship that suits your journey
- The atmosphere and pace of your holiday
The best cruise is ultimately the one that matches what you want to experience.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Cruise Experiences
| If You Want To... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Explore remote wilderness | Expedition Cruises |
| See extraordinary wildlife | Wildlife Cruises |
| Enjoy active exploration | Luxury Adventure Cruises |
| Capture spectacular landscapes and wildlife | Photography Cruises |
| Discover history and local traditions | Cultural Cruises |
| Combine exploration with five-star comfort | Luxury Expedition Cruises |
| Experience Antarctica or the Arctic | Polar Cruises |
| Enjoy a romantic journey with your partner | Luxury Cruises for Couples |
| Celebrate a honeymoon somewhere extraordinary | Luxury Honeymoon Cruises |
| Travel independently on a smaller ship | Solo Traveller Cruises |
| Introduce the family to luxury small-ship travel | Family Luxury Cruises |
A cruise is not simply a way of getting from one destination to another.
The experience determines what you do once you arrive.
An expedition voyage to Antarctica may revolve around penguins, icebergs, whales, Zodiac excursions and shore landings.
A Kimberley voyage may focus on dramatic waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, wildlife, powerful tides and remote wilderness.
A cultural journey through Europe or Asia may place greater emphasis on historic sites, architecture, food, local traditions and fascinating communities.
Meanwhile, a romantic or luxury-focused voyage may place greater emphasis on intimate destinations, fine dining, elegant accommodation and time to relax.
Choosing your experience first helps you find a voyage that feels right from beginning to end.
Expedition cruising is ideal for travellers who want to discover places that are difficult to reach by conventional tourism.
Rather than simply visiting a destination, expedition travel allows you to experience it more closely.
Depending on your itinerary, this may include Zodiac excursions, guided walks, wildlife observation, shore landings and expert-led exploration.
PONANT's expedition experiences are particularly suited to destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and the Kimberley.
An expedition experience is ideal if you:
- Love remote and untouched destinations
- Enjoy nature and wildlife
- Want to explore beyond the main tourist routes
- Appreciate expert guides and naturalists
- Enjoy active shore excursions
- Want to experience destinations from a different perspective
- Prefer small-ship exploration to conventional cruising
Don't miss: Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, remote landscapes, expert presentations and immersive shore experiences.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Expedition Cruises
For many travellers, seeing wildlife in its natural environment is the reason for taking an expedition cruise.
PONANT voyages can take you into regions where extraordinary animals live, from penguins and whales in Antarctica to Arctic wildlife and saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed because animals are wild and natural conditions constantly change. However, expedition teams monitor local conditions and wildlife activity to maximise opportunities for meaningful encounters.
Wildlife cruises are ideal if you:
- Love observing animals in their natural habitats
- Enjoy nature and outdoor exploration
- Want to photograph wildlife
- Are fascinated by marine life
- Prefer immersive experiences to traditional sightseeing
- Want to learn from naturalists and expedition specialists
Don't miss: Penguins, whales, seals, dolphins, seabirds, polar wildlife and Australian wildlife.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Wildlife Cruises
Adventure cruising is for travellers who want their holiday to involve more than sightseeing.
You might board a Zodiac to explore a remote coastline, walk across a pristine landscape, navigate a dramatic fjord or discover a secluded natural attraction with an expedition guide.
The adventure is not about extreme activities. It is about getting out there and experiencing the destination.
Adventure cruises are ideal if you:
- Enjoy active days
- Want to explore beyond the ship
- Like discovering remote places
- Enjoy Zodiac excursions
- Prefer immersive sightseeing
- Want adventure without giving up luxury
PONANT's luxury expedition ships provide a comfortable base between excursions, allowing you to combine exploration with elegant accommodation, dining and service.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Adventure Cruises →
Some destinations seem almost designed for photography.
From enormous Antarctic icebergs and Arctic glaciers to Kimberley waterfalls and dramatic coastlines, PONANT voyages provide countless opportunities to capture memorable images.
Small ships can be particularly advantageous for photographers because they can access remote locations and provide opportunities to view landscapes and wildlife from different perspectives.
You do not need to be a professional photographer.
Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless camera or smartphone, the most important thing is being in the right place at the right time.
Photography cruises are ideal if you:
- Love landscape photography
- Enjoy photographing wildlife
- Want to capture remote destinations
- Appreciate dramatic scenery
- Enjoy changing light and weather
- Want to combine photography with luxury travel
Don't miss: Icebergs, glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, remote communities, dramatic coastlines and golden-hour landscapes.
Learn more about PONANT Photography Cruises →
Travel becomes more meaningful when you understand the people, history and traditions that have shaped a destination.
Cultural experiences allow you to go beyond the scenery and discover the stories behind the places you visit.
Depending on the itinerary, you may explore historic towns, ancient cultural sites, Indigenous heritage, local communities, architecture, cuisine and traditions.
From the Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Kimberley to the historic cities and cultures of Europe and Asia, PONANT offers many opportunities for cultural discovery.
Cultural cruises are ideal if you:
- Love history
- Enjoy architecture and historic sites
- Want to learn about local traditions
- Appreciate authentic cultural encounters
- Enjoy food and regional cuisine
- Prefer discovery and learning alongside sightseeing
Don't miss: Indigenous culture, historic ports, local communities, architecture, cuisine and expert-led cultural experiences.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Cultural Cruises →
Luxury does not have to mean choosing between relaxation and discovery.
PONANT combines the intimacy of small-ship cruising with elegant accommodation, fine dining and attentive service, allowing you to explore extraordinary destinations without giving up comfort.
For some travellers, the luxury experience itself is central to the journey. For others, it is the perfect complement to an active expedition.
A luxury experience is ideal if you:
- Appreciate exceptional service
- Enjoy gourmet dining
- Prefer intimate small ships
- Want elegant accommodation
- Value comfort between excursions
- Want to combine relaxation with discovery
The beauty of PONANT is that luxury can be part of almost every experience, whether you are exploring Antarctica or enjoying a cultural voyage through the Mediterranean.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Luxury Expedition Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Luxury Yacht Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Luxury Adventure Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Luxury Honeymoon Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Family Luxury Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Luxury Cruises for Couples →
For many travellers, Antarctica and the Arctic represent the ultimate expedition experience.
Although both are polar destinations, they offer very different environments and wildlife encounters.
Antarctica is renowned for enormous icebergs, penguin colonies, glaciers and dramatic Antarctic landscapes.
The Arctic offers spectacular fjords, glaciers, sea ice, remote communities and distinctive polar wildlife.
If experiencing the polar regions is your dream, the right itinerary and season can make a significant difference.
Polar experiences are ideal if you:
- Dream of visiting Antarctica or the Arctic
- Love dramatic landscapes
- Want to photograph ice and wildlife
- Enjoy remote destinations
- Are fascinated by polar environments
- Want a true expedition experience
Don't miss: Icebergs, glaciers, penguins, Arctic wildlife, fjords and remote polar landscapes.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Polar Expedition Cruises →
A luxury cruise can be a wonderful way for couples to experience the world together.
Rather than simply visiting famous destinations, couples can share experiences that become lasting memories—from watching a sunset over a remote coastline to exploring wildlife-rich landscapes together.
A PONANT voyage can suit couples looking for either a relaxed luxury escape or a more adventurous journey.
Romantic cruises are ideal if you:
- Are celebrating an anniversary
- Are planning a honeymoon
- Want an intimate small-ship experience
- Enjoy fine dining and luxury accommodation
- Want to share memorable adventures
- Prefer a more personal cruising atmosphere
Consider the Mediterranean or South Pacific for relaxed luxury, or choose Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley for a shared expedition adventure.
Learn more about PONANT Luxury Honeymoon Cruises →
Learn more about PONANT Luxury Cruises for Couples →
Travelling solo does not mean travelling alone.
Small-ship cruising creates natural opportunities to meet fellow travellers while still giving you the freedom to enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Expedition lectures, group excursions and Zodiac adventures can provide an easy way to connect with other guests.
Solo cruises are ideal if you:
- Enjoy independent travel
- Want to meet like-minded travellers
- Prefer a smaller ship
- Enjoy organised excursions
- Want expert support while travelling independently
- Are looking for a more intimate cruise experience
When comparing solo voyages, look closely at cabin options, single supplements, itinerary style and the types of activities included.
Learn more about PONANT Solo Cruises →
A luxury expedition cruise can provide a memorable family holiday for families whose interests extend beyond traditional resort holidays.
Wildlife, nature, history and hands-on exploration can create experiences that appeal to different generations.
However, families should carefully check the age requirements, activity levels and suitability of individual itineraries before booking.
Family cruises are ideal if you:
- Want an educational travel experience
- Enjoy exploring nature together
- Have children interested in wildlife or adventure
- Prefer small-ship travel
- Want to combine learning and luxury
- Are looking for a memorable multigenerational holiday
👉 Learn more about PONANT Family Cruises →
There is no single best PONANT experience.
The right choice depends on your interests, travel style, activity level and expectations.
1. Start with what excites you
Think about the moments you would most like to remember.
Would it be seeing a penguin colony, photographing a glacier, exploring an ancient cultural site or enjoying dinner while sailing along a spectacular coastline?
Your answer can immediately narrow your choices.
2. Decide how active you want to be
Some experiences involve more outdoor activity than others.
Expedition and adventure voyages may include Zodiac boarding, walking and shore exploration, while luxury and cultural voyages can provide a more relaxed balance of sightseeing and onboard time.
3. Consider the destination
Your destination will naturally influence the experiences available.
Antarctica is ideal for polar wildlife and photography.
The Kimberley is exceptional for wilderness, wildlife and Indigenous culture.
The Mediterranean is particularly appealing for history, cuisine and cultural discovery.
4. Think about the season
Wildlife, weather, daylight, sea conditions and scenery can vary throughout the year.
For seasonal destinations, choosing the right departure can be just as important as choosing the destination itself.
5. Consider your travel companions
The ideal experience can change depending on who you are travelling with.
Couples may prefer a romantic or luxury experience. Families may prioritise wildlife and education. Solo travellers may value small groups and organised activities.
6. Choose the right ship and itinerary
Once you understand the experience you want, you can begin comparing ships and itineraries.
This is where our Choosing the Right PONANT Ship guide can help you identify the vessel that best matches your destination and travel style.
Choosing a PONANT cruise is easier when you consider four connected decisions:
Experience → Destination → Ship → Itinerary
Your experience tells you what you want to do.
Your destination determines where you can do it.
Your ship influences how you experience it.
Your itinerary determines exactly what you will see and when.
For example, if your priority is wildlife, you might choose an expedition experience. That could lead you towards Antarctica, the Arctic or the Kimberley. You can then compare the ships operating in that region before selecting the itinerary that offers the experiences most important to you.
This approach helps prevent one of the most common cruise-planning mistakes: choosing a ship first and trying to fit your holiday around it.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Choose the experience before you choose the ship
The most important question when planning a PONANT cruise is not always "Which ship should I choose?"
Instead, ask:
"What do I want to experience?"
If your answer is wildlife, your priorities may include destinations with exceptional wildlife opportunities, expedition capability and flexible shore excursions.
If photography is your passion, you may want to consider destinations with dramatic scenery, changing light and opportunities for Zodiac exploration.
If culture is most important, your ideal voyage may focus on historic ports, Indigenous communities, architecture, cuisine and local traditions.
Once you know the experience you want, choosing the destination becomes easier. From there, you can identify the ships and itineraries that will deliver it.
At BlueSun Travel, we believe the best PONANT cruise is not necessarily the newest ship, the longest itinerary or the most expensive suite.
It is the voyage that delivers the experiences you will remember long after you return home.
A PONANT experience could be a great fit if you:
- Want to travel beyond conventional tourist destinations
- Value meaningful experiences over large-scale entertainment
- Enjoy discovering nature, wildlife or culture
- Appreciate expert-led exploration
- Prefer intimate small-ship cruising
- Want luxury without sacrificing discovery
- Enjoy travelling with fewer guests
- Want to return home with stories rather than simply photographs
A PONANT experience may be less suitable if you:
- Prefer large resort-style ships
- Want extensive onboard entertainment
- Prefer casinos, shopping malls and waterparks
- Want a completely predictable itinerary
- Prefer beach holidays with little organised activity
- Do not enjoy guided excursions or outdoor exploration
The good news is that PONANT offers enough variety that your experience can be tailored around the way you prefer to travel.
Choosing the right experience can make planning your PONANT cruise much easier. Here are some of the questions travellers commonly ask before selecting their voyage.
Have a read of some of these FAQs, but reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
There is no single best experience. The right choice depends on what you want from your holiday. Wildlife lovers may prefer an expedition or wildlife cruise, while travellers interested in history and cuisine may prefer a cultural voyage.
Expedition and wildlife cruises are particularly suitable for travellers interested in nature. Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley can offer exceptional opportunities to see wildlife in natural environments.
Some expedition voyages can involve walking, Zodiac boarding, shore landings and outdoor activities. The level of activity varies by itinerary, so travellers should check the specific physical requirements before booking.
Yes. A PONANT voyage can be an excellent introduction to cruising, particularly for travellers who are more interested in destinations and experiences than traditional large-ship cruising.
Couples have many options. Mediterranean and South Pacific voyages can provide a relaxed luxury experience, while Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley are excellent choices for couples who want to share an adventure.
Photography-focused and expedition voyages can be particularly rewarding. Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic and the Kimberley offer exceptional landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities.
An expedition experience places greater emphasis on exploration, wildlife, nature and remote destinations. A luxury cruise experience may place greater emphasis on comfort, dining, relaxation and sophisticated destinations. PONANT can combine both approaches.
Absolutely. Many PONANT voyages naturally combine several experiences. For example, an Antarctic voyage could be simultaneously a luxury, expedition, wildlife and photography experience.
Start by identifying what you most want to see and do. Then consider the destination, season, activity level, itinerary and ship. If you are unsure, BlueSun Travel can help you compare your options.
Once you know what type of experience appeals to you, explore our dedicated guides:
Combine five-star comfort with immersive exploration.
Enjoy an intimate yacht-style atmosphere and sophisticated destinations.
Discover remote regions through expert-led exploration.
Add active exploration to your luxury holiday.
Experience remarkable animals in their natural environments.
Capture spectacular landscapes, wildlife and cultures.
Discover history, heritage, architecture and local traditions.
Explore Antarctica, the Arctic and other extraordinary polar regions.
Enjoy independent travel with the benefits of small-ship cruising.
Discover the world together as a family.
Celebrate your honeymoon somewhere extraordinary.
Share an intimate journey with someone special.
Choosing the right experience is one of the most important steps in planning your PONANT cruise.
You do not need to know exactly which ship or itinerary you want.
Start by telling us what you would like to experience.
Whether you dream of seeing penguins in Antarctica, exploring the Kimberley, photographing Arctic landscapes, discovering ancient cultures or simply enjoying a refined small-ship journey, our PONANT specialists can help you find the right experience, destination, ship and itinerary.
BlueSun Travel has decades of cruise experience and can help you compare PONANT experiences based on your interests, travel dates, preferred destination and budget.
Tell us what you would like to discover, and we will help you find the right expedition.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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