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Choosing a PONANT cruise is about more than deciding where you want to go. The itinerary determines how you experience your destination — which places you visit, how long you spend travelling, what you can see and do ashore, and the overall pace of your journey.
Two cruises visiting the same region can provide completely different experiences.
One may focus on iconic highlights and major ports, while another may spend more time exploring remote coastlines, smaller islands, wildlife habitats or culturally significant locations.
The right itinerary brings together the destination, route, timing, duration and experiences that matter most to you.
Choosing an Itinerary - At a Glance
The ship may be your floating hotel, but the itinerary determines what happens beyond your cabin.
It decides where you wake up each morning, which landscapes you encounter, which ports and communities you visit and how much time you have to explore.
This is particularly important when choosing an expedition cruise.
A PONANT voyage through the Kimberley, for example, can take you through remote waterways, dramatic coastlines and culturally significant locations that are difficult to experience independently. PONANT's current Kimberley itineraries include routes between Darwin and Broome, with destinations such as the King George River, Hunter River, Montgomery Reef and the Lacepede Islands depending on the voyage.
Likewise, an Antarctic itinerary is fundamentally different from a Mediterranean cultural voyage. The landscapes, activities, shore experiences, wildlife opportunities and pace of travel can all change dramatically.
When comparing itineraries, don't stop at the destination name.
Two cruises may both be described as "Antarctica," "Japan," "Australia" or "the Mediterranean", but the actual voyages may visit different places and offer very different experiences.
Ask yourself:
- Which places are included?
- How much time is spent in each destination?
- Are there scenic cruising days?
- Are Zodiac excursions included?
- Are shore landings possible?
- Does the itinerary focus on wildlife or culture?
- Are there opportunities for photography?
- Does the route visit smaller or less-visited destinations?
- Is the itinerary port-intensive or expedition-focused?
- Does the timing coincide with the experiences you most want?
The itinerary details often matter more than the destination headline.
👉 Read our PONANT Cruise Experience Guide →
💡 BlueSun Insight
The cheapest itinerary isn't always the best-value itinerary.
When comparing PONANT cruises, look beyond the headline fare. A slightly more expensive voyage may include more of the places you want to visit, better seasonal timing, a longer duration or experiences that would otherwise be difficult to arrange independently.
We recommend comparing what you will experience, not simply what you will pay.
Your destination is the natural starting point when choosing a PONANT itinerary.
PONANT currently offers voyages across a broad range of regions, including Australia and the Kimberley, Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, the South Pacific and other remote destinations.
Start by asking:
Where have I always wanted to go?
Once you have identified your destination, you can compare the different itineraries available within that region.
Read our Choosing a Destination Guide →
If Antarctica is your dream destination, consider what type of polar experience you want.
Some travellers are primarily interested in penguins and wildlife. Others want dramatic ice landscapes, photography opportunities, remote islands or a more adventurous expedition experience.
Consider:
- Antarctic Peninsula itineraries
- South Shetland Islands
- South Georgia
- Falkland Islands
- Longer Antarctic expeditions
- Seasonal wildlife opportunities
- Expedition activities and shore landings
The best itinerary depends on which aspects of Antarctica matter most to you.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Antarctica Cruises →
The Kimberley is an excellent example of why itinerary selection matters.
PONANT's Australian voyages can travel between Darwin and Broome and include some of the region's most spectacular wilderness areas. Current itineraries highlight destinations such as King George River, Hunter River, Montgomery Reef and the Lacepede Islands.
When comparing Kimberley itineraries, look at:
- Direction of travel
- Duration
- Waterfalls and rivers included
- Wildlife locations
- Aboriginal cultural experiences
- Zodiac exploration
- Scenic cruising
- Departure date
For many travellers, the individual locations visited are just as important as the Kimberley destination itself.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Kimberley Cruises →
Arctic voyages can offer dramatically different experiences depending on the route.
You may be interested in Greenland's enormous icebergs and fjords, Iceland's volcanic landscapes or the wildlife and remote scenery of the wider Arctic region.
When comparing itineraries, consider:
- Ice and iceberg viewing
- Wildlife opportunities
- Fjords and coastal landscapes
- Remote settlements
- Cultural experiences
- Expedition activities
- Seasonal conditions
👉 Learn more about PONANT Arctic Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Greenland Cruises →
👉 Learn more about PONANT Iceland Cruises →
An Asian cruise itinerary can be an exceptional way to experience the region’s rich mix of ancient history, vibrant cultures, diverse cuisines, fascinating architecture, tropical landscapes and local traditions.
From the temples and historic cities of Japan to the tropical islands of Indonesia and the Philippines, the colourful cultural heritage of Vietnam and the ancient landscapes of Sri Lanka, each destination offers a distinctly different cruise experience.
Even within the same country, itineraries can vary considerably. One voyage may focus on major cultural and historic destinations, while another may explore smaller islands, lesser-known ports, remote landscapes or communities away from the traditional tourist routes.
When comparing Asian itineraries, consider what you would most like your journey to emphasise:
- Ancient culture and heritage
- Food and wine
- History and historic sites
- Art and architecture
- Nature and landscapes
- Wildlife
- Photography
- Local communities and traditions
- Smaller ports and less-visited destinations
- Island exploration
Learn more about PONANT Asia Cruises →
Mediterranean cruising offers an enormous variety of itinerary possibilities.
You may want to explore famous cities and cultural landmarks, or you may prefer smaller ports, islands and less-visited coastal destinations.
Consider whether you prefer:
- Historic cities
- Greek islands
- Italian coastlines
- French and Spanish ports
- Cultural discovery
- Food and wine
- Scenic cruising
- Small coastal communities
The advantage of small-ship cruising is that the journey can be as much about the places between the major destinations as the headline ports themselves.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Europe Cruises →
A cruise title tells you where you are going.
The itinerary tells you what you are actually going to experience.
Before choosing your voyage, study the route carefully.
Look at:
Ports of Call
Which ports are included?
Are they places you genuinely want to visit, or are they simply convenient stops along the route?
Time in Port
A port may appear on the itinerary, but the amount of time spent there can vary.
Consider whether you prefer longer stays that allow deeper exploration or a greater number of destinations.
Scenic Cruising
Some of the most memorable moments of an expedition cruise happen while the ship is travelling between destinations.
Look for routes through:
- Fjords
- Islands
- Remote coastlines
- Rivers
- Glaciers
- Ice-filled waters
- Dramatic channels
Shore Experiences
Find out what you can actually do when you arrive.
Depending on the destination and conditions, this may include:
- Zodiac excursions
- Shore landings
- Guided walks
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Cultural visits
- Photography
- Scenic exploration
Remote Destinations
One of the biggest advantages of an expedition itinerary is the opportunity to reach places that are difficult to visit independently.
If remote exploration is important to you, prioritise itineraries that spend more time away from conventional tourist routes.
👉 Explore more PONANT Cruise Experiences
PONANT itineraries range from shorter voyages to extended expeditions.
The ideal duration depends on your destination, available holiday time and how deeply you want to explore.
Shorter Cruises
A shorter voyage may be ideal if:
- You have limited annual leave
- You are new to small-ship cruising
- You want to combine a cruise with a land holiday
- You prefer a shorter getaway
- You want to sample a destination
Longer Expeditions
A longer voyage may be better if:
- You want to explore multiple destinations
- You are travelling to a remote region
- Wildlife is a major priority
- You want more time for expedition activities
- You want to combine several regions in one journey
Longer does not automatically mean better.
The right duration is the one that gives you enough time to experience the destination without making the holiday feel rushed or unnecessarily long.
Your departure date can be just as important as the itinerary itself.
Different seasons can influence:
- Weather
- Wildlife activity
- Daylight hours
- Water conditions
- Landscapes
- Vegetation
- Waterfalls
- Ice conditions
- Cultural events
This is especially important for expedition destinations.
Wildlife
If wildlife is your main reason for travelling, research when particular species are most likely to be active in your chosen destination.
Photography
Photographers should consider light, landscapes, weather and wildlife activity when selecting a departure.
Waterfalls
In destinations such as the Kimberley, seasonal conditions can influence waterfall activity and the appearance of the landscape.
Polar Regions
Polar destinations are highly seasonal. The time of year can influence ice conditions, wildlife behaviour, daylight and the overall character of the voyage.
Choose the itinerary first, then make sure the departure date gives you the seasonal experience you want.
Once you have identified your preferred itinerary, compare the ships operating that voyage.
This is where our Choosing the Right PONANT Ship guide becomes useful.
The ship can influence:
- Accommodation
- Dining
- Public spaces
- Expedition equipment
- Guest capacity
- Onboard atmosphere
- Activities
- Comfort
But we recommend choosing the itinerary before becoming too attached to a particular ship.
A ship may be beautiful, but if it does not operate the itinerary that matches your travel goals, it may not be the right choice.
Destination → Experience → Itinerary → Ship
This is often a better approach than choosing a ship first and then trying to find somewhere to go on it.
👉 Learn more about Choosing the Right Ship →
Cruise pricing is important, but the lowest fare does not necessarily represent the best value.
When comparing PONANT itineraries, consider:
- Number of days
- Destinations visited
- Shore experiences
- Expedition activities
- Ship
- Cabin category
- Meals and onboard inclusions
- Transfers or packages where applicable
- Current promotions
- Departure date
- Overall convenience
A voyage that costs slightly more may deliver significantly more of the experience you want.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Think about your cruise as a complete travel experience rather than a hotel room at sea.
If you are travelling halfway around the world to reach Antarctica, Greenland or the Kimberley, choosing the right itinerary can make a significant difference to the value of the entire holiday.
The goal is not simply to find the lowest price.
The goal is to find the voyage that gives you the experiences you travelled so far to enjoy.
When several itineraries are available in the same destination, use your priorities to narrow the choice.
FOLLOW THESE FIVE STEPS
1. Choose your destination
⟶ Where do you most want to travel?
2. Decide what you want to experience
⟶ Is your priority wildlife, culture, photography, food, adventure, relaxation or a combination?
3. Compare the itineraries
⟶ Look carefully at the route, ports, duration and included experiences.
4. Check the departure date
⟶ Make sure the season suits your priorities.
5. Choose the ship and cabin
⟶ Once you have found the right voyage, compare the vessel, accommodation and available offers.
This approach helps prevent one of the most common cruise-planning mistakes: choosing a ship or price first and only later discovering that the itinerary isn't quite what you wanted.
BlueSun Insight
There is no single "best" PONANT itinerary.
The right voyage depends on what you want to take away from your holiday.
If you have always dreamed of seeing penguins and icebergs, your priorities will be different from someone who wants to discover Japanese culture.
A photographer may choose an itinerary based on landscapes and wildlife opportunities. A food lover may prioritise destinations known for cuisine and wine. A solo traveller may place greater importance on itinerary style, activities and opportunities to meet fellow travellers.
That's why we recommend starting with one simple question:
What do I want to remember most about this trip?
Once you answer that question, choosing between PONANT itineraries becomes much easier.
Popular PONANT itineraries can attract strong demand, particularly for sought-after expedition destinations and peak travel periods.
Planning ahead gives you more choice of:
- Departure dates
- Cabin categories
- Suites
- Preferred itineraries
- Pre- and post-cruise arrangements
- Special offers
This can be particularly important if you have specific travel dates or are travelling as a group.
PONANT's current Australia listings, for example, show multiple Kimberley departures across 2026 and 2027, illustrating why comparing dates and routes early can be worthwhile.
For most travellers, we recommend this order:
1. Destination
⟶ Where do you want to go?
2. Experience
⟶ What do you want to see and do?
3. Itinerary
⟶ Which route delivers those experiences?
4. Ship
⟶ Which PONANT vessel operates the right voyage?
5. Cabin
⟶ Which accommodation category suits your preferences and budget?
6. Price & Deal
⟶ Which departure provides the best overall value?
This approach keeps the focus on your holiday rather than allowing a particular ship, cabin or promotional fare to dictate your travel plans.
Choosing the right PONANT itinerary can feel overwhelming when several voyages visit the same destination. These frequently asked questions can help you compare your options.
Q. How do I choose the right PONANT itinerary?
Start with your destination and travel priorities. Decide what you most want to see and experience, then compare itineraries based on route, ports, duration, departure date, activities and ship.
Q. Is the itinerary more important than the ship?
Both are important, but the itinerary determines where you go and what you experience. We generally recommend choosing the destination and itinerary first, then selecting the ship that best suits that voyage.
Q. Are all PONANT itineraries in the same destination the same?
No. Itineraries can vary by route, ports, duration, departure date and expedition activities. Two voyages visiting the same broad destination may provide very different experiences.
Q. How important is the departure date?
Very important for many expedition destinations. Seasonal conditions can affect wildlife, weather, daylight, landscapes, ice and activities.
Q. What should I look for in an expedition itinerary?
Look at the destinations visited, Zodiac operations, shore landings, wildlife opportunities, expedition activities, scenic cruising and the experience level of the expedition team.
Q. How do I choose a PONANT Kimberley itinerary?
Compare the direction of travel, departure date, duration and key locations included in the route. Look for the rivers, waterfalls, reefs, wildlife areas and cultural experiences that matter most to you.
Q. What is the best PONANT itinerary for wildlife?
There is no single answer because wildlife varies by destination and season. Choose an itinerary that spends time in wildlife-rich areas and offers expedition opportunities such as Zodiac excursions and shore exploration.
Q. What is the best PONANT itinerary for photography?
Look for itineraries with spectacular landscapes, wildlife, scenic cruising and time in remote locations. Seasonal timing is also important because light, weather and wildlife behaviour can influence photographic opportunities.
Q. Should I choose a longer PONANT cruise?
Not necessarily. A longer voyage can provide deeper exploration and more destinations, but a shorter itinerary may be better if you have limited holiday time or want to combine your cruise with a land-based holiday.
Q. Is the cheapest PONANT itinerary the best deal?
Not always. Compare the full experience, including duration, destinations, activities, ship, cabin, inclusions and current promotions. The best value is the itinerary that delivers the experiences you want at a price that works for you.
Q. Can BlueSun Travel help me choose a PONANT itinerary?
Yes. If you're unsure which itinerary best suits your travel goals, speak with the BlueSun Travel team. Our cruise specialists can help you compare destinations, ships, routes, dates and current PONANT offers.
Choosing the Right PONANT Ship
Find the PONANT ship that best matches your destination, travel style and expectations.
Compare PONANT ships by size, features, destinations and expedition capabilities.
Explore PONANT destinations and find the right journey for your interests.
Compare destinations by wildlife, landscapes, culture, seasons and experiences.
Discover the PONANT cruise experience that best suits the way you want to travel.
Explore remote destinations through immersive expedition-style cruising.
Enjoy refined small-ship cruising with elegant accommodation, dining and service.
Get closer to remarkable wildlife in some of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
Discover spectacular landscapes, wildlife and photography opportunities around the world.
Experience local cultures, heritage and traditions through immersive journeys.
Combine exceptional destinations with memorable culinary and wine experiences.
Discover the benefits of travelling solo with PONANT in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Choosing the right itinerary can make all the difference to your PONANT holiday.
Whether you're dreaming of the Kimberley, Antarctica, the Arctic, Japan, the Mediterranean or another extraordinary destination, our cruise specialists can help you compare the routes, dates, ships and experiences available.
Don't simply choose the first itinerary you find.
Choose the voyage that matches the reason you want to travel.
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