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Choosing the best PONANT itinerary isn't simply about finding the cruise with the most destinations or the lowest price.
The best itinerary is the one that delivers the experience you want most.
One traveller may dream of seeing penguins and icebergs in Antarctica. Another may want to discover the ancient landscapes and Aboriginal heritage of the Kimberley. Someone else may be looking for Japanese culture, Mediterranean cuisine, Arctic wildlife or the remote beauty of Greenland.
Even within the same destination, PONANT itineraries can vary considerably.
Routes, ports, duration, departure dates, seasonal conditions and expedition activities can all change the character of your voyage.
That's why choosing the best itinerary starts with understanding what you want from your cruise.
At a Glance
| What to Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Destination | Start with the part of the world you most want to explore. |
| Route | Different routes can provide very different experiences within the same destination. |
| Duration | Choose a voyage that gives you enough time to explore without exceeding your available holiday time. |
| Season | Weather, wildlife, daylight and conditions can vary significantly throughout the year. |
| Experiences | Choose an itinerary that matches your interests in wildlife, culture, photography, food, adventure or relaxation. |
| Ports & Excursions | Look beyond the destination name and see exactly where the itinerary takes you. |
| Ship | Make sure the vessel suits both the itinerary and the style of holiday you want. |
| Price & Value | Compare the overall value rather than choosing solely on the lowest advertised fare. |
There isn't one best PONANT itinerary for everyone.
The word "best" can mean something completely different from one traveller to another.
For a wildlife enthusiast, the best itinerary might offer more opportunities to encounter penguins, whales, polar bears or other wildlife.
For a photographer, it could be a voyage with dramatic landscapes, remote locations and plenty of opportunities for Zodiac exploration.
For a culture lover, the ideal itinerary might include historic ports, Indigenous communities, archaeological sites or local traditions.
And for a traveller who simply wants to escape, the best itinerary may be the one that offers the perfect combination of remote scenery, relaxation and luxury.
So rather than asking:
"What is the best PONANT itinerary?"
A better question is:
"What is the best PONANT itinerary for me?"
That's the approach we recommend when comparing PONANT voyages.
Before comparing individual itineraries, think about the reason you want to take the journey.
Ask yourself:
- What do I most want to see?
- Where have I always wanted to travel?
- What wildlife would I love to encounter?
- How important is culture?
- Do I want adventure or relaxation?
- How active do I want to be?
- Do I want to photograph landscapes and wildlife?
- How important is food and wine?
- How much time do I have?
- What season do I want to travel?
Your answers can quickly eliminate itineraries that don't match your expectations.
👉 Check out different PONANT Experiences
If wildlife is your priority, don't simply choose a destination known for animals.
Look at where the itinerary travels and when it travels.
Antarctica may appeal to travellers dreaming of penguins, seals and whales, while Arctic voyages can provide opportunities to search for polar bears, walruses and other northern wildlife.
The Kimberley offers a completely different experience, with opportunities to encounter saltwater crocodiles, sea birds, marine life and other Australian wildlife.
Alaska can appeal to travellers interested in bears, whales and bald eagles.
The key is to match the destination, season and route with the wildlife experience you want.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
👉 Check out different PONANT Wildlife Cruises
If wildlife is your priority, don't simply choose a destination known for animals.
Look at where the itinerary travels and when it travels.
Antarctica may appeal to travellers dreaming of penguins, seals and whales, while Arctic voyages can provide opportunities to search for polar bears, walruses and other northern wildlife.
The Kimberley offers a completely different experience, with opportunities to encounter saltwater crocodiles, sea birds, marine life and other Australian wildlife.
Alaska can appeal to travellers interested in bears, whales and bald eagles.
The key is to match the destination, season and route with the wildlife experience you want.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
👉 Check out different PONANT Adventure Cruises
A spectacular destination doesn't automatically make the perfect photography itinerary.
Photographers should consider:
- Landscapes
- Wildlife
- Light conditions
- Scenic cruising
- Remote locations
- Zodiac excursions
- Shore landings
- Seasonal conditions
- Time available at key locations
An itinerary that allows more time in remote environments can sometimes be more rewarding than one that visits a greater number of ports.
For wildlife photographers, the season can also be particularly important.
Best for: Wildlife photographers, landscape photographers and travellers who want to capture memorable images of their journey.
Check out different PONANT Photography Cruises
Expedition cruising isn't only about wildlife and scenery.
If culture is important to you, look for itineraries that provide opportunities to experience:
- Indigenous cultures
- Local communities
- Historic towns
- Archaeological sites
- Museums
- Traditional arts
- Local food
- Heritage sites
- Destination-led experiences
The Kimberley, for example, can combine spectacular wilderness with opportunities to learn about Australia's ancient Aboriginal heritage.
Japan, Asia and the Mediterranean offer another style of cultural discovery through history, architecture, cuisine and local traditions.
Best for: Cultural travellers, history enthusiasts and curious explorers.
Check out different PONANT Cultural Cruises
For some travellers, food is an important part of the journey.
When choosing a food and wine-focused itinerary, consider destinations where local cuisine, wine regions and culinary traditions are an integral part of the travel experience.
Mediterranean and European itineraries can be particularly appealing to travellers interested in regional cuisine, while Asian voyages can introduce travellers to diverse culinary traditions.
The best itinerary is one where the food experience complements the destinations you are visiting.
Best for: Food lovers, wine enthusiasts and travellers who enjoy discovering destinations through their cuisine.
👉 Check out different PONANT Food and Wine Cruises
If the appeal of expedition cruising is reaching places that are difficult to access independently, prioritise itineraries that venture beyond conventional tourist routes.
Look for:
- Remote coastlines
- Small islands
- Isolated communities
- Narrow waterways
- Glaciers
- Fjords
- Wilderness areas
- Expedition landings
This is where the itinerary becomes particularly important.
The destination name may tell you the region, but the route tells you how deeply you will experience it.
👉 Check out different PONANT Expedition Cruises
Not everyone wants to spend every day hiking, taking Zodiac excursions or going ashore.
If relaxation is important to you, look for a balanced itinerary that gives you opportunities to enjoy the ship as well as the destination.
Consider:
- Scenic cruising
- Leisurely port days
- Sea days
- Onboard wellness
- Fine dining
- Relaxed excursions
- Time to enjoy your suite or balcony
One of the advantages of a luxury small-ship cruise is that exploration and relaxation can exist side by side.
Best for: Couples, luxury travellers and travellers who want a slower-paced journey.
This is one of the most important things to remember when choosing a PONANT itinerary.
Two voyages may both be marketed as an Antarctica cruise, but they can have different routes, durations, departure dates and experiences.
Likewise, two Kimberley itineraries may visit different locations or operate in opposite directions.
Always look at the detailed itinerary before making your decision.
Check the following:
Ports of call
Which destinations are actually included?
Time ashore
How much time do you have to explore?
Scenic cruising
Does the route pass through particularly spectacular landscapes?
Expedition activities
Are Zodiac excursions and shore landings part of the experience?
Remote locations
Does the itinerary reach places beyond conventional tourist routes?
Optional experiences
Are there additional activities or excursions available?
The itinerary map and day-by-day schedule can often tell you more than the cruise title.
The ideal cruise duration depends on your circumstances.
Shorter Itineraries
A shorter voyage may be right for you if:
- You have limited annual leave
- You are combining the cruise with a land holiday
- You are taking your first small-ship cruise
- You prefer a shorter getaway
- You want to experience one particular region
Longer Itineraries
A longer voyage may be preferable if:
- You want to explore multiple regions
- You are travelling a long distance to reach the destination
- Wildlife is a major priority
- You want more expedition opportunities
- You prefer a slower pace
- You want to maximise your time in a remote destination
The best length is ultimately the one that gives you enough time to enjoy the destination without making the journey impractical for you.
When choosing your best PONANT itinerary, don't overlook the departure date.
Seasonality can influence:
- Wildlife activity
- Weather
- Daylight
- Sea conditions
- Ice conditions
- Waterfalls
- Landscapes
- Photography
- Local events
This is especially important for expedition destinations.
Antarctica
The Antarctic season offers different conditions throughout the cruise season, with wildlife, daylight and ice conditions influencing the experience.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Antarctica Cruises
Arctic
The Arctic is highly seasonal, with conditions affecting wildlife opportunities, sea ice and accessibility.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Arctic Cruises
Kimberley
The Kimberley cruise season is also seasonal, with changing conditions influencing waterfalls, wildlife and the appearance of the landscape.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Kimberley Cruises
Couples often have different travel priorities.
One person may want wildlife and adventure, while the other prefers culture, dining and relaxation.
The ideal itinerary can bring these interests together.
Look for voyages that offer a balance of:
- Exploration
- Scenic cruising
- Fine dining
- Cultural experiences
- Wildlife
- Relaxation
- Time onboard
This is one of the strengths of a PONANT journey: you can spend the morning exploring by Zodiac and return to the ship for a relaxed afternoon and elegant dinner.
Learn more about PONANT Couple Cruises
For solo travellers, the itinerary itself can be an important part of the decision.
Look for voyages that offer:
- Group excursions
- Expedition activities
- Cultural experiences
- Opportunities to meet fellow travellers
- Interesting destinations
- A comfortable onboard environment
An expedition itinerary can be particularly appealing because much of the experience is naturally shared with other guests through guided activities and excursions.
👉 Learn more about PONANT Solo Cruises
Which Itinerary Is Best for You?
| If You Want To... | Look For... |
|---|---|
| See as much wildlife as possible | Wildlife-rich destinations, expedition activities and appropriate seasonal timing. |
| Explore remote landscapes | Longer expedition routes with remote locations and fewer conventional ports. |
| Experience local culture | Cultural visits, local communities, heritage sites and destination-led experiences. |
| Focus on photography | Scenic cruising, wildlife opportunities, remote landscapes and favourable seasonal conditions. |
| Enjoy food and wine | Destinations renowned for cuisine, wine, local produce and culinary traditions. |
| Have an active adventure | Zodiac excursions, shore landings, walking, hiking and expedition activities. |
| Relax and explore at a slower pace | Balanced itineraries with scenic cruising, leisure time and opportunities to enjoy the ship. |
| Maximise your holiday time | An itinerary that closely matches your priorities without unnecessary destinations or travel time. |
Finding a good PONANT cruise deal is important, but the lowest advertised fare isn't necessarily the best value.
When comparing two itineraries, consider:
- Destination
- Route
- Number of days
- Ports
- Shore experiences
- Expedition activities
- Ship
- Cabin category
- Departure date
- Inclusions
- Current promotions
A slightly higher fare could provide a significantly better experience if it includes the destinations and activities you value most.
This is particularly important for long-haul expedition journeys.
If you're travelling from Australia to Antarctica, the Arctic or Europe, the cruise itself represents only one part of your overall holiday investment.
Choosing the right itinerary can therefore be more important than simply finding the lowest fare.
👉 Read the guide about Choosing an Itinerary
BlueSun Insight
THE BEST ITINERARY IS THE ONE YOU'LL REMEMBER
There is no universal winner when it comes to PONANT itineraries.
A voyage that is perfect for one traveller may be completely wrong for another.
Our advice is to work backwards from the experience you want.
Once you've identified your ideal experience, compare the itineraries that can deliver it.
Don't ask which itinerary is the best. Ask which itinerary is best for the holiday you want to have.
1. Choose your destination
Start with the part of the world that excites you most.
2. Decide what you want to experience
Wildlife? Photography? Culture? Food? Adventure? Relaxation?
3. Compare the routes
Look at the individual ports, remote locations and expedition opportunities.
4. Check the season
Make sure the departure date suits the experience you want.
5. Compare ships
Once you've shortlisted your itineraries, see which PONANT ship operates each voyage and whether it suits your preferences.
6. Compare price and value
Finally, compare fares, cabin categories, inclusions and current offers.
This approach helps ensure that you're choosing the right voyage, rather than simply choosing the cheapest or most convenient one.
These three elements are closely connected, but they serve different purposes.
Destination tells you where you are going.
Itinerary tells you how you will experience it.
Ship tells you where you will stay and how you will travel between destinations.
For most travellers, we recommend:
Destination → Experience → Itinerary → Ship → Cabin → Price
This gives you a logical way to narrow your choices without allowing a particular ship or promotional fare to determine your entire holiday.
Popular PONANT itineraries can have limited availability, particularly for sought-after expedition destinations, peak seasons and preferred cabin categories.
Planning ahead can give you more choice of:
- Departure dates
- Itineraries
- Cabin categories
- Suites
- Preferred ships
- Pre- and post-cruise arrangements
However, last-minute offers can occasionally provide attractive savings when availability remains.
The best approach is to know which itinerary you want first, then monitor available PONANT cruise deals rather than allowing a discount to determine your destination.
Choosing the Best PONANT Itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many destinations, routes and experiences to consider. Here are a few frequently asked questions that our PONANT experts have answered to help you make the right choice.
Have a read through these FAQs, or reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
There is no single best PONANT itinerary for everyone. The right itinerary depends on your destination, travel interests, preferred activities, available time, season and budget.
Start by choosing your destination and the experience you want. Then compare the route, ports, duration, departure date, activities, ship and price.
Not necessarily. Longer itineraries can provide deeper exploration, but a shorter voyage may be better suited to your holiday schedule and travel goals.
We recommend choosing the destination and itinerary first, then selecting the ship that operates the voyage and best matches your preferences.
It depends on the wildlife you want to see. Antarctica is renowned for penguins and other polar wildlife, the Arctic for polar bears and walruses, Alaska for bears and whales, and the Kimberley for Australian wildlife including saltwater crocodiles and marine life.
Look for itineraries offering dramatic scenery, wildlife, remote locations, scenic cruising and Zodiac or shore exploration. Seasonal conditions should also be considered.
Look for routes that include historic destinations, local communities, Indigenous cultural experiences, heritage sites and opportunities to engage with local traditions.
The best first cruise depends on your interests and comfort level. A balanced itinerary combining exploration, cultural experiences and time onboard can be a good introduction to PONANT.
Choosing an Itinerary
Learn what to consider when comparing PONANT routes, destinations, duration, departure dates and cruise experiences.
Choosing the Right PONANT Ship
Compare PONANT ships and understand how ship size, expedition capability, onboard facilities and style can influence your cruise.
Choosing a PONANT Destination
Start with the destination and discover how to choose a region that matches your interests.
Destination Comparisons
Compare destinations such as Antarctica vs Arctic, Greenland vs Iceland and Kimberley vs Alaska.
Choosing a Cruise Experience
Explore PONANT cruises based on your preferred travel experience, from photography and culture to food and wine and solo travel.
PONANT Expedition Cruises
Discover how expedition cruising combines remote destinations, wildlife, exploration and luxury.
PONANT Wildlife Cruises
Find voyages designed around opportunities to encounter wildlife in extraordinary natural environments.
PONANT Photography Cruises
Discover itineraries that offer spectacular landscapes, wildlife and opportunities for photography.
PONANT Cultural Cruises
Explore destinations through local history, heritage, traditions and communities.
PONANT Food & Wine Cruises
Combine luxury cruising with culinary discovery around the world.
PONANT Solo Traveller Cruises
Explore PONANT itineraries suited to travellers who want to discover the world independently.
Choosing an itinerary can be one of the most important decisions you make when planning your PONANT cruise.
Whether you're dreaming of Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, the Kimberley, Japan, the Mediterranean or another extraordinary destination, the right itinerary can transform a great holiday into an unforgettable journey.
At BlueSun Travel, we can help you compare destinations, routes, departure dates, ships, cabins and current PONANT cruise deals.
Don't simply choose the itinerary with the lowest price.
Choose the itinerary that gives you the experiences you travelled to discover.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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👉Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758
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