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PONANT CRUISE CABINS GUIDE-DumontdUrville_Cabin-prestige

PONANT CRUISE CABINS

Planning your first expedition cruise? Discover what to expect, from Zodiacs and wildlife to shore landings, activity levels, luxury and choosing your first expedition.

Choosing the Right Cabin for Your PONANT Cruise

Choosing your cabin is an important part of planning a PONANT cruise. Your stateroom is more than simply a place to sleep—it is your private space to relax, unpack, recharge and enjoy the journey between destinations.

PONANT offers a range of stateroom and suite categories across its fleet, but cabin sizes, layouts, capacities, locations and amenities can differ from one ship to another. For example, current PONANT listings show everything from window or porthole staterooms through balcony staterooms and larger suites, with exact configurations varying by vessel.

So, which PONANT cabin is right for you?

The answer depends on how you travel, how much space you want, whether a private outdoor area matters to you, where you prefer to be located on the ship and how much you're prepared to invest in your accommodation.

This guide explains the key factors to consider when comparing PONANT cruise cabins, helping you choose a stateroom or suite that fits your travel style and your voyage.

At a Glance

Cabin Factor What to Consider
Cabin Type Choose between different stateroom and suite categories according to space, location, views and amenities.
Window or Porthole A practical option for travellers who want natural light and an outside view without requiring a private balcony.
Balcony Ideal if having your own private outdoor space for scenery, wildlife watching or fresh air is important.
Cabin Location Consider the deck, proximity to public areas, access to stairs or lifts and your personal preference for ship location.
Space Larger suites can provide more living space and may be especially appealing on longer voyages.
View Think about how important unobstructed views and natural light are to your cruise experience.
Travel Style Your ideal cabin may differ depending on whether you prioritise value, scenery, space, privacy, photography or luxury.
Budget Compare the additional cost of upgrading against the features you will actually use during your voyage.

WHY YOUR CABIN CHOICE MATTERS

Choose a cabin that suits your journey

A PONANT cruise is about discovering extraordinary destinations, but your cabin can significantly influence how comfortable you feel throughout the voyage.

Think about your cabin as your base for the journey.

After a day exploring ashore, joining a Zodiac excursion or attending an expedition presentation, you may want somewhere quiet and comfortable to unwind.

On scenic voyages, you may also find yourself spending more time in your cabin simply watching the world pass by.

This is particularly relevant on expedition cruises.

Imagine waking up to icebergs in Antarctica, dramatic fjords in Greenland or rugged coastlines along Australia's Kimberley. Having a window, balcony or particularly good location can change the way you experience those moments.

However, the most expensive cabin is not automatically the best cabin.

The right choice is the one that gives you the features you value most.

PONANT CABIN TYPES EXPLAINED

Explore the cabin options for your PONANT journey

PONANT's fleet includes a variety of accommodation categories. The exact names, configurations and dimensions depend on the ship and itinerary.

Current PONANT examples include Window or Porthole Staterooms, Lower and Upper Deck Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms and Suites, Prestige Suites, Grand Suites and Owner's Suites, although not every ship offers every category.

Window or Porthole Staterooms

These cabins can be an excellent choice for travellers who want natural light and an outside view while keeping their accommodation budget under control.

The exact configuration depends on the vessel.

For example, PONANT's Le Ponant currently features both Window and Porthole Staterooms, while other ships have different cabin configurations.

Best for:

  • Travellers who prioritise value
  • Guests who spend more time exploring than in their cabin
  • First-time PONANT cruisers
  • Travellers who want natural light without needing a balcony

BALCONY STATEROOMS

Enjoy more space with a balcony stateroom

For many travellers, a private balcony is one of the most desirable cabin features.

A balcony gives you an outdoor space where you can enjoy the scenery without leaving your accommodation.

It can be particularly appealing on scenic and expedition voyages where the landscape is part of the experience.

You might use your balcony to:

  • Watch the coastline
  • Look for wildlife
  • Enjoy your morning coffee
  • Take photographs
  • Read while sailing
  • Relax in privacy

Current PONANT itineraries show balcony staterooms available on both lower and upper decks on some vessels.

Is a Balcony Worth It?

For travellers who love scenery, photography or simply having a private outdoor space, the upgrade can be worthwhile.

However, if you expect to spend most of your days ashore or participating in excursions, you may decide that a window or porthole cabin offers better overall value.

SUITES

Step up to a more spacious PONANT suite

Suites offer additional space and are designed for travellers who want a more spacious accommodation experience.

Depending on the ship, PONANT suites can vary significantly in size and configuration.

Current examples include Junior Suites, Prestige Suites, Grand Suites and Owner's Suites, with capacities and dimensions varying by vessel.

Suites can be particularly appealing for:

  • Longer voyages
  • Grand Voyages
  • Couples who value extra space
  • Travellers who spend significant time in their accommodation
  • Guests looking for a premium experience
  • Travellers celebrating a special occasion

Don't assume that all PONANT suites are identical. Always review the specific ship's deck plan and cabin description before selecting a suite.

PONANT CABIN CATEGORIES AT A GLANCE

Cabin Category Main Advantage Best For Consider Before Booking
Window / Porthole Stateroom Natural light and an outside view. Value-conscious travellers and guests who spend most of their time exploring. View type, location and exact cabin configuration.
Balcony Stateroom Private outdoor space. Scenery lovers, photographers and travellers who value private outdoor space. Deck position, balcony size and price difference.
Junior / Smaller Suite More living space and enhanced accommodation. Travellers wanting a step up from a standard stateroom. Exact inclusions, layout and ship-specific features.
Prestige / Larger Suite Greater space and a more premium accommodation experience. Longer voyages, special occasions and luxury-focused travellers. Additional cost versus the features you will actually use.
Grand / Owner's Suite Maximum space and a premium suite experience on ships where offered. Travellers seeking the most spacious accommodation available. Availability, exact layout, capacity and ship-specific benefits.

Note: Cabin categories and features vary by ship. Always check the specific PONANT vessel and sailing when comparing cabins.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PONANT CABIN

Start With Your Travel Priorities

Before comparing cabin numbers, ask yourself what matters most.

Do you want:

  • The best possible view?
  • A private balcony?
  • More space?
  • A convenient location?
  • A quieter environment?
  • The best possible value?
  • A luxurious suite?
  • Easy access to public areas?
  • A cabin suitable for your mobility requirements?

Once you've identified your priorities, comparing cabin categories becomes much easier.

CABIN LOCATION: DOES IT MATTER?

Choose the cabin location that suits you

Yes.

Where your cabin is located can influence convenience, accessibility, views and your experience of movement onboard.

However, there is no universally "best" deck or location.

Your ideal position depends on your preferences and the specific ship.

Lower Decks

Lower-deck cabins can offer practical access and, on some ships, may provide good value.

They may suit travellers who are less concerned about having the highest possible viewpoint.

Upper Decks

Upper-deck cabins may appeal to travellers who prioritise views, proximity to certain public areas or a particular ship layout.

The exact benefits depend on the vessel.

Near Public Areas

Being close to restaurants, lounges or other facilities can be convenient.

However, travellers who prioritise peace and quiet may prefer a cabin farther away from busy public spaces.

Near Elevators or Stairs

This can be helpful for guests who prefer easier access between decks.

For others, being close to high-traffic areas may not be ideal.

BlueSun Tip: Never choose a cabin based solely on its deck number. Look at the actual deck plan for the specific ship.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A BALCONY CABIN?

A balcony can be one of the most valuable upgrades for scenery-focused cruises.

But whether it is worth paying more depends on your travel style.

Choose a Balcony If You:

✔ Love watching landscapes from your cabin
✔ Enjoy private outdoor space
✔ Are travelling to scenic destinations
✔ Enjoy photography
✔ Like having morning coffee outdoors
✔ Expect to spend quiet time in your cabin

A Window Cabin May Be Better If You:

✔ Spend most of your time ashore
✔ Prefer to maximise your overall travel budget
✔ Don't need private outdoor space
✔ Plan to spend most of your time in public areas
✔ Would rather put the difference toward excursions or pre-cruise travel

On a destination such as Antarctica or Greenland, however, many travellers may place a greater premium on having their own outdoor viewing area.

CABINS FOR EXPEDITION CRUISES

Cabin selection can be particularly interesting on an expedition cruise.

Unlike a conventional resort-style holiday, expedition cruising often involves long periods of exploration followed by time onboard observing the landscape, attending lectures or relaxing.

Your cabin can therefore become an important part of the experience.

Antarctica

A balcony or large window can be particularly appealing when cruising among icebergs, glaciers and wildlife-rich waters.

However, weather and expedition conditions can change the daily programme, so you should never select a cabin solely on the assumption that you will be able to watch wildlife from it.

Arctic

Arctic voyages can feature Greenland's fjords, Svalbard's landscapes and other remote northern environments.

A good view can add another dimension to scenic cruising, especially when the ship is navigating through dramatic landscapes.

Kimberley

For an Australian traveller, a Kimberley expedition provides a very different cabin consideration.

The landscape includes dramatic gorges, waterfalls, rugged coastline and Aboriginal cultural sites.

Here, your choice may come down to how much time you expect to spend exploring ashore compared with relaxing onboard.

CABIN CHOICE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Choose a cabin that enhances your photography

If photography is a major reason for taking your cruise, your cabin can become part of your photography strategy.

A balcony may provide:

  • A private shooting position
  • Uninterrupted views
  • Quick access to outdoor viewing
  • Opportunities to photograph landscapes from the ship
  • A convenient place to prepare equipment

However, don't rely solely on your cabin.

The best wildlife and expedition photography often happens during dedicated shore excursions, Zodiac outings and other expedition activities.

For photographers, consider combining a suitable cabin with an itinerary specifically chosen for its wildlife, landscapes and photographic opportunities.

CABIN CHOICE FOR COUPLES

Choose a cabin that enhances your time together

For couples, the decision often comes down to space, privacy and views.

A standard stateroom can work perfectly well for a shorter voyage, especially if you expect to spend most of your time exploring.

For longer voyages, however, additional space can make the cabin feel more comfortable.

Consider:

  • How long you'll be onboard
  • How much time you spend in your cabin
  • Whether you want a balcony
  • Whether you need additional storage
  • Whether a separate sitting area is important
  • How much you're comfortable spending

If you're celebrating an anniversary, milestone birthday or another special occasion, upgrading your cabin can also make the trip feel more memorable.

CABIN CHOICE FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Choose a cabin that suits solo travel

Solo travellers should consider more than just the cabin price.

Look at:

  • Solo cabin availability
  • Single supplements
  • Cabin size
  • Location
  • Balcony options
  • Shared onboard experiences
  • The overall voyage atmosphere

Depending on the ship and voyage, cabin availability and occupancy arrangements can differ.

If travelling alone, compare the total cost of the voyage, rather than simply comparing the advertised per-person fare.

CABIN CHOICE FOR LONGER VOYAGES

The longer you are onboard, the more important your accommodation may become.

On a short cruise, you may barely notice the difference between a standard stateroom and a larger suite because you're spending so much time ashore.

On a longer voyage, additional space can become much more valuable.

For extended journeys, consider:

  • Living space
  • Storage
  • Balcony
  • Cabin location
  • Natural light
  • Seating area
  • Bathroom configuration
  • Overall comfort

This is especially relevant when considering Grand Voyages and longer expedition itineraries.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON YOUR CABIN?

There is no universal answer.

The right cabin budget depends on what you value.

A useful approach is to divide cabin features into three groups:

Must-Have

Features you genuinely need.

For example:

  • Accessible cabin
  • Window
  • Specific bed configuration
  • Certain location

Nice-to-Have

Features that would improve your experience but aren't essential.

For example:

  • Balcony
  • Larger cabin
  • Higher deck

Luxury Upgrade

Features that are primarily about additional comfort and space.

For example:

  • Large suite
  • Separate living area
  • Premium suite category

This approach can help you avoid paying for features you are unlikely to use.

DON'T FORGET THE DECK PLAN

Use the deck plan to choose wisely

One of the most important steps when choosing a PONANT cabin is reviewing the specific ship's deck plan.

Two cabins in the same category may have different positions or layouts.

Look for:

  • Cabin number
  • Deck
  • Window or balcony
  • Nearby public spaces
  • Elevators
  • Stairs
  • Restaurants
  • Lounges
  • Outdoor areas
  • Potentially high-traffic locations

PONANT provides ship-specific cabin information and deck layouts through its vessel pages. For example, its Le Ponant page identifies individual stateroom and suite categories and provides an interactive view of the ship.

CABIN VS SUITE: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If You... Consider...
Spend most of your time exploring A comfortable stateroom that provides the features you need without over-investing in space.
Love watching scenery from your room A balcony stateroom or cabin with a desirable outside view.
Are travelling for an extended period A larger stateroom or suite where additional living space can improve comfort.
Are celebrating a special occasion A suite upgrade if additional space and a more premium accommodation experience are important to you.
Want to maximise your overall holiday budget A well-located standard stateroom and allocate the difference toward flights, hotels, excursions or other experiences.

💡 BlueSun Insight

Don't Automatically Book the Most Expensive Cabin

A common mistake when planning a luxury cruise is assuming that the most expensive cabin automatically provides the best experience.

It doesn't always work that way.

A larger suite is valuable if you will use the additional space. A balcony is valuable if you love sitting outside and watching the scenery. A convenient location is valuable if accessibility or easy movement around the ship is important to you.

But if you plan to spend most of your days on Zodiac excursions, hiking, visiting cultural sites or exploring ashore, you may decide that a well-appointed standard stateroom gives you everything you need.

The best PONANT cabin isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that matches how you actually travel.

Our advice is to decide your priorities first, then compare cabin categories.

That approach can help you spend your cruise budget where it matters most.

7 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PONANT CABIN

Before confirming your cabin, ask these questions

1. What type of view does the cabin have?

Is it a porthole, window, balcony or another configuration?

2. Where exactly is the cabin located?

Check the deck plan rather than relying only on the cabin category.

3. Is the balcony important to me?

If yes, compare balcony cabins carefully.

4. How much time will I spend in the cabin?

The answer may help determine whether upgrading makes financial sense.

5. How long is the cruise?

A cabin that works for seven nights may feel different on a longer voyage.

6. Does the cabin suit my accessibility needs?

Discuss any mobility or accessibility requirements before booking.

7. Is the upgrade worth the difference?

Compare the additional cost against the actual benefits you will receive.

PONANT CABINS FOR DIFFERENT CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Your ideal cabin can also depend on why you're taking the cruise.

Wildlife Cruises

If wildlife viewing is your priority, a balcony may be appealing because it gives you another private viewing position.

However, remember that wildlife encounters are unpredictable. The most memorable experiences may happen during Zodiac excursions or shore landings rather than from your cabin.

Photography Cruises

A balcony can provide additional opportunities for scenic photography, but your itinerary and expedition activities remain more important.

Cultural Cruises

If you're taking a cruise primarily for cultural discovery, you may spend more time ashore. In this case, you might prefer investing more of your budget in the itinerary rather than the largest cabin.

Food & Wine Cruises

Food-focused travellers may prioritise the overall itinerary, dining experiences and destinations over cabin size.

Grand Voyages

On longer voyages, the value of additional space can become more apparent.

A balcony or suite may provide a more comfortable private retreat when you're onboard for an extended period.

PONANT CABIN PLANNING CHECKLIST

Before booking, work through this checklist

✅ Choose your preferred cabin type
Window, porthole, balcony or suite.

✅ Review the specific ship
Cabin categories differ across the fleet.

✅ Check the deck plan
Look at the exact position of your preferred cabin.

✅ Compare cabin sizes
Don't assume cabins within similar categories are identical.

✅ Consider the view
Think about how important natural light and scenery are to you.

✅ Decide whether a balcony matters
Consider your travel style and destination.

✅ Check accessibility
Discuss mobility requirements before booking.

✅ Compare the price difference
Determine whether an upgrade delivers meaningful value.

✅ Consider the voyage length
Longer cruises can make additional space more valuable.

✅ Confirm the exact cabin details
Always verify the current ship-specific description before making your final selection.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs - PONANT Expedition Cruises

Choosing the right PONANT Cruise Cabins can make a big difference to your cruise experience. Here are a few frequently asked questions that our PONANT experts have answered to help you choose the right cabin for your journey.

Have a read through these FAQs, or reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.

The best cabin depends on your priorities. Consider the view, balcony, location, space, accessibility, voyage length and budget. There is no single cabin category that is best for every traveller.

No. PONANT cabin categories, sizes, layouts, capacities and amenities vary between ships. Current PONANT ship and voyage pages show different accommodation configurations across the fleet.

Cabin sizes vary considerably depending on the ship and category. PONANT offers both standard staterooms and larger suites, so it is important to check the specific dimensions of the cabin you're considering.

Yes, selected PONANT ships offer balcony staterooms and suites. However, balcony availability and configuration vary by vessel, so check the specific ship before booking.

It can be, particularly for travellers who enjoy scenery, photography and private outdoor space. However, if you spend most of your time exploring ashore, a lower-priced cabin may provide better overall value.

There isn't one universally best deck. The ideal location depends on the specific ship and your priorities, including views, accessibility, proximity to facilities and personal preference.

A suite can be worthwhile if you value additional space, are travelling for an extended period or want a more premium accommodation experience. Compare the exact suite features and price difference before deciding.

Cabin selection depends on availability and the booking arrangements for your voyage. When a particular cabin location matters to you, it is best to discuss your preference when making your booking.

Accessibility varies by ship, cabin and activity. PONANT provides accessibility information for its ships and advises travellers to discuss specific requirements with its teams before travelling.

It can affect your comfort, space, views and private amenities, but your overall experience is also shaped by the ship, itinerary, destination, excursions and expedition activities.

EXPLORE MORE PONANT CRUISE PLANNING GUIDES

Click on the links below to explore our top cruise experiences

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.

READY TO CHOOSE YOUR PONANT CABIN?

We think you are! Talk to our PONANT Expedition Cruise specialists at BlueSun Travel

CALL THE PONANT EXPERTS NOW

1300 799 758

Find the Cabin That Fits Your Voyage

Your cabin should complement the journey—not compete with it.

Whether you want a practical window stateroom, a private balcony, additional suite space or the most premium accommodation available, the right choice depends on your destination, itinerary, travel style and priorities.

The BlueSun Travel team can help you compare the available PONANT cabins, ship layouts, cabin categories and current cruise options so you can make a more informed decision.

Don't just ask, "Which cabin is cheapest?"

Ask:

"Which cabin will make the most difference to my experience?"

Then choose accordingly.

Contact BlueSun Travel Today

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👉Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758

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If you want to choose the right PONANT Cruise Cabins, talk to our friendly PONANT experts now. We are specialists in Luxury Expedition Cruises and can help you find the perfect cabin for your journey.

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