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- LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISES
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PONANT offers more than one way to experience the world. While every voyage combines small-ship cruising with a high level of comfort and service, the experience can vary considerably depending on the ship, destination, itinerary and style of voyage.
For some travellers, the attraction is getting close to wildlife and remote landscapes on an expedition. For others, it may be the combination of a luxury yacht, exceptional cuisine and sophisticated destinations.
The right cruise style depends on what you want to experience, how you like to travel and how much adventure you want along the way.
Our cruise-style guides will help you understand the differences before you choose your ship or itinerary.
There is no single "best" cruise style. The best choice depends on the experience you want to have once you leave the ship.
Choose an Expedition Cruise if you want:
❖ Remote destinations and places that are difficult to reach independently
❖ Wildlife encounters and nature-based experiences
❖ Zodiac® excursions and shore landings
❖ Expert-led exploration
❖ A more active style of travel
❖ Smaller ships capable of accessing unusual destinations
Choose a Luxury Ocean Cruise if you want:
❖ Sophisticated destinations and ports
❖ More traditional cruising
❖ A strong emphasis on dining, service and relaxation
❖ Longer periods at sea
❖ A less expedition-focused experience
Choose a Luxury Yacht Experience if you want:
❖ An intimate, yacht-like atmosphere
❖ Smaller guest numbers
❖ A relaxed and informal onboard environment
❖ Access to smaller ports and coves
❖ The feeling of travelling aboard a private yacht
The important point is that these categories can overlap. PONANT's appeal is precisely that it combines luxury with exploration, particularly on its expedition voyages.
Not every luxury cruise delivers the same experience. PONANT combines French-inspired luxury, small-ship cruising and, on many voyages, expedition-style exploration—but the right voyage for you will depend on your expectations, interests and preferred way of travelling.
Explore our cruise-style guides to understand the differences and find the experience that best matches you.
1. First-Time Luxury Expedition Cruises
New to expedition cruising?
Discover what to expect from your first luxury expedition cruise, from Zodiac® excursions and shore landings to wildlife encounters, expert-led exploration and life onboard a small ship.
We'll explain how expedition cruising works, what makes a luxury expedition different and what first-time guests should consider before booking.
Explore First-Time Luxury Expedition Cruises →
2. Is PONANT Right for You?
Is PONANT the right luxury cruise line for your travel style?
PONANT offers something different from a conventional large-ship cruise. With smaller vessels, fewer guests, distinctive destinations and a strong emphasis on exploration, it appeals to travellers looking for a more intimate and immersive experience.
Discover what makes PONANT different and whether its style of luxury cruising is right for you.
Find Out if PONANT Is Right for You →
3. Expedition Cruise vs Luxury Ocean Cruise
Which type of cruise is right for you?
Expedition cruises and traditional luxury ocean cruises can both deliver exceptional service, dining and accommodation—but the experience beyond the ship can be very different.
Compare destinations, ship size, activities, wildlife, shore excursions, onboard facilities and atmosphere to understand which style best matches your expectations.
Compare Expedition & Luxury Ocean Cruises →
4. Small Ship vs Large Ship Cruises
Does bigger really mean better?
The size of your cruise ship can significantly influence your holiday. Small ships can reach remote destinations and create a more intimate atmosphere, while larger ships generally offer a greater range of facilities, entertainment and dining options.
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of each before deciding which style suits you.
Compare Small & Large Ship Cruises →
5. Luxury Yacht vs Expedition Ship
Luxury yacht or expedition ship—which experience appeals to you?
A luxury yacht cruise and an expedition voyage may both offer intimate ships, exceptional service and beautiful destinations, but they are designed around different experiences.
Compare the atmosphere, activities, destinations, ship design and level of exploration to discover which type of voyage is the better fit.
Compare Luxury Yachts & Expedition Ships →
Which Cruise Style Should You Explore?
| If You're Looking For... | Start Here |
|---|---|
| Your first expedition cruise | First-Time Luxury Expedition Cruises |
| Understanding the PONANT experience | Is PONANT Right for You? |
| Comparing expedition and traditional luxury cruising | Expedition vs Luxury Ocean Cruise |
| Deciding between small and large ships | Small Ship vs Large Ship |
| Choosing between yacht-style luxury and expedition | Luxury Yacht vs Expedition Ship |
One of the defining characteristics of PONANT is the combination of French luxury and expedition-style exploration.
You can spend the morning exploring a remote coastline by Zodiac, return to a beautifully appointed ship for lunch, and then enjoy an elegant dinner in the evening.
That combination makes PONANT particularly interesting for travellers who don't want to choose between adventure and comfort.
It is also why comparing PONANT simply with either a conventional luxury cruise line or a traditional expedition operator doesn't always tell the whole story.
Which Cruise Style Suits You?
| If You Want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Wildlife and remote landscapes | Expedition Cruise |
| Antarctica or the Arctic | Expedition Cruise |
| Kimberley exploration | Expedition Cruise |
| Zodiac adventures | Expedition Cruise |
| Luxury and cultural discovery | Luxury Yacht / Ocean Cruise |
| Small ships | PONANT's smaller vessels |
| Sophisticated ports and cities | Luxury Ocean Cruise |
| Adventure without sacrificing comfort | Luxury Expedition Cruise |
| A yacht-like atmosphere | Luxury Yacht Cruise |
| Your first expedition experience | First-Time Luxury Expedition Cruise |
BlueSun Insight
Don't start by choosing the ship.
Start by deciding how you want to spend your time once you're onboard and ashore. If wildlife, remote landscapes and active exploration are high on your list, an expedition voyage is likely to be the better fit. If your priority is sophisticated destinations, dining and relaxation, a more traditional luxury cruise may suit you better.
Once you've identified the experience you want, choosing the right destination, ship and itinerary becomes considerably easier.
If you need some help on choosing your cruise style, then here are a few questions answered.
Click on the quesions below or call us any time: 1300 799 758.
A luxury cruise generally places greater emphasis on sophisticated destinations, onboard amenities, dining and relaxation. An expedition cruise places greater emphasis on exploration, nature, wildlife and access to remote destinations. PONANT combines elements of both.
PONANT operates both luxury yacht-style and expedition voyages. Its expedition cruises combine the comfort and service associated with luxury cruising with activities such as Zodiac excursions, shore landings and expert-led exploration.
Yes. A luxury expedition cruise can be an excellent introduction to expedition cruising, particularly for travellers who want the adventure and access of an expedition without sacrificing comfort.
Not necessarily. Small ships offer intimacy, fewer guests and access to smaller ports and remote locations, while large ships generally offer more facilities, entertainment and dining choices. The better option depends on what you value.
It depends on the destination and itinerary. Some expeditions involve frequent Zodiac excursions, walking and shore landings, while others are considerably more relaxed. The activity level should always be considered when selecting an itinerary.
Continue exploring other unforgettable ways to discover the world with PONANT:
First-Time Expedition Cruises →
Is PONANT right for you →
Expedition Cruise vs Luxury Ocean Cruise →
Small Ship vs Large Ship Cruises →
Luxury Yacht vs Expedition Ship →
With different ships, destinations and expedition styles available, choosing the right voyage can take more than simply finding a destination you like.
Talk to BlueSun Travel about your travel interests and we'll help you identify the PONANT cruise style, ship and itinerary that best fits the experience you're looking for.
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