Europe, revisited—one quiet harbour at a time

Unhurried elegance, infinite horizons, secret shores … Ponant Explorations’ luxury fleet delivers destinations of dreams in the off-seasons

Europe has more tricks up her sleeve than the most discerning traveller could ever imagine. Waving the magic wand that unlocks its rewards is the luxury expedition cruise specialist Ponant Explorations whose bespoke fleet embraces thrilling landscapes, cities and coastlines.

Experience Northern and Southern Europe and the North Atlantic, calling in on Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, the Mediterranean, the Italian Riviera, the Dalmatian Coast, the Ionian Sea, and hotspots such as Barcelona, Nice, Corsica and the Côte d’Azur.

Ponant Explorations’ 10 small ships, which accommodate from 32 to 264 passengers, are designed to reach places larger cruise liners can’t, enabling access to secluded ports and hidden harbours, whether sailing from Venice to Athens or navigating the Scottish Isles. Itineraries promise more time ashore, flexible exploration and an introduction to rich local culture.

Timing is everything

Knowing when to visit the world’s most seductive continent is key. Europe doesn’t need peak summer to shine. Guests of Ponant Explorations have the shoulder-season advantage, visiting during spring and autumn months when the days are sun-filled but mild, the pace slower and the crowds smaller.

Stunning off-peak destinations – with a colour palette of dazzling white, inky blue and streaky sunset bronze – come with unrivalled access, comfort and cultural heft. Small group excursions led by local experts are designed to immerse and educate.

The jene sais quoi of the  French Touch

There are as many temptations onboard as there are onshore. Soak up the European sun by the ship’s outdoor pool with alfresco dining. Book spa treatments that use premium products such as Clarins or Sothys Paris. Look forward to entertainment in the theatre, dance shows and live music.

Sip on Veuve Clicquot with your travel companions as a part of your open bar or perhaps indulge in a moment of quite reflection on your private balcony with 24/7 gourmet room service.

A food affair with Ponant

Expect fine food. Dining aboard a PONANT Explorations vessel as you sail European waters is as much a destination as the ports of call themselves. In partnership with Ducasse Conseil, every meal is a celebration of French haute cuisine, crafted from locally sourced regional ingredients and complemented by fine wines poured with every sitting. Panoramic sea views frame the daily menu that balances classical French tradition with the flavours of each destination. Open seating throughout means you dine when, where, and with whom you choose, the very essence of the French art de vivre at sea.

Bienvenue: The finest travel address at sea

True to the company’s foundation by French navel merchant sailors in 1988, PONANT Explorations continues to set a global standard for luxury sustainable travel. One of the stars of the fleet is the three-mast flagship Le Ponant, the first superyacht to be recognised by Relais & Châteaux, a portfolio of the world’s finest travel addresses.

A boutique sailing experience, the 88m vessel has four decks and a 1,212 square metre sail area. With a maximum of 32 guests, 16 elegantly decorated suites, and a crew of 33, Le Ponant is the last word in comfort and service.

This unique three-masted schooner, with its hybrid propulsion system, can rely solely on its sails but can also connect to the electricity network in certain ports to limit its ecological impact. Le Ponant is equipped with a desalination and wastewater treatment system; its biodegradation process works without the use of chemicals. 

France and Corsica starboard

Next year, set sail on Le Ponant to the French Riviera or the Corsican Shores. The French Riviera delivers Nice, Cannes and Monaco, a region rich in glamour, gastronomy and history – a destination for those seeking luxury and relaxation. Corsicaseduces with an abundance of picturesque villages, beaches, and pitch-perfect pizzazz.

The icing on the cake? Ponant Explorations takes care of pre- and post-voyage arrangements, from land transfers and hotel accommodations to embarkation, disembarkation, and flights.

https://au.ponant.com/