PONANT Explorations is unapologetically French — in the best possible way. There’s style, sophistication, and a certain je ne sais quoi, but it never tips into pretension. Think French flair with an international accent: refined, but relaxed.
With 15 vessels (from the 12-passenger sailing catamaran Le Ponant to the 330-passenger Paul Gauguin) exploring close to 100 destinations from pole to pole, every voyage is unique — yet always unmistakably PONANT. My journey aboard Le Jacques Cartier from Auckland to Cairns via Norfolk Island and Vanuatu was part expedition, part ocean voyage, and 100% delightful.
In a nutshell: Sophisticated yet unpretentious — a seamless blend of French style, international spirit, and genuine adventure.
Fellow Travellers
About half our shipmates were French (most comfortably English-speaking), with the rest mainly Australians, Americans, and a few Europeans sprinkled in. The mix worked beautifully, creating a cosmopolitan vibe with plenty of mingling and story-swapping.
There were no language barriers onboard — announcements were made in both French and English. On expedition days, we’d split into English and French Zodiacs for ease of guiding, but by evening everyone reunited — over dinner, drinks, or delightfully quirky events like Karaoke Night or a Charlie Chaplin tribute.
By day 15, we knew everyone by name or at least by cocktail order. The crowd was worldly, curious, and well-travelled — mostly couples, with a healthy number of solo adventurers. PONANT’s frequent “no single supplement” offers make it a brilliant choice for independent travellers or groups who want their own cabin without paying for two berths.
In a nutshell: A cosmopolitan crowd — open-minded, interesting, and quick to turn from fellow travellers into friends.
The Crew
The staff were faultless — friendly, intuitive, and quietly everywhere. Cabins were cleaned twice daily, the mini-bar magically restocked with favourites, and a nightly chocolate appeared (just in case dinner’s three courses hadn’t quite done the job).
The captain, Sylvain, was part seafarer, part celebrity — always ready for a chat or a photo at the helm. The expedition guides were walking encyclopedias, seamlessly blending science, history, and humour. After learning about Vanuatu’s volcanic geology and blackbirding history, I looked at each island with new appreciation.
In a nutshell: Professional yet personable — the crew balance warmth, expertise, and charm with effortless grace.
The Food
Dinner on PONANT isn’t a meal; it’s an event. Multi-course menus, themed evenings, and a Captain’s degustation that could convert even the fussiest eater. Lunch is served in the main dining room or alfresco when weather permits.
Our chef took great pride in his cuisine, often stopping by tables to chat and share his latest inspiration. When possible, he’d head ashore to buy fresh produce, supporting locals and introducing us to new and exotic flavours. One morning he even went fishing and were rewarded with fresh sashimi that evening.
A highlight was the day the entire buffet transformed into a global cheese festival — heaven for dairy devotees. And then there’s afternoon tea: a daily exercise in self-control (which I consistently failed). Mille-feuille, pastries, tiny savouries — the kind you promise to “just look at,” then promptly devour.
Of course, if you're after something simple and comforting, there is always the option of ordering off the favourites menu for the likes of a burger and fries or salmon and salad. The option of room service and a quiet meal in front of the telly can often be just as enticing as a degustation meal in the restaurant.
In a nutshell: Exceptional. International favourites meet French finesse, with fresh bread, fine wine, and pastries worth every calorie.
Life Onboard
The rhythm of ship life settles quickly. I start the day with sunrise yoga, a spin on the treadmill, or a guided walk around the deck — where our conga line of early risers, speakers blasting Bob Marley, wave cheerily to the still-sleepy crowd. It’s a fun way to work up that appetite for an impeccable breakfast, whether you go buffet or à la carte (of which there are infinite ways to have your eggs, all brilliant).
Sea days were made for exploration — a swim in the counter-current pool, Pilates with the ship’s dancers, or simply lazing by the pool with a novel and something chilled in hand.
Expedition days kicked off after breakfast: perhaps a village visit or volcano trek, then back onboard for lunch and a snorkel at a nearby island. By afternoon, everyone’s drifted back for afternoon tea and a little indulgent downtime — maybe a sauna session, a spa treatment, or a quiet corner with a good book.
Evenings flowed from cocktails in the lounge to dinner with new friends, followed by a show, documentary, or nightcap in the underwater Blue Eye Lounge — a softly lit bar where the ocean glows through two vast portholes, the shifting blues and rippling light floating by as if you’re inside a dream (or a washing machine on the ‘delicates’ setting).
In a nutshell: Every comfort and option from active adventure to resort-style relaxation.
Final Thoughts
My PONANT voyage felt like stepping into another world. It was refined yet familiar, adventurous yet effortless. I learned, laughed, relaxed, and left with a few more friends (and kilos)!
Cockatils in the Blue Eye Lounge
Themed 'White Night' aboard Le Jacques Cartier
The sommelier, Frédéric (left), was a star — passionate, witty, and determined to find everyone their perfect wine match.
Expedition guide, Mael, is a marine biologist and a wealth of knowledge on the resident tiger sharks at Norfolk Island.
