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Ponant Cruises

Explore the world’s most remote destinations on a luxury small ship expedition cruise.

Boutique ships and unforgettable adventures

Experience the art of French luxury at sea with Ponant expedition and ocean voyages, where elegant small ships and personalised service take you to the far corners of the globe. 
 
From polar regions to tropical islands, Ponant combines refined onboard comfort with expert-led expeditions and access to secluded ports larger ships can’t reach. From the remote Kimberley coast and shallow lagoon waters of French Polynesia to the ice landscapes of Antarctica—each ship is designed for destination-specific travel. Book from the latest Ponant cruise deals—RACV Members enjoy bonus savings.
 

Ponant cruise deals

1793365200
Shipboard Credit Offer
Enjoy a €1,000 or US$1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom on a French Polynesian escape
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Shipboard Credit Offer: Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply:
 
  • Paul Gauguin - US$1,000 Offer
    • Advertised prices are per person twin/double share in a lower deck balcony stateroom, are subject to change at any time and are inclusive of any valid early booking saving of up to 30%.
    • USD1000 shipboard credit offer is in US dollar, based on double occupancy.
    • Offer is valid for new bookings only, between 1 September and 31 October.
    • Offer is USD500 for single use of cabin.
    • Offer is combinable with Paul Gauguin Bonus Savings, PONANT Yacht Club Savings, Consortia Amenity Programs, Onboard Savings, Referral offer, and roadshow special offer.
    • Offer is not combinable with Free or reduced Solo Supplement, or any other offer.
    • Offer is valid on all Paul Gauguin 2026 & 2027 departures.
  • PONANT - EUR1,000 Offer
    • EUR1,000 shipboard credit offer is based on double occupancy and is valid for new bookings only, between 1 September and 31 October.
    • Offer is EUR500 for single use of cabin.
    • Offer is combinable with Ponant Early Booking Bonus Savings, PONANT Yacht Club Savings, Consortia Amenity Programs, Onboard Savings, Referral offer, and roadshow special offer.
    • Offer is not combinable with Free or reduced Solo Supplement or any other offer.
    • Offer is valid on Le Jacques Cartier French Polynesia 2026 & 2027 cruise including following codes: EX291126, EX131226, EX271226, EX240127, EX141127, EX281127, EX121227, EX261227.
    • Ponant Bonus discounts may vary depending on cruise availability and may be subject to change without previous notice.
 
Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
0
Early Booking Bonus
Book early and save up to 30% off the standard rate of your stateroom or suite
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Early Booking Bonus Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply:
  • Discounts decrease as the cruise fills, so the earlier you book, the more you save.
  • This offer does not apply to the Owner’s Suite.
  • Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
  • Image Credit: Ponant - Nick Rains.
0
Free Solo Supplement
Solo travellers can enjoy the comfort of a double stateroom at no extra cost on selected departures
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Free Solo Supplement Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply:

  • Free Solo Supplement applies to select departures each season. 
  • This offer does not apply to the Owner’s Suite.
  • Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
0
Ponant Discovery Sessions
From Antarctica to Polynesia hear from exclusive guests at an inspiring Ponant event
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Ponant cruise deals
1793365200
Shipboard Credit Offer
Enjoy a €1,000 or US$1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom on a French Polynesian escape
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Shipboard Credit Offer: Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply:
 
  • Paul Gauguin - US$1,000 Offer
    • Advertised prices are per person twin/double share in a lower deck balcony stateroom, are subject to change at any time and are inclusive of any valid early booking saving of up to 30%.
    • USD1000 shipboard credit offer is in US dollar, based on double occupancy.
    • Offer is valid for new bookings only, between 1 September and 31 October.
    • Offer is USD500 for single use of cabin.
    • Offer is combinable with Paul Gauguin Bonus Savings, PONANT Yacht Club Savings, Consortia Amenity Programs, Onboard Savings, Referral offer, and roadshow special offer.
    • Offer is not combinable with Free or reduced Solo Supplement, or any other offer.
    • Offer is valid on all Paul Gauguin 2026 & 2027 departures.
  • PONANT - EUR1,000 Offer
    • EUR1,000 shipboard credit offer is based on double occupancy and is valid for new bookings only, between 1 September and 31 October.
    • Offer is EUR500 for single use of cabin.
    • Offer is combinable with Ponant Early Booking Bonus Savings, PONANT Yacht Club Savings, Consortia Amenity Programs, Onboard Savings, Referral offer, and roadshow special offer.
    • Offer is not combinable with Free or reduced Solo Supplement or any other offer.
    • Offer is valid on Le Jacques Cartier French Polynesia 2026 & 2027 cruise including following codes: EX291126, EX131226, EX271226, EX240127, EX141127, EX281127, EX121227, EX261227.
    • Ponant Bonus discounts may vary depending on cruise availability and may be subject to change without previous notice.
 
Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
0
Early Booking Bonus
Book early and save up to 30% off the standard rate of your stateroom or suite
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Early Booking Bonus Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply:
  • Discounts decrease as the cruise fills, so the earlier you book, the more you save.
  • This offer does not apply to the Owner’s Suite.
  • Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
  • Image Credit: Ponant - Nick Rains.
0
Free Solo Supplement
Solo travellers can enjoy the comfort of a double stateroom at no extra cost on selected departures
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions
Free Solo Supplement Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply:

  • Free Solo Supplement applies to select departures each season. 
  • This offer does not apply to the Owner’s Suite.
  • Further terms and conditions apply; for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Agent when booking.
0
Ponant Discovery Sessions
From Antarctica to Polynesia hear from exclusive guests at an inspiring Ponant event
Enquire online
Learn more
Terms & conditions

Holiday packages

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Why choose RACV?

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We don’t charge any booking fees.

Frequently asked questions

Yes – Ponant offers a truly unique luxury cruise experience on its intimate small ships. Everything onboard is underpinned by the art and elegance of French design and hospitality. Think fine dining, warm and attentive service with a high crew-to-guest ratio, and beautifully styled spaces throughout the ship.  
 
Staterooms are thoughtfully designed and aesthetically pleasing, featuring premium bath products, 24-hour room service, and most with a private balcony. 
 
Across the fleet, each ship carries only a small number of guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a personalised way to explore the world.

Ponant’s passenger capacity varies depending on the ship class—whether it’s a Sailing ship, Explorer ship, Sistership or their Polar Expedition Icebreaker. 
 
At the smallest end of the fleet, the privately chartered sailing yacht La Désirade carries just six guests, while the Spirit of Ponant hosts 12. Larger expedition ships like Le Commandant Charcot accommodate up to 245 guests, and the Sisterships—including Le Soléal—carry up to 264. In the South Pacific, Le Paul Gauguin welcomes 330 guests. 
 
Overall, Ponant’s fleet is designed for intimate, small-ship cruising with a high crew-to-guest ratio. This ensures a high-level of service and allows the ships to reach remote destinations that larger vessels can’t.

Ponant offerings are near-all-inclusive onboard, with the exception of premium beverages. 
 
Dining is a standout, with premium meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  
Breakfast is served in the restaurant or delivered to guests in-room, with pastries, fresh bread, juices and more, and a gourmet afternoon tea is offered daily. Select ships include exclusive French fine dining curated by renowned chefs. Complimentary drinks are included however premium beverages will cost extra.  
 
Guests enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi, 24hour room service, and premium French bath products. Some suites on select ships include a butler service. Most voyages include one excursion per stopover and include trips by Zodiac for local exploration on an expedition cruise, or visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Timeless Voyages. 
 
On most polar expeditions, guests are gifted a complimentary parka. 
Enjoy live music, performances, and expert-led enrichment sessions. Some itineraries include gala dinners hosted by guest chefs, with gourmet food and fine wine tastings.

Gratuities are not compulsory on Ponant cruises, so they’re not included in the cost of your fare, and there’s no requirement to tip the crew once onboard. The tipping of staff is at your discretion.

Yes, drinks are complimentary on Ponant cruises, with a wide selection of unlimited beverages included. Only premium alcoholic beverages listed on the menu come at an additional cost.  
 
Included drinks range from mineral water and soft drinks to wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, and tea. 
 
Enjoy complimentary beverages throughout the ship, including the bar, restaurants, and your room balcony with Ponant’s 24-hour room service and complimentary in-room mini bar which is restocked daily.

Ponant Australia cruises typically depart from Darwin or Broome for their iconic Kimberley expeditions, from Fremantle to explore Western Australia’s coastline, and from Cairns for New Zealand’s South Island.

When packing for your Ponant cruise, include a variety of clothing from casual to elegant pieces to cover you for all activities. 
 
For daytime wear, pack comfortable clothing and supportive footwear for enjoying the ship’s public spaces or exploring destinations ashore. What you need will depend on where you're going. For expedition cruises such as Antarctica, you’ll want to pack warm layers, a beanie or woollen hat, and waterproof gloves. Ponant provides an expedition parka and loan boots for your comfort outdoors. 
In the evenings, opt for smart-casual clothes as shorts and t-shirts are not allowed in restaurants.  
 
On some itineraries, Ponant hosts gala evenings which is a special opportunity to dress up. Women typically wear a cocktail dress or formal gown, while men generally wear a dark suit and tie.

The Privilege Suite features a beautiful design aesthetic which feels like staying in a luxury hotel at sea. In addition to all standard inclusions, guests staying in a Privilege Suite enjoy enhanced benefits such as fully personalised butler service, a spacious lounge area, private balcony and sliding panoramic window, champagne and fruit on arrival, and a fresh fruit basket replenished day.  
 
Privilege suites are found on Ponant’s Explorer-series expedition ships, which are purpose-built for luxurious, small-ship cruising through some of the world’s most remote regions.

Ponant cruises include one excursion per guest, per day, and per port, with the exception of South Pacific sailings on Le Paul Gauguin where complimentary excursions aren’t included. 
 
Depending on the cruise type and itinerary, a range of guided tours are included—either nature focused with naturalist experts or cultural excursions with local guides. 
 
On Timeless Voyages, expect guided walking tours and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Expedition and Discovery Cruises focus on nature and exploration, with guided hikes and access to remote regions, all led by experts.  
 
Polar and tropical expedition voyages include Zodiac excursions, onboard lectures from destination experts, and independent exploration in remote stopovers.  
 
Included excursions can be prebooked from around two months before departure. Optional excursions are also available at an additional cost.
Terms & Conditions

Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.

For more information please see the General Terms and Conditions.