Beyond our great southern land lies…
You only have to look at a map of Australia to realize that we are perfectly positioned to pop over to Papua, to nosy on in to New Zealand or amble our way along to Asia. It’s all right there.
But how you get there, and what you do and see once you arrive can be so much more than you ever imagined.
Whilst cruising has increased year on year in our country, many have yet to experience the wonders of an EXPEDITION cruise.
The lands and peoples within our country and surrounding her, are rich and diverse, with lessons to be learned, friends to be made, and wildernesses to be discovered.
So skip the souvenir shop tour, and join the adventure exploration instead. Really delve into the history, the beauty and incredible opportunity that travel with PONANT on an expedition cruise presents to you.
Take it with both hands and an open heart and discover more of your backyard in a way you never dreamed of, but will always return to…
What is an expedition cruise?
Just like a regular cruise – only better!
An expedition cruise is an adventure with like-minded travellers. Along with all the regular PONANT inclusions like delicious meals and a generous open bar, you also have access to a team of experts in the region you are visiting.
Want to know more about the geology of the Kimberley? Have a hankering to snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Raja Ampat? Maybe you just want to sit with King Penguins in the SubAntarctic. All these activities are included when you choose an expedition cruise over a regular ‘classic’ cruise.
You’ll become an expert in zodiac travel. You’ll learn new appreciations of local customs and crafts. You’ll scan the horizon for native birds and wildlife and hike trails that are rarely visited. All these things will turn an average holiday, into an adventure you can’t wait to tell your friends about.
At the end of a day of discovery, relax in elegant decor in your private stateroom, sleeping in a cloud-like bed, ready to wake up refreshed and do it all again…
So skip the souvenir shop tour, and join the adventure exploration instead. Really delve into the history, the beauty and incredible opportunity that travel with PONANT on an expedition cruise presents to you.
Did you see us at the movies?
You may be visiting this page because you saw our fantastic advertisement at your local movie theatre. If that’s the case, you know a special code word. Just put the code word in the inquiry box at the bottom of this page for special discounts of up to $1200 per person.
(Does not combine with any other offer or discounts – terms and conditions apply. Codeword must be advised at time of quotation and booking. Bookings must be made before 28Feb23 via Cruise Traveller or your travel agent booking with Cruise Traveller stating codeword. Some discounts already shown here may be included in this promotion. )
Caring for the Environment
PONANT’s philosophy of embracing the earth through sustainable tourism features these initiatives:
- Modern ecologically sensitive small ships with cutting-edge technologies
- Strict landing protocols
- Environmental impact studies
- Seabed detectors on all ships, to detect wildlife so that the ship can be slowed to 10 knots
- Electronic dynamic positioning systems so that PONANT ships can hold steady without dropping anchors onto precious reefs and underwater marine environments
- PONANT participates in carbon offsetting schemes to reduce their footprint
- A dedication to Sustainable Development that is respectful of the environment and of indigenous peoples.
- PONANT’s fleet using Low Sulphur Marine gas oil making emissions 10 times lower than current maritime standards.
- Water fountains with a re-useable water bottle for each guest – reducing single use plastics by 200 bottles per day on most ships.
- Each ship has dedicated recycling onboard including glass, paper, hard plastic and cans.
- An onboard Environmental Officer to ensure that all rules and procedures are followed at all times.
- All light bulbs onboard are LED – saving 75% on electricity usage and costs.
- PONANT is the first company in the world to abandon heavy fuel usage
Where to Expedition?
Let us answer this question with a question of our own – how much time do you have?
For culture buffs, look no further than Papua New Guinea, West Papua and the marine parks of Indonesia where rich ancient ways are preserved by these peoples.
If under or on the water is more your focus, then we are spoilt for choice. Consider the world’s aquarium, Raja Ampat, for incredible diving and snorkelling. Or of course, our very own Great Barrier Reef. You may be surprised to learn that there are also many pockets throughout the South Pacific with high visibility and rich marine environments.
Perhaps you’d like to be awed by the scenery? Australia’s Kimberley is one such destination for you. Apart from the magnificent beaches that surround us and our neighbours, you really can’t go past New Zealand’s Fiordland for picture-perfect vistas.
Maybe you’re a wildlife enthusiast? For those of you who live for birds, seals, penguins and all the creatures big and small – try the SubAntarctics, one of the world’s most remote destinations and a nursery for huge colonies of wildlife and bird-life.
Whether it’s a polar, tropical or subtropical expedition, from Antarctica to Papua New Guinea, PONANT gets you up close and personal with unspoilt nature and rich cultures, far from the traditional cruise routes. With more than 20 years of experience in extreme regions, PONANT is a true expedition specialist.
Did you know?
PONANT values your loyalty and referrals. Repeat guests are part of the PONANT Yacht Club. Each and every time you return to Ponant, a savings will be applicable to you. Don’t forget to let the Cruise Traveller team know if you are new or a returning guest, so we can calculate your total savings. If you refer your friends to us for a PONANT cruise, you and your referees will benefit from an AUD $800 discount per stateroom (may not combine with all offers).
Which Ship?
Heading south to our back yard in 2023 and 2024 are these four magical ships. The sister ships Le Laperouse and Le Champlain are purpose-built explorers, small and boutique with beautiful touches and decor that you might find at the finest hotel. For those looking for a little bit larger, Le Soleal has been hosting expeditions for PONANT for many years and are unparalleled experts in our waters. And for those looking for a little smaller, Le Ponant, the fleet’s name-sake is just fresh from a beautiful refurbishment and with only 16 cabins, you can’t get any more personal.
Le Laperouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment, Le Laperouse is complete with lounges, bars, gym, and the unique Blue Eye underwater viewing experience. This intimately sized yacht is designed to be largely open to the exterior, offering a unique type of cruise experience.
Click on the deck plan below for a larger image.
Le Laperouse in summary
Launched: June 2018
Staterooms & Suites: 92
Guest Capacity: up to 184
Crew: 118
Length: 430 feet / 131 metres
Beam: 59 feet / 17.9 metres
Draft: 15 feet / 4.5 metres
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots
Guest Decks: 5
Zodiacs: 9
Gross tonnage: 9976
Ship Facilities:
- Reception Desk
- Boutique
- Zodiacs
- Water Sports including Kayaking & Paddle-Boarding
- Pool Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Solarium
- Pool Bar & Lounge
- Theatre
- Main Lounge
- Restaurant
- Panoramic Lounge
- Spa & Fitness Centre
Le Ponant
The original yacht that started the PONANT fleet – Le Ponant is an intimate sailing yacht. Get to know her story – having undergone a transformation and now heading back to sea, she offers her guests a uniquely exclusive travel experience.
Click on the deck plan below for a larger image
Le Ponant in summary:
Re-furbished: June 2022
Staterooms & Suites: 16
Guest Capacity: up to 32
Crew: 32
Length: 88 metres
Spinnaker: 1000 metres
Draft: 4 metres
Cruising Speed:
Guest Decks: 4
Zodiacs: 4
Gross Tonnage: 1,490
Ship Facilities:
- Reception Desk
- Zodiacs
- Snorkelling and fishing equipment
- Multimedia Lounge
- Emeraude bar and Lounge with library, tearoom, bar and live entertainment on certain evenings.
- Restaurant
- Beauty Space & Fitness Centre
- Jacuzzi
- Sun Deck Bar
Le Champlain
Sister to the four months older Le Laperouse, Le Champlain is another triumph in PONANT’s explorer range of new builds. She hosts specialist guides and experts and her hardware includes lounges, bars, gym, and the unique Blue Eye underwater viewing experience.
Click on the deck plan below for a larger image.
Le Champlain in summary
Launched: October 2018
Staterooms & Suites: 92
Guest Capacity: up to 184
Crew: 118
Length: 430 feet / 131 metres
Beam: 59 feet / 17.9 metres
Draft: 15 feet / 4.5 metres
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots
Guest Decks: 5
Zodiacs: 9
Gross tonnage: 9976
Ship Facilities:
- Reception Desk
- Boutique
- Zodiacs
- Water Sports including Kayaking & Paddle-Boarding
- Pool Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Solarium
- Pool Bar & Lounge
- Theatre
- Main Lounge
- Restaurant
- Panoramic Lounge
- Spa & Fitness Centre
Le Soleal
Le Soleal, like her three sister ships (Lyrial, Boreal & Austral) is the very definition of refined elegance indoors and adventure outdoors. She was designed to reach the farthest reaches of our planet gently and carefully as she goes.
Click on the deck plan below for a larger image
Le Soleal in summary
Launched: 2013
Staterooms & Suites: 132
Guest Capacity: up to 264
Crew: 145
Length: 466 feet / 143 metres
Beam: 59 feet / 17.9 metres
Draft: 15.3 feet / 4.6 metres
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Guest Decks: 6
Zodiacs: 11
Gross Tonnage: 10,944
Ship Facilities:
- Gastronomic Restaurant
- Main Lounge
- Boutique’s
- Medical Centre
- Theatre
- Fitness Centre
- Beauty Salon
- Massage Rooms
- Hair Salon
- Swimming Pool
- Grill Restaurant
- Internet Station
- Library
- Panoramic Lounge
- Panoramic Terrace
- Open Air Bar
- Sun Deck
Did you know?
PONANT regularly offers ‘no single supplement’ savings to guests who book early and wish to travel solo. There’s no need to share if you plan in advance and secure your cabin on one of these great offers. Solo guests are also well taken care of by the head waiter and crew who will make sure your meals are a friendly event.
What’s Included
Real Value
- Accommodation in the stateroom or suite of your choice on one of the above ships
- All shipboard main meals prepared by talented chefs using food sourced where possible directly from the region of travel
- An open bar policy onboard ensures you will never go thirsty. Most beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and juices are included in your fare – whenever you want and wherever you want.
- Join in the Captains Welcome Cocktail and Gala Evening during your cruise
- Onboard entertainment, lectures and events
- 24 hour room service (special menu/selection)
- The services of a highly qualified bi-lingual French/English speaking expedition team
- Zodiac excursions and all off-ship activities on expedition cruises
- Park entry fees where applicable
- PONANT re-usable water bottle
- Port taxes and government fees
Did you know?
PONANT’s program of bonus savings benefits early bookers? Savings of up to 30% can be had on each and every cruise by booking when the itinerary is released. As the ship fills, savings are reduced by 5% increments, until full brochure fare is reached.
Expedition magic in pictures
South Pacific Expeditions
Encompassing the vast Pacific Ocean, tropical expeditions to the islands that call this region home are that magical combination of dazzling vistas and friendly peoples.
Add to this warm waters, shallow reefs and impressive marine environments, and you have a winner. Learn from the locals and re-charge your own soul with an expedition cruise to the South Pacific.
Spend the day out having meaningful encounters with local villages. Sip your complimentary cocktail as you watch the sunset on another glorious day in arguably one of the world’s most peaceful places, in a ship, floating on the South Pacific ocean…
Kimberley Expeditions:
Australia’s Kimberley is one of our national treasures along with her more famous cousins, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru.
The Kimberley is more remote than either of these however, and the best and most convenient way to see her is by sea.
So it makes perfect sense to visit Australia’s far north by expedition ship. This place, where nature rules and where time is immortal, is only enhanced by geologists, marine specialists and naturalists. Your eyes will love her and your heart will remain there long after you go.
Learn and grow in Australia’s ancient land, leaving it as you found it, knowing that it should remain so forever.
Subantarctic Expeditions:
Located in the Southern Ocean are the remote, rugged, wild and beautiful islands of The Subantarctic. These five island groups are home to some of the most abundant and unique flora and fauna found on earth.
Known by their local names – the Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands belong to New Zealand plus Australia’s Macquarie Island.
They are situated in the Southern Ocean between 47° and 54° South, and range in size from the smallest, the Bounty Islands at 135 ha to the largest, Auckland Island at 53,000 ha.
Essentially tiny specks of land in the ocean between New Zealand and Antarctica, they are a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna, with many found nowhere else.
Several small islands in the Snares and Auckland groups have essentially had no human interference at all and are in pristine condition, some of the few places on earth which are literally untouched by humans.
Expect sea lions, cormorants, albatross, and lots and lots of penguins…
Asian Expeditions:
Asia is such a little word for such a large place and the world of expedition cruising is all about discovering the little places in a big world.
From walking the lizard-strewn paths of Komodo Island, to cultural realizations in Japan and pristine diving in
Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, there’s nowhere in Asia that can’t be enhanced by an expedition adventure.
Each year, the cruising calendar changes to this part of the world, providing more opportunities annually to discover a new little piece of Asia in a meaningful way.
Monkeys, birds, lizards, whales, marine life and so much more, Asia is a haven for those who want to connect with our planet, in a place ‘just up the road’.
Try trans-Asia expeditions that travel to or from Australia for even greater opportunities.
Papua New Guinea Expeditions:
Idyllic islands, isolated villages, happy villagers, diverse cultures, underwater adventures, deserted beaches, unique birdlife, dramatic landscapes and fascinating geology… the list is truly endless when it comes to Papua New Guinea.
One of our closest neighbours and yet worlds apart in so many ways, the rugged landscapes have meant a unique ecology and ancient culture.
Travel up the river by zodiac as children in canoes paddle beside you. Watch dancers dare the flames in ancient dance and listen to the songs of their forefathers with wisdom in every verse.
There’s simply no place like Papua New Guinea anywhere else on this beautiful earth.
Talk local expedition cruising aboard a PONANT cruise ship with an Australian expert at Cruise Traveller.
If you’ve been inspired to book or want to find out more about a particular destination, ship or voyage, please submit your details below.
* Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to individual offers for details. Information and images provided by Ponant Cruises.