The Most Luxurious Small Ships at Sea

Indulge in the pinnacle of luxury aboard a PONANT small ship, where every detail is meticulously curated for a bespoke, yacht-like experience. This is elegance redefined—crafted for the discerning traveler who seeks not just a journey, but an extraordinary adventure at sea. Read on to learn more about our sophisticated small ships, and the unparalleled PONANT experience that awaits you. 

No other travel experience compares to PONANT. Our luxury small ships were designed for deep exploration and sublime inspiration. Onboard, expansive ocean and coastal vistas unfold as you ease into our elegant design and intimate ambiance. Every itinerary – from the farthest reaches of the polar regions to the enticing ports of the Mediterranean – features exquisite dining inspired by the gourmands of France, wellness opportunities to soothe your body and spirit, enriching talks and presentations that illuminate your destination’s natural and cultural beauty, personalized service fine-tuned to your every need, and access to the world’s most intimate ports that larger ships simply cannot reach.

The beauty of our luxury small ships is the intimacy that they provide. With PONANT, you’ll never feel lost in a crowd. Our largest ship accommodates just 264 passengers, with a guest-to-crew ratio that’s nearly 2:1. This affords you all the pleasures of fine living aboard a small ship: exceptional personal attention from our staff, quiet times on your own strolling the deck or reading a terrific book in a cozy nook, and relaxing in our elegant, streamlined spaces with a small group of like-minded travelers that you’ll actually connect with.  

Settle into Your Private Oasis

Our staterooms and suites are furnished with five-star amenities. Each space is a haven of tranquility, boasting sophisticated décor and expansive windows that invite the stunning seascape inside. After rewarding days of exploration, our lush bedding lulls you into restful slumbers while curated toiletries pamper your senses. Most staterooms offer a private balcony, the perfect spot for sunrise coffees or sunset cocktails. The attention to detail is unmistakable, ensuring that your retreat at sea feels as lavish as the finest resorts.

Elegance at Every Turn 

Throughout the ship, common areas radiate unmatched elegance. Our lounges exude a cosmopolitan air that invites you to unwind, featuring chic furnishings and panoramic ocean views. Here, you can sip a fine vintage or enjoy a signature cocktail crafted by one of our skilled mixologists. The library, lounges, and other quiet corners are adorned with artful décor, providing a sanctuary for moments of solitude and contemplation. Even our onboard theatre, a gathering space for lectures, and our aft hydraulic platform, from which you can swim, kayak, or board a Zodiac, were built to intimate scale. Each space harmonizes style and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere of camaraderie. 

Embark on a Culinary Journey 

Dining aboard a PONANT luxury small ship transcends the ordinary. Our chefs curate a menu that reflects the regions we explore, utilizing fresh, local ingredients to craft exquisite dishes. You’ll indulge in gourmet meals with a French flair, savoring dishes we’ve developed with the advice and expertise of renowned French chef Alain Ducasse. Each meal is paired with an exceptional selection of wines, enhancing the flavors of your dining experience. With attentive service and an ambiance that captivates, every meal becomes a celebration of gastronomy. 

An Exclusive Classroom at Sea 

Speaking of captivating, your luxury experience is accompanied by insightful speakers and cultural enrichment. Our ships serve as the refined setting for distinguished guests and fellow explorers whose specialties range from science to journalism, history to culture. Many are prestigious and groundbreaking adventurers from The Explorers Club. Others are lecturers who sail with us through our collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. More still are scientists we have invited along to conduct marine and environmental research. All bring unique insights that are sure to illuminate your journey. 

A Retreat for the Senses 

Relaxation reigns supreme at our onboard spa, a sanctuary of wellness. Melt into our range of treatments from rejuvenating massages to invigorating facials and other indulgences to refresh body and spirit. Expert therapists and luxurious products such as leading French brands Sothys, Clarins, and Biologique Recherche ensure that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. A well-equipped fitness center, outdoor saltwater heated pool, and hair salon keep you feeling and looking your best throughout your journey.  

Intuitive Service: Personalized Attention 

What truly sets PONANT apart is our commitment to intuitive service. From the moment you step on board, our dedicated staff anticipates your every need. Whether it’s a favorite cocktail delivered to your stateroom, coffee brought to your breakfast table just as you like it, or personalized recommendations for excursions, our attention is seamless and discreet. Put simply, we elevate service to an artform, ensuring you a bespoke experience with a crew that goes out of their way to create a journey that’s truly and wholly yours. 

Access to Hidden Gems 

At PONANT, luxury is also about your destinations. We’re proud to take you to the farthest reaches of the earth … and to the world’s smaller, more intimate ports. It’s all thanks to our small ship size.  

Come ashore in a tiny Inuit coastal village in Arctic Greenland. Visit the residents of a remote island in a Japanese archipelago that industry and development forgot. We’ve curated exclusive experiences in places that larger ships simply cannot reach. It is the height of exclusivity to visit such isolated and breathtaking spots and to meet the people who have called them home all their lives. You’ll immerse yourself in the very essence of each destination, wandering through quaint villages, exploring ancient ruins, or relaxing on secluded beaches – without the crowds typical of mainstream cruise destinations. Such experiences are afforded to no one but the privileged few. 

Commitment to the Environment 

PONANT has long been committed to eco-friendly journeys, and our small ship size helps us realize our mission all the more. As we navigate the world’s oceans, sustainability is our compass. Our small ships are designed with the environment in mind, incorporating cutting-edge technology to minimize our ecological footprint. With reduced emissions and advanced waste management systems, we strive to preserve the natural beauty of the places we visit. We enjoy the peace of mind – and so will you – of knowing that we can lead the way in environmental stewardship while providing unforgettable travel experiences of unparalleled luxury. 

Take our quiz to find which of our unforgettable destinations suits you. And we’ll look forward to seeing you there!