A Relaxed Luxury Cruising Experience with Compagnie du Ponant
For over 25 years, Compagnie du Ponant have offered a relaxed luxurious cruising experience with guests discovering different cultures and enjoying new encounters which bring them even closer to nature.
The Youngest Fleet
Compagnie du Ponant have the youngest fleet of ships in the luxury cruise sector with the newest, Le Lyrial, being launched in 2015. With between just 122 and 132 cabins on each ship, there is a unique atmosphere on board which mirrors sailing on a private yacht. The small size of the ships means they can drop anchor at many destinations which are inaccessible to larger cruise liners.
The sister ships all have a chic, contemporary design throughout, with an impeccable service on board. Each day the French chefs will introduce you to fragrant flavours, delectable cheeses and sweet pastries, and all meals are matched with carefully chosen wines for you to enjoy.
From 2015 onwards, all the ships will have an open bar service where fine wines, champagnes, spirits and soft drinks are included and unlimited from the moment you step on board.
Exciting Destinations
Compagnie du Ponant’s four sister ships have been awarded the “Green Ship” label for their continued commitments to the environment, going beyond regulatory requirements and developing initiatives to support local communities protecting the marine environments and coastlines.
Throughout the summer in 2014 and 2015, Compagnie du Ponant sails through the turquoise waters of the sun-drenched Mediterranean. Our most popular itinerary, Secrets of the Adriatic, uncovers the gems of the Croatian coast on Le Soleal and Le Lyrial, visiting renowned ancient cities and medieval villages including Dubrovnik, Sibenik and Rovinj. Other exciting cruises take in the white-washed towns of the Greek Islands, the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the chic French Riviera.
The five-star expedition cruises offer an unforgettable experience in the remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. Enjoy an adventure with leading specialists on impromptu zodiac excursions to new discoveries and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Le Boreal and Le Soleal introduce you to the stunning remote landscapes of the Arctic in 2015 with unusual itineraries to Spitsbergen, the Northwest Passage and the rarely-visited Russian Far East. See Walruses drifting on floating ice, spot the grey coast of the Arctic fox and watch the majestic Polar Bear step across the ice. 3 exciting itineraries in Antarctica offer guests the chance to take in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula with its snow-capped mountains in unimaginable surroundings. See a pod of playful whales swim close to the ship, see colonies of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins and watch elegant Albatross circle above. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton as you discover the mythical white continent.
3 of the young sister ships will be uncovering the Latin history and cultures of South America in Winter 2015/16, taking in the famous Panama Canal, the incredible Machu Picchu and the meandering Orinco and Amazon rivers. Le Boreal uncovers the beauty of Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands and the Chilean fjords. L’Austral cruises between Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Dakar in South Africa, whilst Le Lyrial voyages from Recife in Brazil to Bridgetown in Barbados, taking in Guyana and Venezuela.