Discover PONANT: Luxury Expedition Cruising

Carol and I are excited to share that we’ll soon be embarking on a PONANT expedition voyage from London to Lisbon aboard Le Lapérouse, part of the Smithsonian Journeys collection.

Before we set sail, here’s an introduction to PONANT—why this French-flagged line is beloved by discerning travelers who want intimate ships, expert-led exploration, and effortless luxury.

A Brief History of PONANT

Founded in 1988 by French Merchant Navy officer Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, PONANT set out to blend the spirit of exploration with the elegance of French hospitality. The company’s first vessel, the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, established a boutique, yacht-style approach that remains today. Over the decades PONANT has grown into a fleet of small, modern ships—many featuring innovations like the world-first Blue Eye underwater lounge—while maintaining the French art de vivre at sea and the high standards that come with sailing under the French flag.

A Fleet Designed for Exploration

• The Sisterships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, Le Lyrial): Elegant mid-size ships (~240–264 guests) with a refined, private-yacht ambiance.
• The PONANT Explorers (Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d’Urville, Le Jacques-Cartier, Le Bellot): Sleek expedition ships (~184 guests) purpose-built for immersive discovery—home to the Blue Eye lounge.
• Le Commandant Charcot: A groundbreaking hybrid-electric, LNG-powered polar exploration vessel engineered for high-latitude discovery with a sustainability focus.
• Le Ponant: The original, ultra-intimate sailing yacht (32 guests) for a true small-group yachting experience.
• Paul Gauguin: A South Pacific favorite, sailing Tahiti and her islands with warm Polynesian hospitality.

What’s Included on a PONANT Voyage

• Gourmet French-inspired dining curated with Ducasse Conseil
• Open bar (fine wines, champagne, spirits)
• 24-hour room service and onboard Wi-Fi
• Gratuities, port taxes, and fees
• One included shore excursion in each port of call
• Zodiac cruising/landings on expedition itineraries
• Enrichment programming, lectures, and cultural entertainment
• Welcome and farewell cocktail events

Polar note: On select polar expeditions, guests receive a complimentary parka and the use of expedition boots.

Smithsonian Journeys & The Explorers Club

On select sailings, PONANT partners with world-class institutions to add depth and context:

• Smithsonian Journeys: Two Smithsonian experts (e.g., historians, archaeologists, scientists) sail with guests to offer engaging lectures and casual conversations that bring each destination to life—ideal for English-speaking travelers seeking substance with their style.
• The Explorers Club: Esteemed members share firsthand perspectives on discovery, and on designated voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot, grantees may even conduct ongoing research with insights shared onboard.

Our Itinerary: London to Lisbon

Our Upcoming Journey: London to Lisbon With Smithsonian Journeys

At the end of August, Carol and I will join fellow travelers aboard Le Lapérouse for a 10-day, 9-night voyage along Europe’s western shores—an itinerary that beautifully matches PONANT’s ethos of immersive, elegant exploration. Highlights include:

• London — Embark on the Thames and cruise into the English Channel.
• Caen (Normandy) — Choose from history-rich options, from William the Conqueror’s legacy to the D-Day landing sites.
• Saint-Malo / Mont-Saint-Michel — Explore a storied walled city or visit France’s iconic tidal abbey.
• Bilbao, Spain — Experience Basque culture and modern architecture (think the Guggenheim).
• A Coruña, Spain — See the UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules.
• Vigo & Santiago de Compostela — Discover Galician coastal life or visit the famed pilgrimage city and cathedral.
• Porto, Portugal — Stroll the UNESCO-listed historic center and enjoy port wine traditions.
• Lisbon, Portugal — Disembark in Portugal’s vibrant capital of tile-lined facades and fado.

As a Smithsonian Journeys departure, this voyage features two onboard experts who will frame our days with timely lectures and approachable, small-group discussions—a wonderful fit for curious travelers who appreciate meaning with their luxury.

Sustainability in Action

PONANT is recognized for eco-innovation at sea: “Clean Ship” certifications, advanced water and waste treatment, dynamic positioning to protect seabeds, and energy-efficient systems across the fleet. Flagship Le Commandant Charcot sets a new bar with hybrid-electric, LNG-assisted polar exploration—proof that adventure and responsibility can travel together.

Who Is PONANT Perfect For?

Worldly, discerning travelers who value intimate ships, personalized service, and thoughtful enrichment. Guests often prefer nature, culture, history, and cuisine in equal measure—and appreciate the calm, yacht-like vibe over big-ship bustle. Couples, solos, multigenerational families, and milestone celebrants all find a comfortable home aboard.

Follow Us on Our PONANT Journey

Carol and I are about to experience PONANT for the very first time on our London-to-Lisbon expedition. While we’ve shared what makes this cruise line so intriguing, we’re just as excited as you are to see it firsthand. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be documenting our journey—from life aboard Le Lapérouse to the immersive Smithsonian Journeys programming and the incredible destinations along Europe’s Atlantic coast.

We invite you to follow along with us live:

• Follow us on Facebook for day-to-day updates, photos, and videos.
• Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and highlights from the voyage.

We can’t wait to share our experience with you in real time—and afterward, we’ll report back here with our full impressions to help you decide if a PONANT expedition might be right for your own travels.

For more information or to book a PONANT cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

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