Cruise Lines

Avalon Cares

From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Immersed in enlightening experiences, we naturally gain a deeper appreciation – one that leads to greater compassion, consideration and curiosity as we ask ourselves, what else can we do to protect our planet, preserve our sacred places and help humankind?

Enter the Avalon Waterways® Lighthouse Project – an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe’s greater good. Avalon, along with sister companies Globus, Cosmos and Monograms, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

KEEPING THE WORLD IN ITS BEST LIGHT.

While nothing is more exciting than tracing the paths of historic legends, doing so with the most minimal footprint excites us even more. We make every effort to conserve and preserve in each destination we visit by helping to protect the waterways, wild places, and wildlife by supporting and shining a light on organizations that do the same.

Keeping the blue planet green.

We love caring for the world just as much as we love sharing it with you! By booking an Avalon river cruise, you’re helping us do just that! When you book a cruise with Avalon Waterways, we contribute to environmental organizations that work to improve the health of our planet. Cruise easy knowing we’ve made a donation to The Ocean CleanUp and Trees4Travel—two leading champions of cleaner water and air. And on behalf of every guest, Avalon purchases trees via Trees4Travel to offset your cruise’s carbon emissions, ensuring together that we’re keeping our promise to Mother Earth to be the most sustainable cruise option available. Enjoy the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming adventure as you review your travel documents, while making a difference in the world we discover together. You can also make an additional donation of your own to Trees4Travel or The Ocean Cleanup to help make the world even greener!

A Cleaner Planet is the Best Reward.

Avalon Waterways has been honoured by Europe’s Green Award—recognised for our Suite ShipSM; fleet's high safety and environmental standards. This prestigious award is given to river cruise ships based on the environmental impact of engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance, pollution prevention, and more.

The planet-focused initiatives we support include:

• The Ocean Cleanup
• Trees4Travel
• Wildland Firefighter Association
• Vital Ground Foundation – Grizzly Bear Recovery*
• Wildlife Conservation Network, Lion Recovery Fund
• South African Parks Honorary Rangers

*visited on trip

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organizations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

• Monkey Rehabilitation Center, Brazil
• Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Baby Elephant & Rhino Rescue, Kenya
• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China
• National Kiwi Conservation Project, New Zealand
• Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Australia
• The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia 

HELPING THE COMMUNITIES OF THE WORLD SHINE.

It’s not just the splendid landscapes and landmarks that make travel so rewarding – it’s the unique people we meet along the way and the cultures they hold dear. We are dedicated to protecting, respecting and supporting the extraordinary communities of the world as well as improving the individual lives within them. The measure of the Lighthouse Project’s success? – The megawatt smiles we see along the way.

The people-focused organizations we support include:

• Landmine Design
• UNICEF
• Rural Aid

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organizations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

• Local orphanage, Cambodia
• Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity
• KOTO Hospitality Training Center, Vietnam
• Local school English class, Cambodia
• Local school, Tanzania
• Indigenous Amazon communities (via lodge stays), Ecuador and Peru
• Home visits, Peru

REFLECTING ON THE PAST; BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE.

The parks, palaces, museums and monuments we enjoy today are the result of previous generations passionately committed to preservation. By way of the Lighthouse Project, we aim to pay it forward – staying light years ahead of preservation – so that future generations can enjoy the same glorious places to relax, renew and reflect.

While every one of our destinations is precious to us, here are some of the sights and attractions we have supported – many of which we also visit on trip:

• National Civil Rights Museum, Tennessee*
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho*
• Yosemite National Park, Nevada, California*
• Squamish Lil’Wat Centre, British Columbia*
• USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii*

*Visit on trip

• World War II Memorial Museum, Louisiana
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico*
• Alaska Native American Heritage Center, Alaska*
• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Alberta*
• Museum of the Cherokee Indian, North Carolina*

Additionally, Avalon Waterways’ team members take pride in being active participants in the travel community, spearheading and participating in dozens of volunteer programs and events.

INCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Azamara cruises amenities are anything but average. Little luxuries, specialized services, on board events, drinks and dining—everything you can imagine is within reach and included in your cruise fare.

PERSONALISED COMFORT

We're in pursuit of perfected service, down to every last detail. Welcome to a world of warm-hearted hospitality tailored to you, that exudes the spirit of community and connection.

Every day, our team on board and ashore lives the Carnival Values:

• Ensure safe, responsible and secure operations
• Warmly welcome our guests and team members to our home, making them feel a part of the Carnival family
• Embrace our diversity and be inclusive
• Engage by being friendly, smiling and using names
• Show trust, care and respect for each other, our ships and the environment
• Anticipate needs, respond rapidly & own issues until they are resolved
• Live & share a positive attitude
• Show pride in our jobs and our company
• Include fun in everything we do!

Outdoor Spaces to Relax

Your batteries need a recharge, but you want to be out and about. Choose from our uncanny resort deck, one of a kind lawn club, or chic rooftop terrace. Or, feel free to unwind poolside. Mozy into a hot tub or two before grabbing a bite and a drink at mast grill.

We'll Get the Check

Sure, we have convenient market-place style dining venues influenced by international cuisine to go along with our casual cafés and poolside grills. Not to mention our more upscale and destination-inspired restaurants. All of these places to eat are included with your cruise. So go ahead, try them all and leave the checks to us.

Great Little Spot(s)

What’s the point of an included beverage package without the right places to enjoy it? An essential part of a luxurious and relaxing vacation is finding the perfect cruise bar to match your mood and occasion. You will not want to miss Eden on Edge Series® or Sunset bar, where watching your worries fade away becomes an evening ritual.

Free Time Is Family Time

It’s not about just spending time together, it’s how you spend it. You won’t spend a dime on the various complimentary activities for kids, parents, and grandparents. Spend quality time together and create memories that will remain long after your vacation ends.

Skip the Ticket Office

You guessed it. Also included are our award-winning theatre shows, live music, enrichment talks, activities and events. If you think you know cruise entertainment –think again. This is Celebrity Cruises®. The entertainment and activities on board our fleet is just as revolutionary as the ships themselves. From street-style interactive installations to elaborate production shows in our state-of-the-art theatres, a range of activities and entertainment awaits you without any lines for you to wait in.

Celebrity Activities

Be the life of your vacation and discover your best self. Let your passions lead the way for you to savour, discover, renew, and play. 

Live Music

Feel free to enjoy live music all over the ship, day and night. From intimate-set venues ripe for interaction or relaxing pool deck rhythms to lively sets that keep you moving.  

Events and Parties

This isn’t just decade-themed parties. Move freely from popular game shows like Deal or No Deal to cult-classic Silent Disco. Check out the circus-style act in The Club, take your chill to the next level in Eden, and uncover your mystique at Masque. That’s just a start.

The Theatre

First-time and avid cruisers alike are bound to be surprised by our boundless innovation and immersive theatre technology paired with fresh productions. So grab a drink after dinner and get to your seats. You won’t want to miss this.  

Camp at Sea Is Covered

Not the same old camp by the lake. And, by the way, it’s covered in your fare. We’ve created four fun-filled categories of interest—Art, Recreation, Culinary, and S.T.E.M., and have designed hundreds of activities overall. Our Youth Counsellors design daily programming that keeps everyone entertained, engaged, and wanting more. 

Private Theatre Boxes

Designed in a classic opera house style, The Royal Theatre features 20 private Royal Boxes which are available for passengers to reserve. These glamorous private boxes, provide passengers with an intimate environment to spend an unforgettable night at the theatre.

Signature White Star Service

Cunard is famous for it's signature White Star Service; The Queen Elizabeth is no exception. White gloved officers and crew on hand to provide the highest standards of service.

Illuminations Planetarium

The ship's fantastic Illuminations movie theatre also converts into the only planetarium at sea. Seating 150 guests, shows run approximately four times per sea day. Passengers can enjoy high-tech programmes, including astronomy shows and virtual reality movies underneath the impressive planetarium dome

Insights

The wonderful Cunard Insights programme provides a wide range of speakers, from explorers, academics and historians to scientists, novelists and biographers. Former ambassadors and politicians, award winning actors and film makers have also given talks on historical and contemporary issues.

Our commitment to a sustainable future

Emerald Cruises’ Cherish the Planet ethos is our commitment to creating positive changes through sustainable practices and rich community partnerships. Built in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our sustainability agenda reinforces a commitment to environmentally responsible tourism and protecting the locations we operate in.

We aim to leave as small a footprint as possible while proudly forming positive and enriching associations with the communities we visit.

1. Leave No Waste

As we constantly look at new ways to reduce our waste print, we are proud to announce that in 2023 we will have eliminated all guest single-use plastic on board all Emerald Cruises vessels around the world, both river & ocean. This will be achieved by removing plastic drink bottles and straws, offering complimentary refillable bottles to guests and filtered water stations across our ships and introducing refillable toiletries in our suites featuring premium spa brands.

2. Rebalancing CO2 Emissions

We are committed to designing and operating our ships efficiently and sustainably to reduce the impact of fuel consumption on the environment. We have partnered with an accredited independent third party organisation to calculate the average carbon footprint of our guests on each of the journeys we operate globally. This data will be used to set tangible targets for reducing our carbon footprint.

3. Sourcing Sustainably

As we cruise through Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, fresh produce is sourced from the local markets and the on board herb garden (available on selected ships). Our goal is to source sustainably every step of the way, to support the communities we visit, and to avoid the extensive carbon footprint of food storage and transportation. Everyone at Emerald Cruises is committed to the Cherish the Planet ethos guidelines to procure, contract, and source all levels of suppliers and partners sustainably.

4. Growing with Communities

We are committed to meaningful and respectful cultural interactions with the communities we visit. In consultation with local leaders and third-party organisations, we have developed and implemented sustainably aligned guidelines to include at least one Cherish the Planet experience in each itinerary we offer. Our goal is to ensure local businesses benefit from our guests visiting their region, as we work together towards a sustainable future.

5. Grow from Within - Value Diversity

The people at Emerald Cruises are at the very core of what makes our journeys truly memorable. We value diversity and currently employ over 50 nationalities from across the globe. We believe it is a strength to have different perspectives and that it helps us find the best solutions and services for our guests. We treat all crew and employees equally, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, race, or religion.

6. Advocate Health, Safety & Security

We have created an engaging workplace that supports the wellbeing of our staff, prioritising health and safety. To ensure every staff member is fully immersed in our Cherish the Planet ethos, we provide extensive and continuous training to support their wellbeing and to promote health and safety as a priority.

European Star-Ships

• All engines comply with the strictest EU rules for inland waterways ships (EPA Tier 3, IMO II, EU IW)
• All ships have state of the art sewage treatment plants (with membrane filters).
• Separation of all waste for recycling
• Land based waste disposal
• Flotation units to separate fat/grease
• Anti-.fouling coating in accordance with the Inland Waterways Rhine regulations
• All ships equipped with connect to land based electric power provider (subject to existing land based infrastructure)

Southeast Asia Star-Ship

• Built to European safety and emission standards
• A bow thruster allows her to manoeuvre safely through the busy Chao Gao canal, enabling you to enjoy unique access right into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Goes beyond the local regulatory requirements for fire protection - Marine grade sandwich panels have been used throughout the ship. Critical for both fire protection and blocking internal and external noise pollution.
• Surpasses local regulatory hygiene requirements - All the water on our ship is treated with reverse osmosis, UV and carbon filters, and the ship has a centralised hot water system. This ensures not only that hot water is always quickly and readily available, but also that it is constantly kept at the correct temperature to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
• All engines, ventilators, generators and exhaust lines are flexibly mounted to minimise vibrations and maximise sailing comfort. 

Luxury Yachts

• Built to comply with stability regulations and requirements.
• Retractable fin stabilisers to enhance guest comfort, so yacht can operate in any weather.
• Electro-hydraulic steering gear with two high-lift fishtail rudders.
• An electric bow thruster.
• Energy efficient and ecologically friendly yacht design.
• Advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology to improve air quality.
• Recycled energy from exhaust gases used to heat water for the yachts needs.
• All engines comply with the IMO tier III emission regulations.
• Sewage treatment meets strongest requirements that allow us to sail in special areas.
• MARPOL compliant to prevent the pollution of marine environment by yachts.

The world of cruising is changing.

Cruise ships that are ever bigger, ever busier and (some would say) ever brasher, are beginning to dominate and there are many guests looking for an alternative.

We stand up for the smaller ship experience because we know that is what our guests would rather choose: an experience that makes the most of the beauty of the journey and the nature and culture of the destinations along the way. An experience that’s elegant and relaxed, rather than busy and brash.

So, our purpose here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is to stand up for a different way of cruising.

We call this way The Olsen Way. It is people-sized, not super-sized.

WE ARE PEOPLE-SIZED, NOT SUPER SIZED

We are incredibly proud of our fleet of 4 smaller ships; Bolette, Borealis, Balmoral and our smallest ship, Braemar. Each has been elegantly designed and they all look and feel like ships (not hotels or holiday resorts); with wide open deck spaces as well as lounges and restaurants which have been meticulously planned to ensure you have a wonderful experience.

With fewer guests, our crew can really get to know you and what you like. And the atmosphere on board our ships is always warm and civilised.

The smaller size of our ships also allows us access to more interesting places, such as Norway’s lesser known Fjords as well as European cities with narrow waterways and size-restricted bridges. It also means we can dock in the heart of some of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Hebridean Princess - Twice Chartered by HM The Queen

Hebridean Princess has been chartered by Queen Elizabeth II on two separate occasions for family holidays around the Scottish Islands. The first time, to mark her 80th birthday in July 2006, and the second for two weeks in July 2010.

Holland America Line Core Values

Safeguard Ourselves and Our Environment

We care for the well-being of each other, our guests, and the planet. We strive to do the right thing, always.

Take Pride in Every Action

We go the extra mile to assist guests and team members, and recognize that every interaction is important, no matter how big or small.

Are Curious and Ever-Evolving

We welcome new ideas and innovation, keep an open mind to facilitate change and deeper connections, and seek opportunities to improve.

Celebrate Our Differences

We promote an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential, trust each team member acts with best intentions, and embrace diversity as key to our success.

Our strategy for sustainability

In our report, you can read about where we are today, our goals for the future, and how we will achieve better sustainability across four main areas:

• Sea Zero is our flagship project of sailing a zero-emission ship by 2030. We are also working on environmental upgrades for all seven of our ships
• Build Local Communities aims to strengthen coastal communities by continuing to support local businesses and creating ripple effects
• Green Guest Experience will provide guests with a more sustainable travel experience by offering more environmentally friendly options
• Through Our People, we want to create a better workplace for our employees, with a focus on health, safety, and welfare

Taking Sustainability Seriously

Exploring our blue planet for more than a century has taught us the importance of being green.

Meaningful Change

As a result, we are now supporting 41 environmental, cultural and social projects in 11 different countries. These range from helping endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest and protecting Galápagos seabirds, to securing safe spaces for vulnerable Greenlandic children and enabling community storytelling for the Itquamavit elders in Canada’s frozen north. We hope that the ripples we create today will one day turn into the waves of the future.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.

After all, it’s not about us, it’s about all of us.

Saying Goodbye to Plastic

We announced our war on plastics in 2018 when we were the first expedition company to ban non-essential single-use plastic throughout our entire operation. That means you won’t find items like plastic cups, plastic straws or plastic cutlery on board our ships. You also won’t see our shops selling microplastic-made fleeces but stocking natural wool clothing instead.

Absent too are plastic water bottles. We provide all our guests on an expedition cruise with a complimentary high-quality reusable bottle for use at water refill stations dotted around the ship. This simple act saves at least 1,000 plastic bottles a day on some of our larger ships.

Inspiring Environmental Ambassadors

Witnessing the beauty of our planet is sure to leave a lasting impression on you, and you’ll talk enthusiastically about these stunning destinations with friends and family for decades to come. To make sure you can speak informatively when you return home, every one of our expedition cruises has a focus on the environment.

The Expedition Team give lectures that raise awareness of climate change, ocean plastic, and the measures we can all take to help ease these issues. It is our hope that engaging with nature on our expedition cruises will inspire you to do all you can to cherish and protect the precious world we all share.

Connecting With Communities

We are dedicated to supporting the local communities we visit, and to creating beneficial ripple effects that continue long after we’ve left. By trading locally and sourcing services such as food produce and excursions from local suppliers, we contribute to the livelihood and welfare of people.

We strive not only to connect with these communities, but to share genuine friendship with them while always respecting their values and customs. As guests in their home, our emphasis is on appreciating their unique culture and ensuring our interactions are positive and upbuilding for all. You can therefore enjoy authentic experiences knowing your visit is doing good, both for you and for them.

A Footprint We’re Proud Of

You’ll likely encounter a range of wildlife during your expedition, doing so from a safe distance. We’ll be sure to never get too close to them, out of respect for their welfare as much as yours. By not disturbing wildlife with our presence, you’ll be able to observe their natural behaviour, in their natural habitat. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! In fact, in many of the areas we visit in Antarctica, we even specifically wipe out our footprints so as to prevent penguins tripping and falling into them.

Working Together As One

Sustainability isn’t something we can do alone. Everyone in our industry needs to work together for a greener future. We are therefore founding members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These trade member organisations work to establish sustainable tourism in polar regions, fighting mass tourism by limiting ships and shore visits, and creating guidelines that protect fragile environments and rare wildlife.

We’ve also committed ourselves to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These guiding principles will take us steps ahead of current regulations to offer you greener and more sustainable expedition cruises on and for the planet.

Serving Planet-Friendly Plant-Based Food

We offer full menus of delicious plant-based dishes that will impress even those yet to be convinced by this way of eating. These meals not only have low or even zero CO2 footprints, they also promote healthier living and prove conclusively that vegan and vegetarian cuisine can still taste great. We’ve also put in place food management waste programmes on all our ships, aiming to reduce food waste by at least 30%.

Investing in Green Tech

Building our two new hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, represents the biggest investment in our almost 130 years of history. They are packed with ground-breaking green technology, such as battery packs, heat recovery systems, and a cutting-edge hull design. These innovations combined reduce carbon emissions by more than 20 %, compared to other cruise ships of the same size.

Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and campaign for its worldwide ban. To set a new standard, we are also considering a range of new, green fuel options, including biofuels made from organic waste.

Doing Your Part

There are a range of simple things you can get involved in during your cruise to do your bit. Help out on a beach clean-up where the refuse we collect is brought back onto the ship to be recycled. Citizen Science projects get you to observe our natural world closely and contribute to current research.

Even hanging a tag on your cabin door to say your towels and bed sheets don’t need changing can save energy and water. You also have the option to donate to the Hurtigruten Foundation which funds projects around the world.

We are setting a new, more sustainable standard for expedition cruising. You can be sure we will continue with our commitment to sustainability; leading the way with green tech, protecting our planet, supporting local communities, and inspiring more to action.

With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as our compass, our cruises to the planet’s most stunning corners are where explorers can truly feel at home.

Marella Cruises are suitable for couples and families (a Kids’ Club is available throughout the fleet).

Tailor the number of days you wish your trip to be: 9, 10, 11, 12 nights or the traditional 7 and 14, it is all about you and what you want. With nearly 18,000 employees worldwide, the crew will cater to your every need.

MSC Yacht Club | An exclusive haven of refinement

Discover a ship within a ship through our exclusive MSC Yacht Club, a place where you can savour exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice. A place where you can indulge in the luxury of a private club while enjoying access to a myriad of recreation and entertainment possibilities that the ship has to offer.

Lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are just the beginning of these exclusive cruise experiences. Welcome to the MSC Yacht Club, a cruise experience like no other.

You can discover the ultimate in MSC exclusivity with the MSC Yacht Club, selectively available on board: MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa.

Private venues for total tranquillity

Luxurious accommodation and exclusive services are only the beginning. The MSC Yacht Club also boasts a range of superb private areas, from the elegant Top Sail Lounge with its panoramic views to the stylish restaurant and the One Pool Deck complete with private swimming pool, whirlpool baths, sun deck and bar.

Comfort beyond comparison

Created by renowned architects De Jorio Design International, each MSC Yacht Club Suite offers uncompromising luxury with a wealth of exclusive features.

Egyptian cotton sheets, memory foam mattress and a choice of pillows ensure a great night’s sleep in your Yacht Club suite. Your 24-hour Butler is on hand for anything you might need and the complimentary mini bar provides round-the-clock refreshment for you to make the most of your luxury cruise.

Enjoy movies and entertainment on the widescreen TV, or admire the outstanding views from your panoramic window or private balcony.

Fine dining taken to a new height

MSC Cruises is renowned for the quality of its cuisine, and the MSC Yacht Club is no exception.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a fully dedicated restaurant, with sophisticated à la carte menus, ranging from deliciously healthy to superb indulgent.

In addition, the Top Sail Lounge and The One Pool offer a wide range of buffet snacks throughout the day.

A sanctuary of wellbeing and relaxation

Step into a world of wellbeing and relaxation in the MSC Aurea Spa where you can pamper yourself with a choice of revitalising health and beauty treatments, including aromatherapy and Balinese massage.

As a guest of the MSC Yacht Club you can take advantage of complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa.

Exclusive shopping and extraordinary excursions

In addition to the many privileges already included with MSC Yacht Club, there are also other ways to enhance your experience of luxury. If you didn’t get a chance to browse the onboard boutiques, members of the Yacht Club can book private, out-of-hours shopping with their Butler or enjoy exclusive jewellery viewing in the comfort of their own suite directly onboard.

As an MSC Yacht Club member, not only can you choose from the wide range of MSC excursions, luxury cruises and guided tours on offer, but you can also design your own. Our Butlers and Concierge staff are on hand to offer your personal advice to ensure your experience of every port of call is perfect.

We remain committed to being a responsible corporate citizen by fostering a culture of awareness and respect for our world's resources. Our core company values extend beyond our ships and encourages the preservation of the precious natural resources that are integral to our success. Our ability to offer fantastic guest experiences relies on the clean and healthy marine environment and well-being of the destinations we visit.

Your World. Your Way.®

Our unique itineraries are specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera and Vista are all small and luxurious, each ship can call on the world’s most desirable ports, from historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparkling coastlines.

Paul Gauguin Cruises was created with the intent to provide enjoyable and meaningful travel experiences to this unique part of the planet. We care deeply, not only for our guests, but for the communities, cultures and natural wonders that make Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific so alluring. We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and supporting local communities, while maximizing your experience of Polynesia's vivid, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural beauty.

Caring for Culture

• Participating directly in French Polynesia’s many rich traditions leads to deeper, more meaningful connections, and we strive to infuse the Polynesian spirit into everything we do.
• Cultural experts share their knowledge onboard through dynamic and entertaining lectures and presentations.
• Our troupe of cultural ambassadors, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, welcome guests to experience the local way of life.
• Guests have ample opportunities to delve into the culture: learn to weave a hei from freshly-plucked flowers; join in on traditional dance performances; and learn to strum a ukulele.
• Experience regional cuisine like moonfish and traditional roasted suckling pig, on board and on optional shore excursions.
• Enhance weddings, anniversaries, and vow renewals with a traditional Polynesian blessing ceremony.

Caring for the Environment

We share the French Polynesians’ deep respect for our vast blue oceans, and our commitment to eco-friendly operations guides our activities both on and off the ship.

• Through our partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, we offer the Moana Explorer program which invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-15, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures.
• Attend a presentation on select voyages where celebrated marine biologists, oceanographers, conservationists, and cultural experts share their knowledge through dynamic presentations and Q&A sessions.
• Explore the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity up close through an optional SCUBA excursion or certification course, where gray reef sharks, giant octopi, and kaleidoscopic parrotfish can be spotted.

Caring for People

We believe in sustainable travel that benefits both guests and island communities alike. Our cruises are designed to give back to local peoples and support local businesses.

• Experience Tonga’s bygone traditions though live demonstrations, like weaving clothing from bark in the local botanical garden, while learning about ongoing plant conservation efforts.
• Get a taste for Polynesian life today by visiting a local marketplace, where you can you find authentic souvenirs to bring back home.
• Explore vestiges of marae (ancient temples) and stroll through pineapple plantations on an excursion with a local guide whose personal insight and stories will provide you with deeper understanding.
• Journey to a small black pearl farm, where you will learn firsthand about local oysters and the process of cultivating one of the world’s favorite jewelry items.

For more than 30 years, PONANT has been taking its cruise guests to the planet's most remote, hidden and out-of-the-way locations, places where nature reigns supreme. Making this choice entails responsibilities towards the ecosystems that compose these places and the communities that live in them. In order to stay at the forefront of innovation, the company works on a day-to-day basis to promote a more responsible and more sustainable form of tourism through its PONANT Blue Horizon programme.

PONANT continues to optimise its environmental performance through 6 strategic commitments:

• Minimise nitrogen and sulphur oxide emissions
• Reduce CO² emissions
• Eliminate single use plastics
• Reuse and trace all our waste
• Embark scientific research teams
• Support the creation of Marine Protected Areas

Our everyday actions

Our commitment translates to concrete everyday actions, particularly in terms of the controlled and responsible approach we adopt towards what we use and consume onboard our ships, and also in terms of supporting research, awareness-raising and conversation projects around the world.

PONANT Foundation

Established in 2018, the PONANT Foundation's goal is to conserve the oceans and poles and to promote exchanges between populations. In order to do this, we commit to supporting innovative initiatives led by researches, NGO, start-ups or businesses working to preserve oceans, build scientific knowledge about the polar regions and interact with indigenous populations.

An international recognition

PONANT is setting an inspiring example and leading the way. Our actions in favour of the environment are regularly rewarded and relayed at both a national level and internationally.