Unique Features

Clean Ships- all of the Ponant ships are certified as a “Clean Ship” by the French classification society, Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s major ship classification societies. This coveted and seldom-awarded certification recognises that the PONANT fleet—from initial design and construction to seagoing operations—has adopted the most environmentally responsible materials, equipment, and management procedures possible.

Some of these state-of-the-art systems and processes include:

• A silent electric propulsion system, with main engines and electric generators that use advanced control systems and burning light, low-sulphur fuels, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%
  
• All ships are equipped with Dynamic Positioning, a sophisticated computer-controlled system, which allows them to maintain a mooring position without dropping anchor, thus eliminating potential damage to sensitive areas
  
• Black water (sewage) is filtered and treated aboard ship; any solid residues at the end of the process are stored until they can be properly discharged ashore
  
• Grey water (showers, dishwashers, laundry) is treated and recycled for use in cleaning the outside decks
  
• Solid wastes (glass, paper, medical, food, etc.) are sorted, compacted where appropriate, and stored in refrigerated compartments until they can be properly disposed ashore
  
• Bilge-water is treated with ceramic filtration systems to obtain an extremely low hydrocarbon content (less than 5 PPM instead of the regulatory 15 PPM)
  
• The lighting aboard, based on LED and CFR technology, reduces up to 10 times the electrical power required from the ship’s electric generators
  
• Far-sounding sonar, in addition to providing the bridge with 3-D pictures of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes, also minimises the risk of collision with marine mammals.
  

Disabled Facilities

L’AUSTRAL, LE BOREAL, LE SOLEAL and LE LYRIAL have three cabins which are specially adapted for disabled guests (ADA Norms). Nevertheless, for safety reasons, all passengers must either be fully mobile or must be accompanied by a travelling companion fit and able to provide all necessary assistance during the voyage. Please note that animals (including service and/or comfort animals) are not permitted aboard. Persons who are not fully mobile, with physical disabilities or other handicaps requiring special treatment or assistance, including persons who use a wheelchair, must advise PONANT in writing of the nature of such conditions when making a reservation request and by all means before the signature of booking form. PONANT reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify them of such limited mobility, disabilities or need of assistance, whose medical conditions is not compatible with security rules and requirements specific to the navigation area, or who, in the PONANT’s opinion is unfit for travel. Please note that landings are done using zodiacs making them very difficult or even impossible for passengers with limited mobility. Each landing will be subject to Captain and Expedition Leader approval.

Special Dietary Requirements

Please contact the Maitre d' onboard regarding any special dietary needs.

Age Restrictions

Children under 3 years of age and women who are over 6 months pregnant are not authorised to sail. Children between 3 and 8 years old are accepted subject to agreement at the time of booking. If accepted, a liability waiver will have to be completed and returned to PONANT to validate your booking. On expedition cruises, children must be able to disembark/embark by zodiac without assistance and be able to understand and follow safety instructions. Therefore disembarkation is submitted to Captain’s and Expedition Leader’s decision depending on weather conditions and landing sites. In all cases, children and young adults, once on board, are the entire and total responsibility of their parents or guardians.

Children from 8 to 11 years old sharing with 2 adults and Teenagers from 12 to 17 years old, sharing with 1 or 2 adults benefit from special discounts on cruise-only fares; please contact PONANT for more details.

Smoking Policy

All PONANT vessels are non-smoking with the exception of designated areas on outside decks.

Drinks Package

Drinks are included in the price of the cruise. From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, enjoy unlimited drinks at any time of the day.

The Open Bar includes a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).

Does not include à la carte premium alcoholic drinks.

Dress Code

During the day, casual attire is recommended. For the excursions, bring practical clothes and comfortable shoes. Evening attire is at your discretion.