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. 

An increasingly cleaner fleet

State-of-the-art technologies aboard the ships, improved waste and waste water treatment, raising the awareness of travellers, future plans that are increasingly innovative in terms of sustainable development...
Every day, PONANT is committed to protecting the environment.

We go above and beyond environmental regulations in force (for example, the MARPOL convention for the prevention of pollution from ships and the Polar Code) by studying ways to help us minimise our impact on the places we visit and of our obligations both towards them and towards the people who live there. Thanks to our efforts, all PONANT ships have been awarded∘ the international “Clean Ship” label, which certifies that we have reduced our environmental impact.

A vigorous policy of drastic reduction in the use of fuel oil for ship operations - Our Objective by 2021 is to use 100% MDO & GNL

• MDO (marine diesel oil) is lighter and less polluting than HFO (heavy fuel oil)
• LNG (liquified natural gas) is currently the greenest∘ fuel on the market (25% less carbon emissions, 85% less nitrogen oxide emissions and 95% less fine particle emissions)

The technology at the heart of PONANT ship designs

• Sonar system for the detection of shoals to avoid contact with icebergs and reefs
• Refrigerant gas (R407C) used for air conditioning and refrigeration units. It has no impact on the ozone layer and a very low impact on the greenhouse∘ gas effect
• Low energy and low heat emitting lighting system (LED and fibre optic based)
• Dynamic positioning system∘ that helps (when needed) maintain a vessel’s position without having to drop anchor in sensitive marine environments such as coral reefs, thereby protecting the seabed
• The latest generators equipped with an integrated electronic control system to optimise their functioning
• Tin-free antifouling paint to protect marine∘ ecosystems as much as possible
• Real-time energy-consumption calculation tools to reduce energy consumption

The first electric hybrid polar ship powered by LNG in the world

PONANT is designing a luxury cruise polar exploration ship. Completed in 2021, it will be fitted with the latest sustainable development technologies and will surpass the requirements of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) 2020 regulation.

• Powered by Liquified Natural Gas
• Precise measurement of consumption and optimisation of ship sailing
• Latest generation electric batteries to reduce energy consumption
• Waste Heat Recovery System
• Energy Optimisation System
• Waste treatment system using HydroThermal Oxidation.

The Icebreaker features perfected “Clean Ship” fittings that go beyond the current industry-standard environmental regulations:

• Reduction of SO2, NOX, CO2 and particle emissions thanks to the use of LNG
• Zero emissions when in electric hybrid mode

Energy management

• Energy optimisation system that precisely measures∘ consumption and optimisation of ship sailing methods
• Waste Heat Recovery System
• Electric output optimised and consumption reduced through the use of latest generation electric batteries

Water Treatment

• Advanced Waste Water Treatment system

Improved Waste & Sewage Treatment

All types of “water” generated aboard our ships are treated to prevent the potential risk of polluting aquatic environments.

Blackwater
is filtered, treated, and reused. At the end of the process, solid waste is stored and unloaded on land, in accordance with standard regulatory procedures.

Greywater
(bath, shower, kitchen, laundry) is recycled and reused∘ to wash external decks.

Bilge water
is treated using ceramic membrane filtration systems to obtain an extremely low content of hydrocarbons: less than 5ppm instead of 15ppm.

Ballast water
is subject to biodecontamination.

Filtered and/or retreated bilge water and ballast water are stored on board, awaiting unloading on land.

During PONANT cruises, the water consumption by passenger is 5 times less than the average consumption of water per person on land.

100% of waste is separated and sorted on board
(solids – liquids – glass – cardboard – food – medicines)

The most modern methods
pulpers / crushers / compactors

Recycling on board
is 60% more effective than on land

At the end of sorting 700g is the average volume of non-recyclable waste, generated by every guest during a cruise. By comparison, the same person would have produced 2.3 kg of waste on land.

On a cruise: everyone’s responsible!

On expedition cruises, PONANT takes its passengers to some of the most remote and wild places on the planet. We are very conscious of our status as privileged guests at the sites we visit, and of our obligations both towards these places and the people who live there.

Additionally, an environmental impact study is carried out before the conception of each new itinerary to ensure that the impact of every landing is only temporary and transitory. We make a biodiversity inventory∘ (fauna, flora, geology) of the places where we plan to disembark. We also prepare access routes that do not impinge on the areas to be preserved. Consequently, we work together with several organisations, such as the TAAF (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises, French Southern and Antarctic Lands), the Seychelles Foundation, the Aldabra Foundation and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.

MINIMIZING WAVES
At sea, we sail at a reduced speed (between 12 and 13.5 knots) to create the least waves possible so as to avoid disturbing marine mammals. When approaching shores, we reduce our speed.

REDUCING NOISE POLLUTION
We limit all the noise made by the ship (airborne and underwater, whether audible to the human ear or not) that may confuse marine species and disturb local populations. We limit announcements aboard the ship and do not allow them outside in case there is fauna nearby.

REDUCING LIGHT POLLUTION
We reduce light produced on board to prevent sea birds from being grounded on the ship. At night, we keep navigation lights to the minimum∘ and we close the curtains in the staterooms.

RESPECTING LOCAL RESOURCES
When appropriate we buy food directly in places where we dock. At ports of call where provisions are limited, we leave the resources for the local populations.

ZERO IMPACT LANDINGS
Every landing is subject to a protocol. This approach mobilises a dedicated team, which makes sure not to have any impact on the ecosystem visited and thereby protect the fauna, flora, and populations.

CLEANING BEACHES
During every landing, we take ashore large rubble bags to pick up any litter found on site. The litter is then sorted and unloaded in a port that is able to accept it.

RAISING THE AWARENESS OF OUR GUESTS
During expedition cruises and Zodiac® trips, guests are accompanied by a team of nature guides. The guides provide guided interpretations∘ on land and speciality lectures. In the near future, we are planning to introduce an “Ambassador Charter” to raise our guests’ awareness of the necessities relating to protecting the environment and of their own role. All our passengers and crew members make a commitment to respect a Code of Good Conduct which has been prepared following our observations and is specific to each destination.

RAISING THE AWARENESS OF THE STAFF
In the same way as for guests, PONANT raises the awareness of its staff and ensures that information is shared with the crew in an inclusive and instructive manner through information meetings before the cruise, signing the area’s charter of good visitor conduct, organising and participating in expedition activities, and coaching on land.

Laundry Service

For optimal comfort, a laundry service* is offered on each of our ships. You will find laundry pricing, bags and slips inside your cabin. During your entire cruise, your steward or stewardess will be available∘ to take care of washing and ironing **your clothing within 48 hours.

*Dry cleaning is not available

**These are paid-for services and will be directly charged to your cabin’s account