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. 

Disabled Facilities

Our sisterships were designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility:

• Three specially designed cabins (307, 407, 509)
  
• Access ramps allowing easy access to the communal areas
  
• Notices, signs and cabin numbers are also translated into Braille.
  

Note, however, that all passengers must be self-sufficient or travelling with a friend or relative who can provide any assistance necessary during the cruise.

If a person is not considered fit enough to travel safely, the company reserves the right to refuse to let them board the ship. To ensure the well-being and safety of the passenger, the Captain’s permission is required to disembark in difficult areas or to travel in a Zodiac®.

If you take specific medications, please let us know on the information sheet you fill in prior to departure, then inform our crew when boarding and ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your cruise.

There is a medical centre on each of our ships. Consultation times will be included each day in your copy of the daily programme, however the doctor is available at all times for emergencies. On excursions, you will always be accompanied by either the doctor or the nurse.

There is a fee for consultations with the doctor or nurse aboard the ship. The price is likely to vary depending on the time and place of the consultation (hospital or cabin). You must also pay for any medicines dispensed or prescribed.

Dietary Requirements

If you have specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, diabetic, low-kilojoule, gluten-free) or suffer from allergies, this must be clearly stated at the time of booking. Special menus will then be provided for you throughout your cruise. 

Age Restrictions

Children under the age of three are not allowed aboard our ships.

For children aged three to eight, permission to board the ship must be requested by writing to PONANT. If permission is granted, a liability waiver must be filled out and returned to PONANT to confirm the booking. More specifically, during all expedition cruises, including to the Arctic and Antarctic, children must be completely autonomous during Zodiac landings, and they must immediately understand and respond to instructions given by the adults in charge.

Consequently, their participation in such landings will be subject to approval from the Captain and the Expedition Leader, based on sea conditions and how difficult it is to land at each site visited. In any case, both on board and on land, children and young minors are the sole responsibility of their parent(s) or guardian(s). 

Dress Code

We advise you to wear elegant and relaxed clothes and formal attire to the Captain’s reception. 

For an expedition cruise, bring practical clothing and comfortable shoes. For cruises to the Arctic or Antarctic, you will be provided with a polar parka in your size on board.

Smoking Policy

All enclosed areas (lounge areas, dining room, cabins, reception area, etc.) are non-smoking. Please smoke only in the ship’s outdoor areas.