A Seminar at Sea with Ponant: All the Latest News from Ponant

Returning to business in Ajaccio in Corsica the following morning, we were guided ashore to the Fesch Museum for an insight into Napolean's heritage and a study of some of the fine artwork, followed by an exclusive concert at St. Erasme Church in honour of Tino Rossi before a welcome wine tasting at the Citadel in true Napoleonic fashion. Informative talks took place in the afternoon, where Ponant highlighted the growth of their fleet.

Ponant was created by French merchant navy officers in 1988 and their first yacht was launched in 1991: Le Ponant. Ponant then introduced the four sisterships between 2010 and 2015 before joining the expedition sector in 2018 with their Explorer Yachts and acquiring Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2019 to diversify their portfolio. The line's groundbreaking addition of Le Commandant Charcot in 2021 (the world's first electric hybrid, advanced, Polar Class 3 icebreaker ship - capable of breaking through ice up to 8.5 feet thick) solidified their position in the expedition cruise industry. Finally, the line celebrated the arrival of the Spirit of Ponant in 2024 (their 12-guest sailing yacht, currently based in the Seychelles, on which guests can choose their own itinerary), and earlier this year obtained a majority stake in luxury small ship brand Aqua Expeditions - now making the Ponant Explorations Group a tri-branded company.

With seamless communication of both French and English on board (from announcements and signage to menus and excursions), as well as their partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys for truly in-depth exploration, and their advanced ships offering unique itineraries, Ponant are a fantastic line to cruise with, with an exciting future ahead.