Step aboard Le Ponant and discover a more intimate way to cruise. This elegant three-masted sailing yacht is designed for travellers who prefer the atmosphere of a private yacht to the scale of a traditional cruise liner. With just 16 staterooms and suites and space for a maximum of 32 guests, the experience is peaceful, personal and distinctly exclusive.
At 88 metres long, Le Ponant combines classic sailing character with the comforts expected from a luxury cruise. Guests can enjoy attentive service, sophisticated dining, inviting social spaces and carefully selected itineraries that bring them closer to the destinations they visit. The yacht's compact size also allows for a relaxed onboard atmosphere, where days can be spent enjoying the sea, discovering new shores or simply unwinding on deck.
Le Ponant is part of PONANT Cruises' collection of luxury yachts and expedition vessels. While it has its own distinctive sailing-yacht design, the wider fleet includes vessels such as Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, alongside the PONANT EXPLORERS collection. Each ship offers a different style of small-ship travel, with Le Ponant particularly suited to guests drawn to traditional sailing and an exclusive yacht ambience.
Dining on Le Ponant is an important part of the onboard experience, with an emphasis on relaxed sophistication rather than the busy atmosphere associated with larger cruise ships.
The yacht's principal dining venue, Le Diamant, offers an intimate setting where guests can enjoy meals while taking in panoramic sea views. The restaurant's menu draws on French culinary traditions while incorporating flavours and ingredients associated with the destinations on the itinerary.
Meals are designed to complement the overall character of the voyage, from leisurely breakfasts to elegant evening dinners. Fresh ingredients, regional influences and carefully selected wines contribute to an experience that feels closer to dining at an exclusive coastal restaurant than eating aboard a conventional cruise ship.
When the weather allows, guests can also dine outdoors and enjoy the changing scenery as the yacht sails between destinations.
For a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed evening, Bar Emeraude provides a comfortable gathering space. Its lounge setting encourages guests to settle in with a cocktail, enjoy a glass of wine or chat about the day's adventures.
The surrounding outdoor space is particularly appealing when the yacht is sailing through scenic waters. With the horizon as a backdrop, it is an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of life at sea.
Entertainment on Le Ponant follows the philosophy of small-ship cruising. Instead of enormous theatres and a packed schedule of large-scale productions, the focus is on experiences that complement the destination and the yacht's relaxed atmosphere.
Depending on the itinerary, guests may encounter live music, talks, cultural presentations, tastings, demonstrations and other activities designed to add depth to the journey. The programme can vary from one sailing to another, with activities often reflecting the destinations and themes of the voyage.
There is also plenty to enjoy without a formal activity. Guests can relax in the lounge, spend time on deck, admire the scenery from the outdoor spaces or simply enjoy the distinctive sensation of travelling under sail.
For those who prefer to be active, the yacht's facilities provide opportunities for fitness and time on the water. Water-based activities may include kayaking and paddleboarding, while diving opportunities are available on selected voyages and subject to the itinerary and conditions.
The onboard wellness facilities offer another way to spend the day, with space dedicated to relaxation and treatments.
With such a limited number of cabins, accommodation aboard Le Ponant has an inherently exclusive feel. The yacht features a selection of staterooms and suites, allowing guests to choose between compact, elegant rooms and more spacious options designed for an enhanced level of comfort.
Accommodation categories include Porthole Staterooms, Window Staterooms, Upper Deck Balcony Staterooms, Junior Suites and Prestige Suites. Several options provide private outdoor space, allowing guests to step outside and enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea.
The smaller scale of the yacht means that the accommodation experience is closely connected to the overall character of the voyage. Rather than feeling like one guest among thousands, travellers are part of a small group sharing a sophisticated sailing environment.
For guests booking a suite, additional space creates a particularly comfortable retreat after a day spent exploring ashore or enjoying activities at sea.
Finding the right Le Ponant cruise deal depends on several factors, including your chosen itinerary, travel dates and accommodation category. As this is a small yacht with limited guest capacity, individual departures can have considerably fewer cabins available than larger cruise ships.
When comparing Le Ponant cruise ship offers, look beyond the advertised starting price. Consider what is included in the fare, the length and route of the sailing, your preferred accommodation and any special offers available for your chosen departure.
It is also worth checking different sailing dates if your plans are flexible. Seasonal pricing and availability can vary, while selected voyages may feature promotional fares or other booking incentives.
Our expert cruise concierges are available to get you the best hand-picked luxury cruise itineraries and Le Ponant cruise deals for the perfect sailing.
