By Published On: 17 Oct 2016

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Ponant, the luxury French expedition cruise line, have today released details of their exciting new season.

With journeys from Antarctica to Zululand, Ponant are quite literally offering their guests the A to Z of luxury expedition cruising. A total of 45 new Ponant expedition voyages will sail from October 2017 to May 2018. Each has been carefully created for those who seek the benefits of exclusive small ship luxury and expedition cruising in the one package.

Whale watching with Ponant.

With mass-market travel swamping many once sleepy destinations, these expedition cruises offer something different: The chance to explore ‘the road less travelled’, perhaps the greatest luxury of all.

The new Ponant expedition voyages will take guests to rarely visited destinations in Latin America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Antarctic onboard the line’s two luxurious small ships, L’Austral and Le Boreal.

Ponant's small ships can get you closer.
Ponant’s small ships can get you closer.

L’Austral and Le Boreal are both internationally recognised environmentally accredited ships. They feature the latest in maritime technology, including 3D sonar for seabed vision, dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor in sensitive maritime environments and electric propulsion for reduced emissions.

Compact size and manoeuvrability allow these two ultra-luxury ships get close to shore before launching a fleet of up to 14 Zodiacs. The Zodiacs provide access for exploring bays, mudflats and mangroves, probing rivers, viewing reefs, snorkelling and photography.

The exclusive teak pool deck on Ponant's L'Austral.
The exclusive teak pool deck on Ponant’s L’Austral.

Even in the worlds most remote and beautiful locations Ponant offer guests every luxury with trademark French flare. Guests are indulge with gastronomic meals and complimentary fine wines. They can cool off in the swimming pool or indulge in a heavenly spa treatment.

Enjoy a treatment at the Sothys spa onboard.
Enjoy a treatment at the Sothys spa onboard.

Ponant epitomise luxury expeditions, where opulence and adventure go hand in hand from the polar caps to tropical rainforests.

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Jason is the founder and Managing Editor of The Luxury Cruise Review. He has a passion for travel, a weakness for espresso coffee and a love of Greek cuisine.

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