ocean Ship
Le Ponant
by Ponant
Built in
1991
Remodeled in
2021
Capacity
32
By
Ponant
Le Ponant is Ponant’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht and the namesake of the company, embodying the spirit of authentic, wind-powered exploration with refined French elegance. With a capacity of just 32 guests across 16 staterooms, Le Ponant offers a uniquely intimate and exclusive cruising experience that feels more like a private yacht than a traditional ship. Following a complete renovation in 2022, the vessel was reimagined to reflect Ponant’s commitment to sustainable luxury, contemporary design, and experiential travel—perfect for travelers seeking quiet sophistication and meaningful connection to nature.
As a true sailing yacht, Le Ponant harnesses the power of the wind wherever possible, creating a serene and eco-conscious voyage with minimal engine noise and reduced environmental impact. The sleek white hull, expansive teak decks, and billowing sails evoke a classic maritime aesthetic, while the interiors have been fully redesigned in a modern, minimalist style. Natural materials, neutral tones, and panoramic windows create a light-filled, open atmosphere that draws attention to the sea and landscapes beyond.
Staterooms are spread across three decks, all outward-facing, with clean, nautical-inspired decor and thoughtful touches such as organic cotton linens, rainfall showers, and eco-friendly amenities. The intimate size of the yacht ensures exceptional attention to detail, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and a relaxed, unhurried pace. Guests often find themselves enjoying long, alfresco meals, spontaneous swims in secluded bays, or sunset cocktails on deck with no crowds and no distractions.
Dining on Le Ponant is a refined and leisurely affair. The onboard chef crafts menus that showcase Mediterranean and international cuisine, often inspired by the destinations visited and complemented by carefully selected wines. Meals are served in an open-air setting whenever weather permits, reinforcing the connection between travel, place, and cuisine.
In line with Ponant’s sustainable travel philosophy, Le Ponant is equipped with advanced green technologies and operates under sail whenever possible to reduce emissions. The yacht is ideal for accessing remote anchorages, pristine marine environments, and lesser-known islands that are off-limits to larger ships. Itineraries are thoughtfully curated for those seeking privacy, cultural immersion, and ecological awareness, with shore experiences led by expert guides, historians, and naturalists.
Whether sailing through the hidden coves of the Cyclades, the turquoise waters of the Seychelles, or the tranquil harbors of Corsica, Le Ponant delivers a rare kind of voyage—one that is quietly luxurious, environmentally conscious, and deeply attuned to the rhythms of the sea.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on Le Ponant, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
506 sq. feet
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527 sq. feet
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323 sq. feet
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172 sq. feet
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205 sq. feet
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291 sq. feet
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237 sq. feet
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172 sq. feet
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151 sq. feet
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Ponant is a French luxury cruise line known for intimate, small-ship voyages that pair refined French hospitality with real exploration. Founded in 1988, Ponant runs tailor-made voyages to some of the world's most remote and culturally rich destinations. A long-standing focus on sustainability and ship design shapes trips that combine adventure with comfort and a light environmental footprint.
Ponant's fleet of yachts and expedition ships is built for a boutique-style cruise experience. Each ship offers polished accommodations, accomplished dining, and a relaxed but elegant atmosphere, which keeps the voyage intimate even on its larger vessels.
One of Ponant's most significant ships is Le Commandant Charcot. It is the world's first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG, a cleaner-burning marine fuel than heavy fuel oil). The ship lets travelers reach deeper into polar regions with less environmental impact, and reflects how Ponant approaches sustainable cruising across the fleet.
Ponant sails across the globe, from the ice of Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the islands of the South Pacific, and the cultures of Asia and Africa. Each itinerary is built thoughtfully, mixing wildlife, culture, and landscape, with Ponant's French signature carried through the gourmet cuisine and the onboard service.
Ponant has pushed sustainable cruising for years, adding cleaner technologies and conservation work to its operations. It was the first international cruise line to join Green Marine, the maritime environmental certification program, reaching the program's top leadership level on most indicators in 2020. The line works to cut its carbon footprint, remove single-use plastics, and support scientific research in the places it visits.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the best small-ship cruise experiences, holding each one to our standards for luxury, authenticity, and sustainability. After a close look, we include Ponant in our collection for its refined approach to adventure, its environmental record, and its service.
Through our work with Ponant, we offer strong access, personalized itinerary planning, and well-coordinated travel arrangements, so your voyage runs smoothly from the first booking to the final day.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you expert recommendations, customized itineraries, and concierge-level service to round out your Ponant voyage. From pre and post-cruise stays to private shore excursions and travel arrangements, we plan every part of the trip with you.
Sail the world in style with Ponant and Small Ship Travel, where luxury meets exploration in some of the most remarkable destinations on the map. Contact us to start planning your next voyage.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.