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Ponant Explorations

PONANT embodies the essence of the French way of life, offering unparalleled small-ship experiences where bespoke service makes you feel as though you're aboard your own private yacht.

With an expert and attentive crew, exquisite dining, and a luxurious 5-star setting, PONANT will take you to discover extraordinary destinations. Experience a journey that seamlessly blends authenticity with sophistication, all while enjoying the utmost comfort on board.

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Exclusive offer for FBI Travel clients:

In addition to our Virtuoso benefits, you can also enjoy an exclusive:

  • An additional 200 Euros shipboard credit per guest on Ponant Explorations voyages (for a total of 400 Euros)

  • An additional US$200 ship board credit per guest on Paul Gauguin Voyages (for a total of US$400 per guest)


Book by 31 January 2026*

Our Top Picks

19-day The Great Austral Loop
Ship: Le Lyrial

Departs: 4 December 2026


Ushuaia → Grave Cove → New Island → South Georgia → Antarctic Peninsula → Crossing the Drake Passage → Ushuaia


  • Explore the Falkland Islands

  • See king penguins and elephant and fur seals on South Georgia

  • Land on Antarctica!

  • Look for Gentoo and Adelie penguins, humpback whales, seals, minke whales, orcas and more

  • Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the onboard spa or a swim in the pool

12-day Emblematic Antarctica
Ship: Le Lyrial

Departs: 28 February 2027


Ushuaia → Crossing the Drake Passage → Antarctic Peninsula → Crossing the Drake Passage → Ushuaia


  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula

  • See spectacular wildlife such as humpback whales, Gentoo penguins, Adelie penguins, Chinstrap penguins, seals and a variety of seabirds

  • Enjoy outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy with an experienced team of naturalist guides

  • Look to the sky to catch a glimpse of albatross and Cape petrels floating in the wind around the ship

  • Attend fascinating lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic

15-day Expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands 
Ship: Le Soleal

Departs: 28 December 2026


Dunedin → Ulva Island → Doubtful Sound → Dusky Sound → Milford Sound → The Snares → Enderby Island, Auckland Islands → Musgrave Inlet, Auckland Islands→ Macquarie Island → Campbell Island → Antipodes Islands → Dunedin


  • Take a walk along one of Ulva Island's walking tracks to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment

  • Marvel at Milford Sound fjord, one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand

  • View the New Zealand Sea Lion colony on Enderby Island

  • See Royal, King, Gentoo and Rock Hopper penguins on Macquarie Island

  • Take a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk on Campbell Island and a Zodiac tour around the coastline of Perseverance Habour

9-day Well-being break in the Mediterranean
Ship: Le Dumont d'Urville

Departs: 20 July 2027


Athens → Crossing the Corinth Canal → Galaxidi → Parga → Paxos → Sailing in the Bay of Kotor → Kotor → Dubrovnik → Hvar → Rovinj → Venice


  • Yoga classes open to everyone of all levels, led by renowned yoga teachers Elodie Garamond and Patrick Frapeau

  • Enjoy other well-being activities on board

  • See the sacred site of Delphi

  • Visit Ancient Nikopolis and Preveza

  • Take a guided tour of medieval Dubrovnik

  • Explore Lokrum Island

12-day Cook Islands & Society Islands
Ship: Paul Gaugin

Departs: 21 November 2026


Papeete → Huahine → Aitutaki → Rarotonga → Bora Bora, Society Islands → Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands → Moorea Island → Papeete


  • Enjoy an intimate BBQ on the Mahana motu, an exclusive inlet

  • Take a walk along the magnificent lagoon on Aitutaki

  • Go snorkelling or swimming at one of the many beaches along the way

  • Take an off-road adventure on Bora Bora

  • Participate in a Polynesian cooking class in the CookLab on Moorea Island

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