Ponant Alaska Cruises
As the only French cruise company, Ponant takes on the responsibility of sharing the "French touch" with the world, placing an emphasis on discreet service, exquisite cuisine, and the highest quality design and products. Ponant has been at sea since 1988, when a young Frenchman named Jean-Emmanuel Sauvee gathered together 14 shareholders and planned an itinerary through the Ponant Isles. Since then, the line has expanded to include several yacht-style ships sailing to ports around the world. Along the way, Ponant has remained true to its original values of innovation, excellence, and honoring the French tradition.
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Ponant Cruises Ships
| Ship Name | Star Rating | Year Built | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Soleal |  |
2013 | 10,700 |
1 Ponant Cruises Ship
Ponant Alaska Cruises Overview
On a Ponant Cruise to Alaska, you'll visit remote territory still largely untouched, and see an array of natural wonders up close, from glaciers to mountains to expansive tundra. Ponant's expedition itineraries bring travelers to Alaska's cities, like Juneau and Sitka, as well as the vast open areas between Alaska and Eastern Siberia, like the Wrangel Nature Reserve and Pribilof volcanic islands. On Ponant, guests travel among a small group of just 264 passengers, and can enjoy the peace and quiet of the ship after a long day of adventure. Ponant delivers a relaxed, cultured atmosphere with plenty of activities and social engagements to take part in if you wish, as well as spacious and elegant staterooms and suites to retreat to any time of day.
Ponant Cruise Ships in Alaska
Both the Le Soleal and Le Boreal sail to Alaska, and are designed as magnificent mega-yachts, with only 132 cabins onboard. This relatively small cruise size means the staff is immensely attentive and attuned to guests' needs. Cuisine is made to order and hand-plated every time, and public areas are never crowded. These ships were built with luxury and well-being in mind, and offer guests a chance to relax and revitalize as they travel from one destination to the next. As ambassadors of the "French touch," Ponant's crew is trained to provide five-star service; gastronomy and libations are taken seriously; and even the decor has French roots, with interior design by Jean Phillippe Nuel and bath products by Hermes.
Accommodations on Ponant Alaska Cruises
The staterooms and suites aboard Le Soleal and Le Boreal are tastefully decorated to exude a casual elegance that extends throughout the ships. Decorated in soothing grey tones with colorful splashes of red, your home base will feel like your own private yacht, with all the amenities you could ask for. There are many different categories to choose from, including Prestige Suites, Superior Staterooms, and the Owner's Suite. All rooms are equipped with a king-size bed or twin beds; individually controlled air conditioning; a shower, hairdryer, bathrobes and French bath products; a minibar; a flat screen TV with satellite and video on demand; iPod players; a safe; and Wi-Fi access. All suites have a private balcony, and the Owner's Suite has a panoramic sea view.
Shore Excursions on Ponant Alaska Cruises
Local excursions are offered in some ports of call, and can be purchased for an additional fee. Ponant-organized excursions guarantee you'll be back on ship in time for departure, regardless of any hiccups in the day or scheduling changes. Excursions can be booked once you are onboard through the Excursions Manager. Some of the shore excursions Ponant Cruises offers in Alaska include shore visits in Zodiac inflatables led by naturalists, hiking trips, and visits to traditional villages.
Dining & Drinks on Ponant Alaska Cruises
Inspired by French tradition, Ponant chefs create rich dishes using quality, local ingredients, like fresh seafood and produce and finely cut meats. Because Ponant ships are small and don't have to feed thousands of guests, each ingredient can be tracked back to its origin - you won't find any frozen meals here. In the evenings, dine at the ship's gourmet restaurant and choose from an a la carte menu that changes every night, or head to the grill for a more relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in both restaurants. In between mealtimes, coffee, tea and small pastries are available around the ship.
Drinks are complimentary and unlimited with your cruise fare, and include fine wines, champagnes, spirits, mineral water and non-alcoholic drinks (the only exception is premium alcoholic drinks). Special menus are available upon request if you follow a certain diet, such as vegetarian or gluten-free. Additionally, you can dine in suite whenever you like, with room service available around the clock.
Activities on Ponant Alaska Cruises
Ponant ships have several public areas and leisurely activities planned to fill your time while sailing. Each ship (except Le Ponant) has a well-being center, where guests can get a massage, haircut, or luxury beauty treatment in association with French beauty house SOTHYS Paris. There is also a fitness room with panoramic ocean views, and gentle exercise sessions held on deck.
An onboard library houses many books and games, computers, and even a Wii console. Card tables can be used for a round of poker or just a spot to cozy up with a good book. The theater hosts events and talks during the day and in the evening, with lecturers, guides, naturalists and more sharing their knowledge and expertise with guests. At night, shows, music and film screenings also happen here.
An onboard shop is open during sailing, and has a broad selection of souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, beauty products, purses and trinkets. The lounges and bars are popular hang-out spots as well, and there are several to choose from: the main lounge, which hosts many events; the panoramic lounge, featuring an intimate piano bar; and the outdoor bar, with access to the pool and solarium.
Children's Programs on Ponant Alaska Cruises
Ponant extends a warm invitation to families looking to sail with children. Through programming is not as extensive as on many larger lines, children ages 9 and over are welcome onboard Ponant Cruises to Alaska, and children between the ages of 3 and 8 can join with written request. Flexible cabins are available to accommodate family travel, and activities like tea parties, sports and games nights, and photo workshops are planned to keep kids busy and entertained. Kids can choose from children's menus in the dining areas, and discounts are available for teens ages 12 to 17. Kids ages 8 to 11 sail free on select cruises.
Ponant Alaska Cruises Past Guests
Guests who have sailed with Ponant at least once are welcomed into the Ponant Yacht Club. As you continue to sail with the line, move from Major to Admiral to Grand Admiral status, and enjoy increasing benefits and advantages with each level. Benefits include extra onboard amenities such as free laundry service, shore excursion discounts, complimentary upgrades, and champagne upon arrival. If you are a member, let your Cruise Specialist know at the time of booking.
Accessibility on Ponant Alaska Cruises
Ponant ships were designed with reduced-mobility passengers in mind, and are equipped with three specially-designed cabins, as well as access ramps leading to public spaces. Guests must be self-sufficient or traveling with a friend or relative who can provide any necessary assistance. As accessible rooms are limited, speak with a Cruise Specialist as early as possible if you'd like to book one.
In addition, notices, signs, and cabin numbers are written in Braille for guests with impaired vision.