FROM THE POLES TO THE TROPICS

– BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS WITH A LUXURY SMALL SHIP CRUISE

In February 2022, going further south than any other ship has done before, Le Commandant Charcot, set a new world record reaching the extreme latitude of 78˚44.3’ South in the Bay of Whales in Antarctica’s Ross Sea.

Featured amongst her impressive polar repertoire is a halfcircumnavigation of the Antarctic Continent, Expeditions to the North Pole and a crossing of the renowned North West Passage.

However, fear not..if the icy realms at the ends of our earth don’t sound like your dream holiday, you will find over 400 different departures smattered in between. A leisurely small-ship voyage through the Mediterranean, a unique tropical exploration in the heart of Papua New Guinea, to a leisurely sojourn through the Islands of French Polynesia.

It seems that of particular interest at present, the landscapes and scenery of Tahiti are beckoning to the intrepid New Zealander, and, with direct flights linking Auckland to Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, it makes sense.

PONANT’s Tahitian specialty vessel, called Le Paul Gauguin, has offered single destination expertise since her inception in 1998. Options from 7 to 16-night explorations of this sub-tropical paradise.

WHEREAS expedition cruising was once something only for hardcore pioneers, PONANT offers luxury expedition and soft adventure cruising aboard sleek, stylish ships that can slip in and out of ports and tiny bays that are inaccessible to vessels carrying more than a few hundred guests.

PONANT ships are the height of understated elegance, inside and out. Every ship features a spa, wellstocked library, a heated swimming pool and a theatre for shows and guest speakers. Fine food and wines – French and international – are served in the main dining room and the more casual venue. Better yet, they don’t sail with more than 330 guests.

While PONANT scores the No. 1 spot for Best Expedition Cruise Line, it is part of a rapidly growing trend that combines high levels of luxury with adventurous itineraries. PONANT has 34 years’ experience in the luxury expedition sector and its fleet has expanded from one vessel, the three-masted yacht Le Ponant, to 13 – including the latest edition, Le Commandant Charcot, a hybridelectric luxury icebreaker.

Paul Gauguin Asia-Pacific specialist Bianca Bratton reflects on her recent Tahitian voyage; “each day we were welcomed with new hues of blue, lush volcanic scenery and the faces of smiling locals. Exploring the low-lying atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the iconic ports of the Society Islands by a small ship cruise, proved to be the most comprehensive (and economical) way to explore French Polynesia.”

From the poles to the tropics and each azure blue ocean in between, there’s been no better time to broaden your horizons and enjoy a PONANT small ship adventure. 