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Ponant Explorers Cruise Ships

A fleet of six small vessels, the Ponant Explorers Cruise ships pair luxurious French design with state-of-the-art, environment friendly technology. On board each ship, seize the opportunity to travel the farthest reaches of the globe, sailing where larger, ocean-going vessels can't. The small fleet is the perfect for navigating the channels, locks, and coves of The Great Lakes and North America.
Offering a uniquely European experience, Ponant Explorers ships are named after France's great explorers of old, who navigated and discovered unknown destinations around the world. Enhancing the fact, restaurants, common areas, and even excursions boast a uniquely French feel. The ships were launched in 2018 to widespread appeal -- and, while replicating the same spirit that once drove France's adventurers, Ponant invites you to explore North America's most beautiful locales.
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Stern
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Stern

Ponant's Explorers Fleet


Le Lapérouse
Le Champlain
Le Bougainville
​Le Dumont-d’Urville
Le Jacques-Cartier
Le Bellot

Ponant Explorers Staterooms & Suites

Each of Ponant's Explorers cruise ships feature 92 staterooms and suites, meaning each cruise has a capacity of 184 total passengers. With 118 crew members, you'll enjoy fantastic service wherever you are on the ship. In each stateroom, find all the features one could possibly need, neatly organized in an airy style that evokes France's finest modern architecture. A feature unique to Ponant, every one of the ship rooms opens up to the outside with a furnished balcony.

Stateroom & Suite Plans

Ponant Explorers Owner's Suite Plan
Owner's Suite
Ponant Explorers Privilege Suite Plan
Privilege Suite
Ponant Explorers Prestige Suite Plan
Prestige Suite
Ponant Explorers Prestige Stateroom Plan
Prestige Stateroom
Ponant Explorers Grand Deluxe Suite Plan
Grand Deluxe Suite
Ponant Explorers Deluxe Suite Plan
Deluxe Suite
Ponant Explorers Deluxe Stateroom Plan
Deluxe Stateroom
Owner's suite
Measuring 45 m​² (485 ft​²), the magnificent Owner's Suite combines thoughtful, luxury touches, a Balneo bathtub, and spacious living quarters with sprawling patio, complete with an outdoor hot tub, that overlooks the ship's stern.
privilege suite
Measuring 32 m​² (345 ft​²), this suite provides a walk-in dressing room, living room, and extended balcony to luxuriously accommodate up to 3 guests.
prestige suite
Measuring 38 m​² (410 ft​²), this suite combines the space of two Prestige Staterooms to sleep up to 4 guests.
prestige stateroom
Measuring 19 m​² (205 ft​²), the prestige suite pairs the space of the Deluxe Stateroom with even more luxurious features, sleeping 2 guests.
grand deluxe suite
Measuring 45 m² (485 ft²), this spacious suite can fit up to 4 guests and features a Balneo bathtub and spacious outdoor patio.
deluxe suite
Measuring 27 m² (291 ft²), this amenity-filled suite sleeps up to 3 guests.
deluxe stateroom
Measuring 19 m² (205 ft²), this sun-soaked stateroom holds up to 2 guests. 
Each room includes:
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • King-size bed, or twin beds, with communicating staterooms available
  • Flat-screen satellite TV
  • On-demand films & TV shows
  • Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
  • Writing desk with stationery
  • Stocked minibar
  • In-room safe with custom combination
  • Hermès® bath products
  • Hairdryer
  • Dressing room with dressing table, bath robes
  • Direct line telephone
  • Universal outlets: 110V American (two flat pins) / 220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • 24/7 room service
  • Free WiFi

Ponant Ships Deck Plans

Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Deck 3
Deck 3
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Deck 4
Deck 4
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Deck 5
Deck 5
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Deck 6
Deck 6
Ponant Explorers Cruise Ship Deck 7
Deck 7

Ponant Explorers Tours & Experiences

Description of where ship sails, standout destinations, and unique features of trip.

Our Cruises Aboard the Ponant Explorers Fleet


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Selling Fast!

A Voyage Along the Great Lakes - With Smithsonian Journeys | 8 Days

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Milwaukee, WI
Ports of Call: Milwaukee • Sail Lake Michigan • Mackinac Island • Sauite Sainte Marie • Little Current • Parry Sound • Sail along Flowerpot Island • Sail Lake Heron • Sail St. Clair River • Sail thru Detroit • Sail Lake Erie • Port Colborne • Toronto
2022 SAILING DATEs
Sep 18 - Sep 25
Starting at 
​USD $7,710 - $20,980 
Per Person, based on double occupancy *
DETAILED ITINERARY
Book Now

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St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast | 13 Days

Departing From:  Montreal, QC to Gloucester, MA
Ports of Call: Montreal, QC • Quebec City, QC • Sail Saguenay River • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • Perce • Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands • Louisbourg •  Lunenburg • Day at Sea • Bar Harbor • Provincetown • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard • Gloucester, MA
2022 SAILING DATEs
Oct 24 - Nov 5
Starting at 
​USD $8,320 - $31,650 
Per Person, based on double occupancy *
DETAILED ITINERARY
Book Now

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Canada to the American East Coast | 15 Days

Departing From:  Toronto, ON to Gloucester, MA
Ports of Call: Toronto • Sail Lake Ontario • Sail River Saint Lawrence thru Locks • Montreal • Quebec • Saguenay • Tadoussac • Day at Sea • Perce • Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands • Baddeck • Louisbourg •  Lunenburg • Day at Sea • Bay Harbor •  Gloucester, MA
2022 SAILING DATEs
Oct 16 - Oct 30
2023 sailing dates
Oct 23 - Nov 6
Starting at 
​USD $9,890 - $37,650 
Per Person, based on double occupancy *
Book Now
BOOK NOW!

Amenities, Dining, and Other Inclusions on the Ponant Explorers Cruise Ships

When you choose to cruise aboard a ship from Ponant's luxurious Explorers Fleet, you'll have access to a whole host of great features at no additional cost. World-class dining is a must with the French cruise line, and craft cocktails, inspiring theatres, and even underwater lounges are all things you'll come to enjoy throughout the entire experience.

Ponant Explorers Dining

Ponant Explorers Lounges

  • Le Nautilus. Found on Deck 4 of each Explorers ship, this restaurant is able to host every passenger on the ship at once with its diverse buffet-style menu, which serves fine cheese, fresh-cut salads, and decadent desserts.
  • Grill Restaurant​. Located on Deck 3, the luxurious grill seats up to 70 guests while looking out over the pool area. It serves perfectly grilled cuts of meat paired with zesty salads and French-themed desserts.
  • Blue Eye Lounge. This groundbreaking underwater lounge combines the awe of being underwater with the sensory experience of cutting-edge technology. Located on Deck 0 in the ship's hull, up to 40 guests can sip champagne and cocktails as fish swim by.
  • Main Lounge. Functioning as the ship's main gathering space on Deck 3, this lounge can fit every guest at once. Not only is it a delightful, relaxing place to spend time, it'll also be the setting for your itinerary's shows and entertainment.
  • Panoramic Lounge​. Leading directly to an outdoor terrace on Deck 6, this tranquil lounge features a soft color palate, bar, and a library -- making it the perfect place to sit back with a good book.
Ponant Explorer Cruise Ships Le Nautilus Restaurant
Le Nautilus
Ponant Explorers cruise ships the grill restaurant
The Grill
Ponant Explorer Cruise Ship The Blue Eye Lounge
The Blue Eye Lounge
Ponant Explorer Cruise Ships The Main Lounge
The Main Lounge
Ponant Panoramic Lounge Explorer Cruise Fleet
The Panoramic Lounge
Ponant Explorers Ship Interior
ponant explorers cruise ships Wellness Area Sauna
Wellness Area Sauna
ponant explorers cruises ship Wellness Area Massage Room
Wellness Area Massage Room
ponant explorers cruise ships The Theatre
The Theatre
ponant explorers cruise ships the hydraulic platform
The Hydraulic Platform

Ponant Explorers Features

Other Ponant Explorers Inclusions

  • Ponant Wellness Area. On Deck 7, an entire part of the ship is dedicated to personal care. Unwind with a SOTHYS™ massage, or try a new style at the L’Oréal Paris hair salon. A sauna and fitness center are also open during the day, all serving to keep you feeling your best.
  • The Theatre. Found on Deck 3, Ponant's theater is loaded with leading lighting and audio technology to make every experience, from live acts to projected films, a memorable one.
  • The Hydraulic Platform. This platform provides easy on-off access to the ship from Deck 2. Here, Zodiac boat tours, kayaks, paddleboards, and even swimming take place while the ship is anchored.
  • Access to all features, lounges, and dining venues on the ship at no additional cost
  • Incredible excursions, put together by the legendary Ponant Cruises
  • A 1.6 Guest-to-Staff ratio, ensuring industry-leading service
  • 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
  • Cocktails, wine, and beverages included

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