Ponant has unveiled its 2027–28 itinerary collection, offering over 150 departures across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Atlantic Islands. The program targets luxury travellers seeking low-impact, immersive experiences aboard small ships, with a focus on authentic shore encounters and expert-led programming.
Key Itineraries and Highlights
The three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant will operate four sailings to Cape Verde in October and November 2027. These voyages include hiking on Santo Antão, visits to crater villages on Fogo, and beach time on Maio, all delivered in small groups to ensure genuine local contact.
Ponant’s Atlantic Islands collection features two Azores-only itineraries in July 2028, ideal for naturalists interested in whale watching, volcanic landscapes, and microclimates away from mainstream routes. A wine-focused voyage from Lisbon to Bordeaux in May 2028 adds optional visits to Prunier caviar house and Château Latour, blending epicurean highlights with boutique shore calls.
Northern Europe and British Isles voyages include the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, and two itineraries visiting the Faroe Islands, catering to photographers and travellers seeking dramatic coastal topography and remote cultural encounters. The Mediterranean program spans more than 80 departures, mixing lesser-visited ports with classic embarkation hubs such as Athens, Nice, Valletta, Dubrovnik, and Venice.
Family and Themed Voyages
The program includes 14 ‘Kids Explorers’ departures with workshops for ages four to 13, plus a selection of five-night getaways for time-conscious travellers. Ponant’s collaborations with Smithsonian Journeys and the Opera National de Paris offer deep-dive programming—lectures, exclusive access, and curated onboard activities that elevate the cruise from transit to cultural residency.
For travel professionals, these partnerships signal high-quality programming that can differentiate a cruise product in a crowded luxury market. Similar to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 2027–28 itineraries targeting remote waters, Ponant focuses on small-ship atmosphere and expedition-style shore experiences.
What Luxury Travel Advisors Should Consider
- Small-ship atmosphere: Ponant limits passenger counts and emphasises expedition-style excursions. These sailings offer privacy, expert-led tours, and authentic local contact.
- Expertise onboard: Themed voyages feature guest lecturers and expedition teams from institutional partnerships, ensuring high-quality programming.
- Cabin standards and service: Review cabin categories on Le Ponant or Ponant’s expedition fleet for suite dimensions, private balconies, and included amenities.
- Sustainability and local engagement: Ponant emphasises responsible travel. Ask about shore partner credentials and small-group excursion sizes if conservation and community impact matter to clients.
- Family programming: Confirm Kids Explorers schedules, staff-to-child ratios, and age-appropriate activity details when travelling with children.
Ponant’s program reads like a private curator’s calendar: intimate ships, expert talks, and shore experiences that open doors rather than check boxes. It’s the sort of voyage that lets guests sip a fine Bordeaux on deck after a day exploring a near-empty cove—personal, paced, and memorable.
For full itineraries, dates, and booking details, visit Ponant’s official site.
