WHAT MAKES PONANT’S EXPLORER CLASS SO SPECIAL?

Taking architectural cues from the company’s much-lauded Boréal class, PONANT’s clever designers packed those features into a more compact superstructure while retaining benefits enjoyed by the ever-growing list of the cruise line’s repeat passengers.

Le Jacques-Cartier is the newest in the six-vessel class, bringing the fleet to 13 vessels in total and ensuring that no nook or cranny of our knowable world goes unexplored.

While the older vessels, like the Russian oceanographic ships, can be credited with paving the way for modern polar tourism, they did not pave the way with their environmental credentials. The post-pandemic world has a new appreciation for green and responsible travel and the Explorer class is in the box seat to deliver.

Le Jacques-Cartier is totally zero emission for wastewater of any kind and the fleet-wide use of Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil means that harmful exhaust emissions are reduced by as much as 90 per cent. Other features include anchor-free positioning, thereby sparing potentially sensitive marine ecosystems.

Guests’ comforts include formal and informal dining in either of two restaurants, and a generous ‘Open Bar’ alcohol allowance is included in most fares. Of course, there is plenty of spa pampering (at extra cost), a gym and lots of open-deck space in which to relax with a cocktail.

One innovation on the Explorer class is the Blue Eye underwater multi-sensory lounge designed to transport guests into a surreal world. This feature is best appreciated in the crystal-clear tropical waters rather than the Kimberley, but nevertheless, the superb digital audiovisual projections, vibrating ‘Body Listening Sofas’ and otherworldly atmosphere can still be appreciated even if the view from the underwater windows cannot.