 Discover the feeling of cruising aboard your own private yacht with Compagnie du Ponant, the world’s only French-flagged cruise line. With a crew to guest ratio of one to two, pampering is assured aboard these luxurious boutique ships. A hallmark of the line is the high-quality French cuisine enjoyed in an informal, yet upscale atmosphere. And while the line originally catered to French-speaking passengers, cruises are now bilingual with English added to attract North American cruisers. Compagnie du Ponant, established in 1988, is a modern day rendition of the best of France’s venerable cruising heritage. The company launched its first ship, the sail-cruiser Le Ponant, in 1991. The yacht-style Le Levant was built for the fleet in 1998. Le Diamant was purchased in 2004 from Radisson (now Regent) Seven Seas Cruises for far-flung expedition adventures. The newly built mega-yacht, Le Boreal, was inaugurated in 2010. Sister ship, L’Austral is set to launch in 2011. The niche luxury line, based in Marseilles, France, is a subsidiary of CMA-CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping group. If you love themed cruises, you’re in for a treat. Passengers have indulged in cruises featuring jazz, dance, classical music, opera, gastronomy, well-being, golf and bridge. One of the joys of small ships, 64 to 264 passengers, is the personal touch. You’ll meet guest lecturers, naturalists and entertainers one-on-one. When it comes to itineraries, Compagnie du Ponant captains have a good deal of flexibility. Your captain, for example, may decide to stay in a secluded cove an extra hour or two while you take advantage of the ship’s water sports platform. Or, if he spots a pod of whales, he’ll take the time for you to see them, too. Each ship has a fleet of Zodiacs (motorized rubber boats) for up-close discoveries of hidden inlets and pristine isles. Much of the summer season is spent exploring the Mediterranean, often calling at off-the-beaten-track ports. At other times, the ships can be found in South America, Antarctica, the Caribbean or following ancient trading routes in India and Southeast Asia.
Accommodations All cabins on all ships are outside with ocean views. The smaller Le Ponant offers views through classic portholes, while Le Levant has picture windows. Le Diamant includes 10 balcony suites together with ocean view staterooms. Cabin amenities vary slightly among the vessels, though all are of top quality. Most include a refrigerator, mini-bar, TV, DVD player and safe. Bath robes and hairdryers are provided together with toiletries by L’Occitane. The new state-of-the art super yachts feature all-outside cabins, 95 percent with balconies. Cabin sizes range from 200 square feet to a 484 square foot Owner’s Cabin. Amenities in standard cabins are the latest flat screen TV’s and iPod players. Suites add Nespresso machines and spa toiletries. The yachts are wired for Wi-Fi throughout. Ocean View  Watch the passing scenery from the comfort of your stateroom through your panorama window or porthole. Staterooms feature twin beds which can be converted to queen size.
Balcony What could be better than enjoying the fresh air and taking in the views from the privacy of your own balcony? Your balcony provides an intimate retreat, ideal for a light breakfast or evening cocktails for two. Suite Experience the luxury of additional space along with a larger balcony. Suites may feature superior amenities, such as the Nespresso coffee machine and upgraded toiletries. Owner’s Suite This spacious suite features a sitting/dining room. The master bath has a Jacuzzi tub, and there is a separate half bath. Onboard Activities and Amenities While Compagnie du Ponant's ships sport different looks, the overall goal is an elegant, yet relaxed ambiance. Onboard, you’re free to be as social or as private as you choose. Complimentary Beverages
Enjoy wine or beer with your lunch and dinner at no extra charge. Naturally, mineral water, soft drinks and filter coffee served with meals are complimentary as well. Zodiac Fleet
 From watching whales and icebergs in Antarctica to searching for polar bears and puffins in the Arctic, Compagnie du Ponant's fleet of Zodiacs transports guests to exotic landscapes around the globe. These small, motor-driven rubber boats offer up-close and personal encounters with wildlife and pristine landscapes few travelers have the opportunity to experience. Water Sports Marina
In warm water locations, a platform can be extended from the stern (not available on Le Diamant) so passengers can jump in for a refreshing swim or play with water sports equipment. Fitness Facility
Fitness centers may be on the small side, yet you’re assured of keeping fit during your holiday. Gyms come with treadmills, stationery bicycles and the latest workout equipment. All ships, except Le Ponant, have an outdoor swimming pool. Spa
Spas aboard the new mega-yachts feature a wide range of therapies. You’ll find a hammam (Turkish bath) and hydrotherapy room. Library
A selection of books, many focused on travel and cruise destinations, may be borrowed from the library. A variety of DVDs are available for watching movies in your cabin. Enrichment
A highlight of cruising to unusual places is the chance to learn about them from informative lecturers. Well-known specialists and naturalists accompany cruises according to the destination. Nightlife
Evenings can be as social or as quiet as you choose. Head to the cozy bar to listen to the piano player. Attend a performance in the theater or lounge. Watch a movie in the privacy of your stateroom. Note: Contact us for specific venue availability by ship. Dining  When it comes to the onboard cuisine, think tres French; tres chic; tres delicious. Feast your senses, especially your taste buds, on the best France has to offer of both haute cuisine and country fresh. The pastries alone, from buttery croissants to eye-pleasing tarts and cakes, rival France’s finest bakeries. When you’re in port, the chef may visit the markets to shop for local produce, herbs, meats, fresh fish and seafood, all for your dining pleasure.
To start you day, a light breakfast can be delivered to your cabin on request, thanks to 24 hour room service. A full morning repast is available from the buffet in the restaurant. Lunch is buffet-style in the dining room, or offered at the outdoor café where the chef grills brochettes, seared scallops or steak just the way you like it. Dinner, served by the wait staff and with open seating, is an event to be leisurely savored. It is frequently the evening’s entertainment, complete with complimentary wine and superb French cheeses. The tables come elegantly set with linens, fine china and crystal. Service, as you would expect, is attentive yet discreet. Cruising with Family Fine dining and an intimate ambiance suggest adult cruising, but children over six months of age are welcome. Depending upon the ship and itinerary, a naturalist sails on board to teach children (and adults) about the plants and animals they are likely to see en route. They may learn to tie nautical knots, go on treasure hunts, have a tea party or take dance lessons. Weddings What could be more romantic than a wedding celebrated on board a yacht or beneath billowing sails? Compagnie du Ponant’s ships are available for private charter, assuring you of a memorable and highly personalized event. Meetings at Sea A Compagnie du Ponant full ship charter is ideal for smaller, intimate meetings or incentive cruises for top producers. Your group will have exclusive use of the ship’s facilities as well as the opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-track ports. Alumni associations, in particular, will enjoy the enrichment aspect of exploring historic, culturally rich destinations.
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