Luxury and expedition don’t always go hand in hand, but Ponant has built its reputation on bringing the two together. Beautifully designed ships, exceptional dining and immersive Kimberley adventures have made it one of the region’s standout operators.
The question we’re asked quite a lot at Expedition Partners is, “Is Ponant too fancy for me?”
Having been aboard both Le Jacques Cartier and Le Soléal, I can understand why so many people ask. Ponant offers a very different style of Kimberley experience to many of the other operators. It’s luxurious without feeling formal, adventurous without being physically demanding, and somehow manages to combine genuine expedition cruising with the sort of comfort you’d normally expect from a boutique hotel.
The truth is that it won’t be the right choice for everyone.
One of the things we spend a lot of time doing is helping people work through these differences. Sometimes Ponant is exactly what they’re looking for. Other times, a smaller expedition ship or a more relaxed Australian-style operator is a better fit.
So if you’re wondering whether Ponant deserves a place on your shortlist, here’s my honest opinion after travelling aboard the ships and helping hundreds of travellers choose their Kimberley cruise.
Here is my honest opinion.
For me, that’s what Ponant does so well. It never asks you to choose between exploration and comfort. You still experience the Kimberley in all its raw beauty, but at the end of the day you return to a ship that feels every bit as special as the destination itself.
This is probably the question we’re asked most often, and the honest answer is that you really can’t make a bad choice. Both ships offer the same exceptional service, expedition team and Kimberley itineraries. The real difference is the style of experience onboard.
If you’re travelling aboard Le Jacques Cartier, one feature you won’t find on many expedition ships is the Blue Eye underwater lounge. This unique multi-sensory space sits below the waterline, allowing you to connect with the marine environment in a completely different way. It’s a fascinating place to relax between excursions and a true talking point of the ship. While the view closer to shore won’t offer much in terms of visibility, when heading out to Ashmore reef there are opportunities to really soak up the underwater environment. There are even speakers that will allow you to hear the sounds of the sea – particularly exciting if a pod of dolphins or whales happen to be close by.
One of my favourite moments was returning from an incredible expedition, freshening up, then settling into one of the lounges with a glass of champers as the expedition team shared stories and insights about the region. As the sun sets over the Kimberley coastline and conversations flow among fellow travellers, you can’t help but feel that you’re experiencing something truly special.
As impressive as Ponant is, it won’t be the perfect fit for every traveller.
Ultimately, the best Kimberley cruise is the one that matches your travel style, not simply the most luxurious or the largest.
