Exploring the World Aboard Ponant’s Le Champlain: The Perfect Fusion of Adventure and Effortless Luxury

Written by Belinda van Tholen

There’s a certain magic to exploring Norway’s majestic fjords, and even more so when you're aboard Le Champlain, one of Ponant's state-of-the-art expedition ships. Ponant Cruises has created a name for itself as an understated yet sophisticated brand that our clients absolutely adore. Their blend of luxury, personalised service, and immersive exploration is perfect for those who want a deeper, more meaningful travel experience. My personal journey aboard Le Champlain through Norway highlighted exactly why Ponant stands out in the world of expedition cruising.

Luxury With a Personal Touch
One of Ponant's most remarkable qualities is their ability to offer approachable luxury. There’s no overwhelming opulence, just subtle elegance that makes you feel completely at ease. Le Champlain is designed to reflect Ponant's "boutique" approach to cruising. With only 92 private balcony staterooms and suites, the intimate size of the ship allows for a relaxed and private experience, without the hustle and bustle of a large cruise liner. It’s perfect for clients who seek refinement but prefer a more laid-back atmosphere.

Service That Feels Like Home
What truly elevates the Ponant experience is the level of personal service. With an exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio, every guest feels well cared for. From the moment I boarded Le Champlain, the crew made me feel like I was their top priority. Whether it was the restaurant staff remembering my preferences or the expedition guides ensuring I got the most out of each excursion, the attention to detail was impeccable. It’s this kind of service that makes Ponant guests feel not just pampered, but truly understood.

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The Blue Eye Lounge – A World First
One of Ponant’s most innovative features aboard Le Champlain is the Blue Eye underwater lounge - a world-first that gives guests a window into the depths of the sea. This multisensory space, located beneath the waterline, allows you to observe marine life in real time through large, whale-eye windows, while enjoying ambient sounds and lighting that mimic the ocean's natural rhythms. It’s an extraordinary experience, offering a rare glimpse into the underwater world that’s both soothing and mesmerising. Whether you're sailing through tropical waters or icy Arctic seas, this lounge adds an extra layer of discovery to your voyage.

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The Perfect Balance of Adventure and Comfort
When it comes to expedition cruising, Ponant strikes a perfect balance between adventure and comfort. While the ship itself offers world-class amenities — a beautiful infinity pool, spacious lounges, and fine French cuisine - what makes Ponant cruises unique is their focus on exploration. Le Champlain is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac boats, which provide guests easy access to some of the most remote and stunning destinations.

In Norway, these Zodiacs allowed us to get up close to dramatic fjords, towering waterfalls, and picturesque villages. The process was seamless: you could go from enjoying a cappuccino on deck to stepping into a Zodiac and exploring a hidden cove within minutes. This accessibility allows for spontaneous adventures, bringing you closer to the destinations in a way that feels both authentic and exhilarating. 

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Tropical Adventures and Polar Expeditions
While my journey was through the stunning fjords of Norway, Ponant is just as at home in tropical climates as it is in polar regions. For those dreaming of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Ponant’s itineraries in places like the Caribbean, Seychelles, and Polynesia offer the same understated elegance and immersive exploration—complete with snorkelling, beach landings, and island-hopping by Zodiac.

For the true adventurer, Ponant also offers expedition cruises to remote regions like the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, and the Arctic. These journeys push the boundaries of exploration, giving you the chance to traverse some of the most uncharted and pristine landscapes on earth. Imagine following in the footsteps of legendary explorers, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of Le Champlain. Ponant's expert-led expeditions are designed to bring you closer to nature, whether you're navigating icebergs, spotting polar bears, or witnessing the midnight sun.

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Why Ponant is Perfect for Our Clients
What makes Ponant Cruises so loved by our clients at Elite Cruising and Tours is their commitment to creating intimate, luxury travel experiences that don’t feel overwhelming or extravagant. For those who want to explore the world in style without sacrificing comfort or personal attention, Ponant’s understated elegance is the ideal match. Their itineraries, designed for exploration, are perfect for curious travellers who want to dive deep into the heart of each destination—whether it's the Arctic, Antarctic, tropical islands, or Norwegian fjords.

The blend of boutique luxury, personal service, and immersive expeditions is what sets Ponant apart. After all, luxury isn't just about marble and chandeliers; it’s about how a place makes you feel - and Le Champlain made me feel like I was part of something extraordinary. That’s the Ponant difference, and it’s why so many of our clients return year after year to discover the world with them.

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Ready to embark on your own Ponant adventure? Get in touch with us at Elite Cruising and Tours to learn more about Ponant’s incredible voyages.

We’ll help you find the perfect itinerary that blends elegance with exploration, so you can experience the world in a way that’s both luxurious and deeply personal. Elite Cruising and Tours is a Virtuoso Agency with an exclusive amenity with Ponant of $100USD Shipboard credit per person / USD$200 per stateroom on all voyages that is combinable with other promotions. T’s and C’s apply, please get in touch for more information. 

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