PONANT EXPLORATIONS has opened bookings for ~70 voyages across 28 itineraries in Asia, the Indian Ocean and Oceania for the winter 2027–2028 and summer 2028 seasons. The programme includes 9 new itineraries, with a focus on remote archipelagos, smaller coastal communities and destinations accessible to the company’s small expedition ships.
The new deployment features voyages in the Philippines, French Polynesia, Melanesia and Japan, alongside an expanded selection of itineraries in the Indian Ocean and other regions.
From August 2027 to September 2028, the company will offer voyages focused on the Philippines, an archipelago of 7,000+ islands, many of which remain outside established international cruise itineraries. The programme concentrates on the Visayas, known for their beaches, coral reefs and rainforest landscapes. Some itineraries will explore the Philippines exclusively, while others will combine the archipelago with destinations in Japan and Indonesia, providing a broader route through Southeast Asia.
The smaller size of PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ vessels is intended to facilitate access to remote fishing villages and less-visited islands. The itineraries will also include opportunities to discover local crafts and cultural traditions shaped by Austronesian, Chinese, Malaysian and Spanish influences. Selected voyages will offer scuba-diving activities with the assistance of instructors carried on board, allowing guests to explore the region’s marine biodiversity.
Between September 2027 and February 2028, Le Jacques Cartier will operate voyages in French Polynesia and Melanesia. The programme includes an extended exploration of the Marquesas Islands, as well as calls at the Gambier Islands in southeastern French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island, known for its association with the mutineers of HMS Bounty. Two new itineraries in Melanesia will also be introduced.
These voyages will combine visits to lagoons, atolls, coral reefs and waterfalls with opportunities to learn about Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian cultures. According to the company, shore activities will be developed in collaboration with local communities and conducted with naturalist guides, with the programme at each destination reflecting the experiences and traditions residents choose to share.
Japan will feature four distinct itineraries between September 2027 and May 2028, combining established tourist destinations with less-visited areas, including the subtropical islands of Okinawa. The programme includes four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, the historic fortified city of Hagi and Yakushima Island, known for its ancient cedar forests.
The Japan voyages will include a selection of shore excursions, with one excursion per passenger per day included in the cruise fare. Specialist lecturers will accompany guests on board, providing historical and cultural context for the destinations visited. Selected departures will also offer pre- or post-cruise extensions, including visits to Kyoto and Nara.
Beyond these itineraries, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has opened bookings for 100+ additional departures covering other destinations. The Indian Ocean programme includes voyages dedicated to the Seychelles, expedition cruises combining the Seychelles and Madagascar, and itineraries along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. The wider seasonal offering also includes voyages to the Arctic, the Atlantic islands and the Caribbean, with the company promoting selected departures at its annual launch fares.