mbanks1220

Looking forward to hearing from those on the sailing this June and what they see. We have done research and there is a lot of different information on what you see/do. As with any wildlife, one never knows. Was just hoping to get more feedback from those that have actually done it. Happy sailing!

That is great, however I am looking for more information - Icebergs, land masses, vegetation, wildlife sighting??? We are trying to figure out if this is worth it. Did Antarctica so will this be a let down?

We are thinking of doing the Artic/Svalbard on the Venture and just in that area (round trip from . No Greenland or Iceland as we have been there before. We are wondering what we will see in Svalbard? We of course want the Polar Bears but what about Icebergs, Birds, other wildlife? MB

your trip sounds great so far. Can you tell us if you are going to South Georgia Island?

I was just reading that Le Austral carries 264 passengers however I thought for Antarctica there are less, does anyone know for sure?

Thank you!

Does anyone know what the onboard booking discount is for Ponant if you book while on board?

Does anyone know if the boots provided by Ponant in Antarctica come in half sizes? Are they insulated? Do you need thick socks? Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

these look like galoshes.......anyone know if they are insulated?

No, Ponant hasn't released it yet which is so frustrating as we leave soon. Once I get it and hopefully before we leave I will post it.

Just got notice from Ponant that they are canceling South Georgia Island from our cruise due to the Bird Flu. Very few details about what is happening instead. Anyone else know?

Thanks. I think we were over thinking it. Dinners are were we were so confused….do I wear slacks or a dress each night or are yoga pants with uggs and top good?

What is the dress attire for Ponant - Expedition/Antarctica cruise? Day time attire when not out on shore, dinners?? Reading mixed reviews so really confused.. Thanks in advance!

Good to know - thanks! On another note, is the polar plunge offered?

Thanks for this. I have to say I am extremely disappointed in what Ponant offers as complimentary for a "luxury" cruise line. What about specialty coffees and such, is there a charge for that too?

I have to say I really shocked on reading this post and what is / isn't included with Ponant regarding the alcohol options. We have Silversea, Seabourn and Regent and what Ponant offers for their "complimentary" alcohol is pathetic. Not one Scotch is available unless you "buy up" ( I even called Ponant). From what I am seeing, it feels like Ponant is nickel and dime you, yes it's our choice of what we want to drink, but come on, not even one Scotch that is complimentary. I am already disappointed and I haven't even gotten on the ship.

Question for everyone. I can't seem to find the list of alcohol that is served on board that is included with the sailing. I found some limited information that is hit and miss and one even had no Scotch as complimentary? We have never been on a cruise that doesn't have some sort of Scotch as the included alcohol. Please tell me Ponant doesn't just serve basic alcohol and they charge you for anything beyond a simple mixed drink?

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for your answers, we really appreciate it!!! I went and read you review about your time with Ponant and that was really helpful and amazing!! I makes us so excited to go. The food sounds amazing too! We are doing the Great Austral Loop so stopping at South Georgia Island. This is must. Good to know on the walking poles, we will research some collapsible ones so we can pack them. I mean if we buy the ones on board, I have no idea how to pack them to bring home. We have all the base layers, wool, polyester, etc. and no cotton. I'm concerned about getting overheated so good to know I can layer and take on/off as needed. Definitely will bring a backpack for that as I don't want to try and hike carrying all that bulky clothes if I take them off. Thanks again, we really appreciate it. PS........if I think of anything else I will post it here.

Hello everyone. First time on Ponant and will be sailing Antarctica on L'Austral and so excited but have many questions which I can't seem to find any answers too (I read different things). Most answers I see pertain to the other ship Commandent and I know this ship is different. Does Ponant offer walking sticks or do we have to bring our own? What is the dress code during the day in this region? How many times do you go out in the Zodiacs - I saw 2 and 3? Is there snow shoeing offered on this ship? What has any packed for this cruise/area? I read lots of different things... Is it buffets for breakfast and lunch? What are the dining times? Are the hikes hard? A bit of a fearful traveler going into this area, falling off zodiac, falling through ice......I read to much! For those of you that have done this cruise, what are the must bring items? I worry about overpacking... Anything else anyone wants to input would be greatly appreciated 🙂 Thank you!!!!