Frederic Jansen, Global Sales Ambassador for Ponant, starts his interview with a story from his early days with the company. While on a cruise, the Captain made an announcement to passengers, interrupting a very important, renowned lecture, to inform passengers there was a rare sighting of animals and whales. When he questioned the Captain about doing do, he was told that the lecture could be paused but that the sightings could not be.

“He told me, your lecture, you can do it later, the animals and the whales are there now, so we have to enjoy the moment. And enjoy the moment is exactly the DNA of Ponant.”

Jansen was in town Thursday alongside their Canadian represention company Cruise Strategies Ltd, hosting a group of agents in an exclusive lunch and learn session at George Restaurant in downtown Toronto. It’s part of a Canada/US two week roadshow where he plays the role of Brand Ambassador to help agents learn about the product and raise overall awareness of Ponant in the industry.

“A lot of Canadians and Europeans as well, do not know about our company because the market is dominated by US companies. Even European cruise lines are owned by US companies, so it’s a matter of who is Ponant? Who is this French based company that’s standing out with very nice, pretty and sexy ships?”

Theresa Gatta, VP Sales for Ponant echoes that vibe.

“We are the only French flag cruise line, but with international guests, so the people on board are from all over the world. We are considered a luxury cruise line, but it’s more “Luxe ala France” which is the French art of enjoying things in life that is done in a way that’s so elegant.”

Jansen says having spent 18 years as a Cruise Director for many cruise lines, including US ones, he can really compare the difference with a Ponant cruise. With great itineraries and smaller ships, the company is allowed to do things that are not able to be done with bigger ships, making it a case where the destination is the destination.

Because of this, guests are warned in advance of the spontaneity of the itinerary.

“Maybe it’s not in the daily program, but if the Captain feels at 10pm we have to do an outing in the Arctic because there is a great light and we are surrounded by icebergs, we’ll get the zodiacs out and we’ll do it. It’s easy to organize and will make it a very memorable trip for our guests.”

Add to the experience an all-inclusive amenities that feature a menu designed by Michelin star rated Chef Alain Ducasse for both buffets and ala carte, unlimited Wi-Fi, an extensive wine list, a Hamman spa, library and much more, cruising with Ponant is truly a moment to enjoy, and also a favourite for groups.

Jansen says they have had major companies book out entire ships for meetings and weddings and the smaller, yacht sized ships are perfect for groups celebrating life’s milestones such as a big wedding anniversary. Ponant also supports solo travel, waiving the single supplement on many of its itineraries. Currently it is waived on 80 itineraries.

Those itineraries feature both polar and tropical expeditions and luxury cruising, something Gatta stresses – that the company is not strictly polar expeditions.

“Basically, we cover the world, we are constantly moving around the world, we have an amazing portfolio.”

Jansen and Gatta are excited about the newest ship arriving in 2021, Le Commandant Charcot, the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel that will go to the true north pole, closer than any other ship. It will have a scientific lab on board, a snow room, an indoor pool, and outdoor lagoon on top floor that’s heated. Ponant is also expanding its portfolio of modern, private yacht-style vessels with the launch of six new Explorer ships through 2020. The ships will feature just 92 cabins, each offering a terrace.

“We find places where others don’t go,” says Jansen. “This is our way of cruising, to enjoy the moment and why we request our guests to be ready for that."

For full details on itineraries, click here.