National Geographic and PONANT are partnering to offer a small vessel expedition program for the French market. More than 100 new routes have been created by PONANT and put on sale as of August 2018.
PONANT, operating a fleet of 7 small vessels, will have 12 units by 2021. The delivery of 4 new ships designed for shipping and a luxury hybrid LNG icebreaker is scheduled within the next 3 years.
The entire fleet is certified "Clean Ship" and incorporates a series of advanced technologies to protect the environment, including recycling program, reduction of gas emissions and sustainable purchasing policy.
For unique experiences on board, PONANT create routes in the most remote places on the planet. Passengers will be able, in particular, to discover the new underwater multi-sensory lounge called Blue Eye.
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130 itineraries will be designed over the next four years, with a price per person starting at €3,030. The main destinations are the Arctic and Antarctic, completed by a selection of expeditions covering all continents.
National Geographic Expeditions will donate a portion of its revenues to the National Geographic Society Foundation. This initiative aims to support researchers and explorers working to preserve, protect and better understand the planet and its people.
Nathan Philpot, Director Travel (Europe and Africa) at National Geographic Partners said: "“Today marks a milestone in growing our Expeditions business across Europe. In PONANT, we have a luxury partner with European flair that have experience in traveling to ambitious locations [...]".
Hervé Bellaïche, PONANT's Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, said: "The partnership brings together two highly respected global companies with common values to inspire a new generation to live curiously, explore our planet and become ambassadors for sustainability. National Geographic brings a network of experts, photographers and Society-sponsored researchers, while Ponant, brings the best luxury expedition experience in the world, associated with the largest fleet of new, technically advanced small expedition ships able to sail all regions of the world."
