Cruise & Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS Debuts New Yachting Brand, Adds Catamaran

Image: PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has ordered a new catamaran (Photo Credit: PONANT - Antoine Le Guen - Aix Production, Julien Champolion, Lagoon)
Image: PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has ordered a new catamaran (Photo Credit: PONANT - Antoine Le Guen - Aix Production, Julien Champolion, Lagoon)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:35 AM ET, Thu September 11, 2025

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is launching a new yachting brand and adding a new catamaran to its fleet.

The company is debuting PONANT YACHTING, building off the success of tailor-made catamaran journeys it launched in 2024. Each all-inclusive sailing will have four crew members—a captain, a first mate, a chef and a hostess—and will include exclusive itineraries, bespoke menus, wine and cocktails and water activities. Guests will be able to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, water skiing, wing foiling, Tiwal sailing inflatable dinghy and Sublue diving.

By late 2026, PONANT YACHTING will operate three catamarans, the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and the forthcoming Spirit of Ponant II, each with a capacity of nine to 12 guests. 

The Spirit of Ponant II is being built in France by Lagoon and will be based in French Polynesia. It’s the 22nd ship in the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP fleet.

The vessel will be 82 feet long and 36 feet wide, with five double staterooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The vessel will be available exclusively for full private charters, with rates starting at $74,930.

“We are expanding our offering in the luxury sailing segment for intimate, sophisticated and responsible voyages,” says Hervé Gastinel, chief executive officer of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. “We are developing a unique world, where each experience is tailor-made: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and more. This strengthens our unique portfolio of brands in the cruise industry.” 


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