Cruise & Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Unveils New Loyalty Status Match Program Across Brands

Image: Le Bougainville in Madagascar (Photo Credit: Ponant/Damien Decaix)
Image: Le Bougainville in Madagascar (Photo Credit: Ponant/Damien Decaix)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Tue December 2, 2025

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is matching loyalty status across all of its brands, including the newly acquired Aqua Expeditions.

Historically, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT Yachting have shared the same loyalty program, the PONANT Yacht Club. However, Aqua Expeditions, which PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP purchased in January, operated its own loyalty program called Circolo Aqua.

Now, the company is bringing all of the programs under one unified framework. 

Aqua Expeditions is introducing reciprocal privileges, meaning Circolo Aqua members can access tier-matched privileges when booking with other PONANT brands. They can also enjoy additional onboard credits of up to $55 per person, priority services and dedicated support from the PONANT Reservations team. To enjoy these benefits, Circolo Aqua Members must identify themselves and their status when contacting PONANT to place a booking.  

Circolo Aqua Members will be matched to their respective PONANT Yacht Club tiers as follows: 

  • Navigator to Major
  • Explorer to Admiral
  • Legend to Grand Admiral 

PONANT Yacht Club members will be matched to their respective Circolo Aqua tiers as follows: 

  • Major to Navigator
  • Admiral, Grand Admiral to Explorer
  • Commodore to Legend 

PONANT Yacht Club members  will receive the allocated Circolo Aqua loyalty benefits accordingly. In addition, they will receive onboard credits worth $50 on their first sailing 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Beyond the Expected with Uniworld Boutique River CruisesMonday, August 31, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for an inside look at what's new across our growing portfolio of...
Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Watch Now!
Beyond the Expected with Uniworld Boutique River CruisesMonday, August 31, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for an inside look at what's new across our growing portfolio of...
Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...