Ponant’s North American Push Highlights Growth in Expedition Cruising
Photo Credit: Ponant's Le Lapérouse ship. The company is making a big push in the North American market. Ponant / Philip Plisson
Skift Take
With luxury travelers getting more adventurous it is not a surprise to see expedition cruising growing in popularity. French company Ponant is making a big push in North America, something that is likely going to benefit the sector as a whole.
Is expedition cruising the next big wave in water travel?
While river cruising has been grabbing the spotlight for the past few years, the expedition option, particularly on the luxury side, is coming on strong. According to Cruise Industry News, 26 expedition ships are on the current order book, representing an unprecedented boom in the sector.
What sets expedition cruising about from its ocean-faring cousins is smaller ships, smaller ports and extensive use of Zodiac inflatable boats.
The most well-known player in the American market is likely Lindblad Expeditions. That said, there are several other players in the waters. Silversea and Celebrity both have expedition ships. Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions are also in the luxury space.
Meantime, French cruise company Ponant has plans to more than double its fleet in the next three years.
"Generally speaking, expedition cruising focuses on
