Why French luxury cruise operator Ponant is world-renowned for breathtaking expeditions to Earth’s most remote destinations, the latest being a luxurious journey on board the first polar icebreaker exploration vessel in its fleet

Ponant was founded over 30 years ago by sailors who aspired to give travellers a feel of what they experienced as they crossed oceans to lands on the edge of the world. Today, Ponant’s state-of-the-art luxury cruise ships have lived up to that founding mission, transporting guests to previously inaccessible destinations via one-of-a-kind sailing experiences centred around the concepts of discretion, refinement, and the art of living à la française.

Ponant’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism goes beyond the rhetoric, demonstrated in cutting-edge vessels like Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker and the first hybrid luxury polar cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas, thus minimising the environmental impact of travel in these extreme latitudes.

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It’s not surprising that Ponant is hailed as a leader in polar expedition voyages, whether it be riveting journeys to Antarctica where the humpback whales, seals, and penguins of the vast White Continent can be seen up close, or the newly launched expedition to the North Pole on board Le Commandant Charcot, venturing into the very heart of the ice. Ponant continues to acquaint travellers with locations visited by fewer than the number of people who had gone to the moon, including the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea, and Peter I Island.

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Photo 1 of 5 Penguin colonies on Salisbury, General Antarctica
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Photo 4 of 5 First-class French service and gastronomy on board Le Commandant Charcot
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As travellers on this thrilling arctic expedition retrace the footsteps of the great polar explorers of old, they can witness first-hand the majestic white landscapes of nature from the safety and exquisite luxury of Le Commandant Charcot.

The luxury cruise ship offers just 135 cabins that include 68 stylish suites with private balconies and outside views, luxury amenities, elegant décor, attentive service, and exquisite French gastronomy. Completing this first-class cruising experience are an indoor pool surrounded by a winter garden and a heated outdoor Blue Lagoon overlooking the awe-inspiring ice floes.

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Photo 1 of 5 Le Commandant Charcot's suites include a private balcony to view the surroundings
Photo 2 of 5 Stunning views of the North Pole from Le Commandant Charcot's deck
Photo 3 of 5 Wellness facilities include a spa and sauna
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This journey of a lifetime is made accessible to discerning Malaysian travellers thanks to Sedunia Luxury, the preferred partner of Ponant in Malaysia. The luxury arm of Sedunia Travel, Sedunia Luxury has years of experience curating unique holiday itineraries for guests thanks to an extensive partner network of rail and cruise operators, hotels, and resorts.

Tatler Malaysia sat down with Sedunia Travel executive director Teoh Leng Lan for an insider’s take on the growing interest among Asian travellers to the world’s most untouched destinations.  

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Above Sedunia Travel executive director Teoh Leng Lan

Why are travellers looking to visit more remote destinations like the Arctic Circle and Antarctica?

There’s been a growing interest in these regions, especially among discerning Asian travellers who want distinct travel experiences to unique destinations since the world has reopened for travel after two and a half years of the pandemic. Not many travellers have set foot on these two extreme polar regions. Before the pandemic, leading polar expedition cruise operator Ponant invested in their latest and most technologically advanced luxury small ship, the Ice-breaker (Le Commandant Charcot) which launched in 2021.

After nearly three years of being stuck at home, there’s been a scramble of travel to exotic new remote destinations like the Arctic Circle or Antarctica. Global warming and the melting ice caps are another reason towards increased interest among travellers of these regions.      

Tell us how Sedunia Luxury prioritises travellers’ safety and peace of mind in the post-pandemic era.

There’s no compromise on travellers’ safety. Sedunia Luxury keeps its travellers updated with the latest health and safety guidelines of their chosen destinations and proposals for suitable travel insurance coverage. Our itineraries are designed with each traveller in mind and curated to their interests and preferences.

Even on board Le Commandant Charcot and at open sea, there are strict comprehensive internal health and safety guidelines, besides their specially arranged Covid-19 insurance coverage for the travellers after embarking.

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Photo 1 of 3 Ponant's luxury cruisers also cover exotic tropical destinations like Seychelles
Photo 2 of 3 Luxury cruises to Kimberley, Western Australia
Photo 3 of 3 Discover the sights and sounds of Tahiti via Ponant's luxury cruises

What is Sedunia Luxury’s philosophy when it comes to travel?

We believe in delivering hassle-free luxury travel experiences to our clients. Guidelines are designed with convenience, comfort, and safety in mind and communicated to our clients consistently. Sedunia Luxury will bring travel to a new level and inspire clients with extraordinary travel experiences. Our newly launched Sedunia Luxury website aims to make already unique travel experiences a little more special with personal touches added in.

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Above Teoh Leng Lan with Ponant expedition leader Jorge E. Villamarin and Ponant director of sales APAC Julie Rogers

How does it feel to have Sedunia Luxury selected as Ponant’s preferred partner in Malaysia?

We are proud to represent Ponant in Malaysia. Ponant is a world leader in polar expeditions for the last 30 years and works closely with National Geographic. Its fleet of ideal small expedition ships with stabilisers is the world's most technologically advanced. Besides the polar expeditions, Ponant also has luxury cruisers covering exotic destinations in other parts of the world such as Kimberley in Australia, Seychelles, Tahiti, and The Gulf. Through Sedunia Luxury, our travellers can experience these luxury cruises. 

To book or for further inquiries, visit www.sedunialuxury.com or email luxe@seduniatravel.com

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