Review of Le Ponant Sailing Yacht

Le Ponant is a stylish three-masted sailing yacht, fully renovated in 2022. It carries just 32 guests, offering a private yacht experience with luxury cruise amenities.

Jean-Philippe Nuel redesigned the interiors with a fresh, calming look using marine blues and soft whites. Outdoor decks provide stunning panoramic views and comfortable lounging areas, perfect for enjoying sunsets.

Public spaces include the stylish Panoramic Lounge and Le Diamant restaurant, both decorated beautifully with contemporary furniture and offering great ocean views. There is also plenty of deck space for relaxing and dining outside beneath the sails.

Tip: It’s a true sailing yacht—bring sea sickness bands/patches if you’re sensitive.

Detailed Review of the Cabins on Le Ponant

Le Ponant offers a range of 16 cabins, each thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and elegance, contributing to the yacht’s exclusive, private atmosphere. Cabin sizes on Le Ponant start at a cozy yet well-appointed 13 square meters, ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort and style without requiring extensive space. These standard cabins feature elegant, contemporary décor with marine-inspired tones, high-quality linens, comfortable beds, and ample storage, making them perfectly suited for a relaxing sailing voyage.

Moving up in size and amenities, Le Ponant also features several larger Prestige Cabins. These rooms provide additional space and enhanced luxury. They typically offer larger windows for expansive sea views and additional seating areas, creating a more spacious living environment. All cabins are equipped with essential amenities, including a minibar, individual air conditioning controls, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity

All the cabins benefit from direct sea views through large portholes or windows, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking vistas from the privacy of their rooms, but don’t expect the large panoramic windows and balcony you get on bigger cruise ships. After all, this is a sailing Yacht. The design aesthetic across all cabins blends chic nautical elegance with practical functionality, using rich woods, soft lighting, and tasteful artwork to create serene, inviting spaces. The bathrooms, though compact in standard cabins, are efficiently designed with high-quality fixtures, luxurious toiletries, plush towels, and convenient amenities to ensure guest comfort.

Overall, each cabin onboard Le Ponant reflects thoughtful attention to detail, providing a harmonious blend of luxury and practicality that enhances the overall cruising experience.

Tip: Soft luggage and a capsule wardrobe fit small-ship storage best , especially in the smaller cabins

Our Experience in the Suite de l’Armateur (Owner’s Suite)

During our journey aboard Le Ponant, we had the pleasure of staying in the Suite de l’Armateur, the yacht’s largest and most luxurious cabin at 30 square meters. This suite exceeded our expectations in every way, combining ample living space with elegant design and unmatched comfort. The suite featured a separate sitting area, creating a feeling of spaciousness that significantly enhanced our onboard experience.

The private balcony was a highlight, offering us breathtaking sea views and a serene space to enjoy quiet moments, sipping morning coffee or evening champagne while watching the sunset. The suite is not as large as on other luxury boats, but don’t forget you’re on a sailing boat.

Inside, the suite’s décor was sophisticated yet welcoming, featuring luxurious fabrics, tasteful nautical touches, and high-end furnishings. The comfortable king-size bed provided exceptional rest, complemented by premium linens and plush pillows. Ample closet and storage space allowed us to unpack fully and settle in comfortably for the duration of the cruise.

The suite’s bathroom was equally impressive, featuring twin sinks, a generously sized rain shower, and luxurious toiletries. The thoughtful layout and high-quality amenities ensured our daily routines felt indulgent and effortless, enhancing our sense of well-being throughout the voyage.

Extra Perks of Staying in the Suite de l’Armateur

Guests staying in the Suite de l’Armateur enjoy several exclusive perks that significantly enhance our cruise experience. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a chilled bottle of Champagne, fresh fruit baskets, and gourmet canapés, creating an immediate sense of welcome and indulgence.

Additionally, complimentary laundry service provided convenience and added comfort, allowing us to fully relax without concern for daily practicalities. We also got a complimentary airport transfer and 2 free massages at the spa.

Review of the Food on Le Ponant – A Culinary Voyage at Sea

One of the most memorable aspects of our week aboard Le Ponant was the outstanding culinary experience. Ponant is one of the cruise lines with the best food in my opinion, and Le Ponant didn’t disappoint. Dining on this elegant sailing yacht wasn’t just a routine—it was an event we looked forward to each day. From early morning coffee to gourmet dinners under the stars, every meal was beautifully prepared and thoughtfully presented. With a French culinary team onboard and a full-time pastry chef, we quickly realized that food on Le Ponant was a true highlight of the journey.

Breakfast: A Perfect Start

Each day began with a leisurely breakfast served buffet-style in the outdoor covered dining area or inside Le Diamant restaurant. Breakfast was typically available from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, offering a wide selection of both continental and hot options. Freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes were served alongside an array of cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, and juices. We could also order eggs cooked to our preference, bacon, sausages, and crepes, all freshly prepared upon request. If you want an earlier start, a light breakfast is available at the Salon Emeraude from 6 am

For coffee lovers, the espresso machines and expertly brewed café crème and cappuccinos ensured each morning started right. Breakfast was relaxed, never rushed, and always accompanied by beautiful sea views.

Lunch: Casual Elegance

Lunch on Le Ponant was typically served between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM and alternated between à la carte service and an elegant buffet. On sunny days, we enjoyed lunch outside under the shade sails, overlooking the sparkling sea. Menus changed daily and often featured Mediterranean and French cuisine—think grilled fish, Niçoise salad, tomato burrata, pasta, and charcuterie boards.

Each meal included multiple courses, and we often found ourselves enjoying light appetizers, a main dish, and a small dessert or cheese selection. There was always a vegetarian option, and the staff was more than willing to accommodate any dietary preferences.

On some days, Le Ponant organised lunch ashore in a typical Greek restaurant. This was also included in the cruise fare.

Afternoon Snacks and Tea Time

Around 4:00 PM, we were treated to afternoon tea in the Panoramic Lounge. This was an unexpected pleasure—freshly baked cakes, cookies, savory tarts, and sometimes even mini sandwiches were served alongside tea, herbal infusions, or coffee. It was the perfect interlude between lunch and dinner, especially after a shore excursion or a quiet afternoon on deck.

Dinner: The Highlight of the Day

Dinner service on Le Ponant began at 7:30 PM and was a more formal, multi-course affair, typically served indoors at Le Diamant. The menu followed a French fine-dining format with five beautifully presented courses: amuse-bouche, appetizer, main course, cheese, and dessert. Each dish reflected a blend of classic French technique with local Mediterranean ingredients. Highlights from the menu included lobster bisque, sea bass with saffron risotto, duck breast with cherry sauce, and expertly grilled lamb chops.

The full-time French pastry chef onboard ensured that dessert was always a special moment. From delicate fruit tarts to creamy mousses, soufflés, and freshly made ice creams, every sweet course was as refined as those in top Parisian restaurants.

Dinner was paired with excellent French wines, typically white, rosé, or red depending on the menu. The sommelier onboard guided us through the wine list, offering pairings that enhanced the flavors of each course. We appreciated the consistency and creativity of the meals and the fact that no two dinners were alike.

Dinner was also a great time to meet other passengers. Each night, we could choose to either dine privately or to join a communal table with other passengers. By the end of the week, we got to know most of the other 30 passengers.

Special Dining Moments

Some evenings featured special dining experiences. One night, we enjoyed a barbecue on the top deck under the stars, with candlelight, music, and a relaxed atmosphere. Another evening, we had a themed Mediterranean buffet with regional specialties and local wines.

Our favorite moment, though, was the surprise movie night under the sails. The crew transformed the top deck into an open-air cinema and served popcorn, hot drinks, and warm blankets.

Even during that casual setting, the attention to detail in the snacks and presentation reminded us how much care the crew put into everything, including food.

Review of the Service on Le Ponant

Service onboard Le Ponant is personalized and attentive, thanks to a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1. Passengers receive quick, tailored service and warm hospitality.

The crew quickly learns guests’ names and preferences, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

How is the Internet on Le Ponant?

Internet access onboard Le Ponant is good. They probably have one of the new Starlink systems and we had good connection hrough the cruise

How to do Laundry on Le Ponant?

Laundry service onboard Le Ponant is convenient and efficient. Complimentary laundry service is included for some suites, while other cabins can use paid services. Guests place clothes in the provided laundry bags, and clean items are returned within 24 hours.

There are no self-service laundry facilities onboard, but the available service is reliable and high-quality.

What is Included on a Le Ponant Cruise?

Ponant cruises aboard Le Ponant are almost all-inclusive. The fare covers accommodations, onboard meals, select fine wines, premium beverages, daily canapés, and gratuities. Excursions, Wi-Fi, laundry, and premium alcoholic beverages that usually cost extra are included in the Ponant special package. The only extra expenses you have to plan for are spa treatments, airport transfer, and of course, shopping ashore.

What Activities are available on Le Ponant cruises?

Le Ponant offers a relaxed onboard experience with activities focused on exploration and culture. Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming are available from the yacht’s marina platform. We also did a fun aquagym class in the sea.

Shore excursions led by local guides provide cultural experiences and visits to historic sites, vineyards, and charming coastal towns. Onboard enrichment activities, such as lectures and cultural presentations, occasionally enhance guests’ understanding of the destinations. During our week, the quality of the shore excursions was variable. Strong winds forced the captain to modify our itinerary at short notice, and the team had to scramble to find alternative excursions in the new ports of call. While some replacements were excellent—intimate, well-guided, and true to the spirit of Le Ponant—others felt more generic or lightly organized, with less time for in-depth exploration. We appreciated the crew’s flexibility and problem-solving, but travelers should expect some inconsistency when weather drives last-minute changes and manage expectations accordingly.

A Typical Day on Le Ponant

A typical day aboard Le Ponant was calm, elegant, and perfectly paced. We never felt rushed or overwhelmed, yet there was always something enriching to do if we felt like joining. One morning around 11:30 AM, we gathered on the upper deck for a relaxed briefing about the next day’s destination, with maps, stories, and tips shared by the expedition leader. After lunch, between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, we had the option to join a swim stop—diving straight into the Aegean Sea from the marina platform. On calmer days, the team set up paddleboards and kayaks, which we enjoyed at our own rhythm.

Later in the afternoon, around 5:30 PM, we joined a cooking demonstration on deck led by the chef, who prepared Greek specialties like taramosalata and shared wine-pairing suggestions with the sommelier. The atmosphere was casual and social—just a few guests chatting while the sun started to dip.

Evenings always felt special. Around 6:45 PM, we sipped cocktails to the soft sounds of live music—one night it was jazz guitar, another evening a classical trio. Twice during our week, the crew hosted sunset aperitifs on deck, serving champagne and canapés with the sails raised—an unforgettable moment of beauty and elegance. These gentle rhythms of the day became part of what made our experience on Le Ponant so relaxing and refined.

Overview of our Itinerary Cruising on Le Ponant

Our journey aboard Le Ponant was an unforgettable week of sailing through some of the most enchanting corners of the Aegean. We boarded the yacht in Lavrio, just outside Athens, and from the moment we stepped on deck, we knew this was not going to be a typical cruise. With only a handful of other guests on board, it felt like we were traveling with friends—intimate, relaxed, and effortlessly elegant.

The itinerary was designed to showcase a side of Greece that most travelers never get to see. The weather during our trip was very bad and the itinerary had to be changed for safety reasons. The Ponant team was amazing to rearrange the whole schedule on short notice and still provide interesting shore excursions. Instead of the crowded tourist hubs, we explored islands with soul—places like Tinos, Sérifos, and Kythnos, where tradition still shapes daily life and the landscapes feel wild and untouched. We wandered through quiet whitewashed villages, visited local artisans, and sipped strong Greek coffee in sleepy town squares. On some islands, we didn’t dock at ports at all—we simply dropped anchor in hidden bays and swam straight from the marina platform into the impossibly clear water. One afternoon we found ourselves snorkeling off the coast of Polyaigos, an uninhabited island with electric-blue coves we had all to ourselves.

Each stop offered something different: Monemvasia’s medieval stone town clinging to a rock, Spetses’ elegant mansions and pine-lined waterfront, and Tinos’ marble villages nestled into rolling hills.  We could join a historical walk, take a paddleboard out along the coast, or simply stay on board and read on deck with a glass of chilled Assyrtiko.

Sailing between destinations was a highlight in itself. When the captain raised the sails, the silence was extraordinary—just the wind, the waves, and the rhythm of the sea. The crew often surprised us with beach picnics or spontaneous swim stops, turning a travel day into something memorable. It felt like every element of the itinerary was curated with intention: immersive, slow, and deeply connected to Greece’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

Sustainability & Innovation on Le Ponant

In 2022, Le Ponant received upgrades to strengthen her environmental credentials: a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system cutting NOₓ emissions by 90%, advanced wastewater treatment, waste sorting, and optimized sail use

Pros of Sailing on Le Ponant

1. Intimate Atmosphere
Le Ponant’s capacity of just 32 passengers created an incredibly intimate and personalized environment. The smaller number of guests meant we quickly formed genuine connections with both fellow passengers and the attentive crew. Throughout the cruise, it genuinely felt more like an exclusive gathering aboard a private yacht than a typical cruise experience.

2. Exceptional Service
One aspect we particularly appreciated was the exceptional service provided by the crew, enabled by a nearly 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio. They quickly learned our preferences and anticipated our needs, making us feel truly cared for. Our interactions with the captain and the entire crew were consistently warm and professional, significantly enhancing our overall experience.

3. Gourmet Cuisine
Dining aboard Le Ponant was truly extraordinary. The onboard French culinary team consistently delivered gourmet-quality meals. Each dining experience felt like a special event, from the delightful five-course dinners to the freshly baked pastries each morning. The food always exceeded our expectations, offering an exceptional fusion of Mediterranean freshness and French culinary excellence, perfectly paired with outstanding wines.

4. Authentic Sailing Experience
Unlike larger cruise ships, Le Ponant offered us the unique experience of genuine sailing, relying primarily on wind power. Watching the crew raise the sails was unforgettable—a mesmerizing and peaceful highlight. This traditional sailing experience brought an added layer of romance and authenticity to the voyage, setting it apart from any other cruise we’ve taken.

5. Access to Unique Destinations
Le Ponant’s smaller size allowed us to visit unique, less-traveled ports and secluded anchorages inaccessible to larger ships. This provided us with more authentic and less crowded experiences, offering truly special encounters with local cultures and serene environments.

6. Luxurious Owner’s Suite
Staying in the Owner’s Suite elevated our voyage considerably, offering exceptional luxury and privacy. The suite’s spacious 30 square meters, elegant furnishings, private balcony, and thoughtful amenities—including daily gourmet canapés and fresh fruit baskets—made our stay exceptionally comfortable and memorable.

7. Elegant, Yacht-Like Decor
The yacht’s interiors, designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, featured a refined, yacht-like elegance that enhanced our onboard experience. The soothing marine blues, soft whites, and tasteful wooden finishes created a luxurious yet tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation and comfort.

Cons of Sailing on Le Ponant

1. Limited Onboard Amenities and fewer entertainment options
Due to its intimate size, Le Ponant lacked some amenities we’ve experienced on larger luxury vessels. There were no swimming pools, extensive spas, or elaborate entertainment venues. Entertainment onboard Le Ponant was understated, primarily focused on enrichment lectures, casual relaxation, and quiet evening activities such as movie nights or cocktail gatherings. Those seeking vibrant entertainment, nightlife, or extensive family-oriented activities might find the options somewhat limited.

2. Smaller Cabins
Aside from the luxurious Owner’s Suite and a few other larger cabins, most rooms on Le Ponant are compact at approximately 130 square feet. Though beautifully designed and comfortable, these smaller cabins might feel restrictive, particularly for travelers accustomed to more spacious accommodations.

3. Sea Motion
Le Ponant, being a sailing yacht, occasionally experienced noticeable movement in rough seas. This was particularly noticeable compared to larger, stabilized cruise ships. Those prone to seasickness might find this aspect challenging during certain conditions or voyages.

4. Fixed Dining Times
Dining aboard Le Ponant occurred at set times, particularly dinner, which occasionally felt restrictive. While this provided routine and structure, it limited flexibility, potentially detracting from guests who prefer more spontaneous dining arrangements.

5. Limited Internet Connectivity
Although Wi-Fi was provided onboard, connectivity was occasionally slow or inconsistent, especially in remote sailing areas. For travelers needing reliable, high-speed internet access, this limitation might prove frustrating.

6. Higher Cost
The intimate, personalized nature of cruising aboard Le Ponant comes at a premium price compared to larger luxury cruise ships. It costs about twice as much as a regular Ponant cruise.

In conclusion to my review of Le Ponant

Overall, sailing aboard Le Ponant was an extraordinary experience that provided intimacy, personalized service, exceptional gourmet dining, and an authentic sailing adventure. Despite some limitations in amenities and entertainment, the yacht’s personalized attention, unique destinations, and elegant charm made our cruise truly unforgettable. It is also very special to sail using wind only. For those prioritizing exclusivity, relaxation, and high-quality experiences, Le Ponant offers a genuinely remarkable sailing adventure however, on our dates the entry cabin priced at roughly 2× comparable Ponant sailings—and was more expensive than chartering a small private boat in Greece. If wind-powered days, hush-quiet decks, and the private-yacht vibe are your dream, the premium can make sense. If your priority is Ponant’s cuisine, French flair, and attentive service, the price gap versus other Ponant ships didn’t feel justified for us.