To mark the launch of the Ponant Yachting brand, the company has added a 22nd ship to its fleet called Spirit of Ponant II.
The 10-passenger catamaran will join the fleet in late 2026 and will be based in French Polynesia.
By late 2026, Ponant Yachting will operate a fleet of three catamarans: the Spirit of Ponant, the Spirit of Ponant II and La Desirade each with a capacity of nine to 12 guests.
The brand will offer destinations across the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and French Polynesia.
On each sailing there will be a captain, first mate, chef and a hostess as well as a wide range of nautical activities, bespoke menus and a selection of wines and cocktails.
Polar Explorations Group operates Ponant and South Pacific specialist Paul Gauguin while also holding a majority share in Aqua Expeditions.
Herve Gastinel, Ponant Explorations Group's chief executive, said: "With the acquisition of the Spirit of Ponant II, we are expanding our offering in the luxury sailing segment for intimate, sophisticated and responsible voyages.
"We are developing a unique world, where each experience is tailor-made: itineraries, gastronomy, excursions and more.
"This strategy is also embodied in the launch of our new brand, Ponant Yachting, which combines the intimate experience of sailing with the sophisticated and personalised services of Ponant Explorations Group voyages. This strengthens our unique portfolio of brands in the cruise industry.”
Meanwhile, UK and Ireland general manager Anthony Daniels has revealed Ponant's solo passenger offering is one of three core pillars he has based his commercial strategy on.
While Ponant has always waived solo surcharges on most of its voyages allowing travellers to book double staterooms and suites without an extra charge, Daniels wanted to promote the offering in the UK and Irish market.
Daniels, who has previously worked for Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, told TTG: "We've got a robust strategy when it comes to solo travellers but we've never maximised it in the UK and Ireland.
"I've worked for many different cruise companies and I was pleasantly surprised with how many suites we offer solo travellers."
Ponant's UK and Ireland general manager Anthony Daniels is keen to promote the fact the French cruise operator has waived single supplements on most of its sailings
Daniels said Ponant had 151 sailings running until November 2027 with solo cabins available. "This is not just a short-term campaign – it's always on," he continued.
"Most of the time there will be sailings with solo cabins so in other words there's always an opportunity for agents."
He added: "The demand from solo passengers has been seen for a long time in France where we're the number one cruise line.
"In the UK, one of the trends that we're seeing is the groups of friends that want their own accommodation."
He estimated that on average 5%-10% of sailing capacity was available to solo passengers. "We need to help agents understand how to market this," he said, adding: "It's all about making sure they know that when a solo passenger makes an enquiry they know to check Ponant.
"When I joined Ponant I had to qualify this – this offering has been there for a long time. We've not promoted it before in the UK market. This is all about making people aware of it.
"Our portfolio is so wide. The three pillars that we're focused on are polar, Paul Gauguin and the newest opportunity is this solos one. That is the strategy that I have put in place."
