The Ponant fleet began with the 64-guest sailing ship, Le Ponant, which was followed by four sleek and elegant sister ships - Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial - each carrying between 224 and 264 guests (depending on the configuration of the cabins - some can be joined to create larger suites).

Ponant are now in the process of rolling out their six 'Explorer' class yachts, each named after a famous French explorer and carrying 184 guests. If that's not exciting enough, the world's first hybrid-powered luxury icebreaker, the remarkable Le Commandant Charcot, is set to join the fleet in 2021.

All ships sail under the French flag, but the company aims for a truly international clientele, attracted by gastronomic excellence and a sophisticated ambience. On certain sailings, large groups will change the balance of languages spoken, but the ships operate bilingually throughout the year.

They offer a stylish and luminous décor, with some beautiful artworks and furnishings in leather, suede and fabric, and in nautical colours that evoke the natural world.

Classic cruise itineraries are interspersed with voyages and expeditions way off the beaten track. Sailing in pristine waters, Ponant's 'clean ship' awards make complete sense, as does the state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system, which means that there is no need to drop an anchor that might damage a fragile ecosystem.