PONANT EXPLORATIONS is bringing its highly anticipated 2026 Discovery Sessions to Australia this March and April, offering travellers a rare chance to step inside the world of luxury small‑ship and expedition cruising. Hosted across Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, these immersive events will showcase what’s new across the fleet and itineraries, while giving guests access to exclusive, event‑only booking benefits.
Designed for curious travellers and cruise enthusiasts alike, the Discovery Sessions provide insight, inspiration and practical advice to help guests find the perfect voyage for their next adventure at sea.
Discover PONANT EXPLORATIONS in five Australian cities
Each PONANT Discovery Session is hosted by the line’s destination specialists and enriched with insights from past guests who have already sailed to some of the world’s most remote and remarkable regions. Guests will be guided through the breadth of PONANT’s expedition and luxury small‑ship portfolio, from icy polar frontiers to warm‑water paradises and culturally rich coastlines.
Throughout the session, travellers can explore:
- Polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica
- Australian voyages, including the Kimberley and Australia’s West Coast
- Iconic regions such as the Mediterranean, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands
This makes the Discovery Sessions ideal for guests considering their first expedition cruise as well as seasoned travellers looking to plan an in‑depth itinerary for 2027 and 2028.
Expert speakers on polar and warm‑water destinations
Every event features two expert speakers: one specialising in the polar regions and one dedicated to warm‑water and cultural destinations. Together, they share first‑hand stories from on board, highlight signature itineraries and offer practical tips on choosing the right voyage.
From what to pack for Antarctica to how best to experience coral reefs, remote atolls or Kimberley waterfalls, guests will gain useful guidance tailored to their interests and travel style. This format allows attendees to compare very different styles of expedition cruising in a single, relaxed session.
Immersive event experience: maps, inspiration and canapés
PONANT EXPLORATIONS has designed the Discovery Sessions to feel like a journey in their own right. Guests are invited to:
- Explore interactive destination maps
- Dive into immersive content at the Inspiration Station
- Enjoy fine canapés, refreshments and entertainment offering a taste of life on board
This combination of expert presentation, visual storytelling and hospitality helps guests truly imagine themselves on a PONANT voyage—whether that’s sailing past icebergs, Zodiac‑cruising through remote fjords or island‑hopping in tropical seas.
Exclusive event‑only offers for attendees
One of the biggest drawcards of the 2026 Discovery Sessions is the suite of exclusive, limited‑time incentives available only to attendees. Guests who register and attend can access:
Book early and save up to 30% on 2027 and 2028 voyages, plus receive a €300 shipboard credit per person for all attendees*
Save 5% on staterooms and 10% on suites for departures within 12 months following the event*
Entry into a prize draw to win a $1,000 AUD voucher toward their next PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyage, with winners announced live at each session*
Past guests can also share a memorable wildlife moment from a previous PONANT voyage for the chance to win one of three additional $1,000 vouchers*
For travellers already considering a future expedition or small‑ship cruise, these offers make the Discovery Sessions one of the most advantageous times to secure a cabin.
How to register for PONANT’s 2026 Discovery Sessions
Capacity at each venue is limited, and guests are encouraged to register early to secure their place. Registration and full event details—including dates, times and city‑specific information—are available via PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ dedicated event website.
Prospective guests can review the program, choose their preferred city and session, and confirm attendance online, making it easy to align the event with existing travel or work commitments.
