CRUISE GPS
Protecting Our Planet
Ten ways PONANT is making sustainability and conservation top priorities.
CRUISE GPS
Protecting Our Planet
Ten ways PONANT is making sustainability and conservation top priorities.
“Take only photographs, leave only footprints.”
For most of us, that’s a mantra we do our best to follow. But for PONANT, it’s a requisite. They take guests to the most remote and untouched places on the planet, where the ecosystems are often the most fragile. For that, PONANT has developed a host of innovative, earth-first programs and products—all designed to protect the environments that the ships explore.
1. Size matters. Smaller ships naturally have a smaller impact, which is why PONANT ships are built with no more than 132 staterooms.
2. Reduced emissions. All of PONANT‘s fleet, except for the wind-powered Le Ponant, are equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, allowing them to run on electric batteries while in port. PONANT has even committed to building a cruise ship that aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions, expected to launch in 2030.
3. Efficient navigation. To limit fuel use, PONANT uses a navigation assistance program that adapts engine power to local conditions.
4. Plastic purge. Still and sparkling water is delivered to the staterooms daily in reusable glass bottles. Guests also receive a reusable stainless-steel water bottle which they can easily refill using the ships state of the art Nordaq system.
5. Portside recycling. PONANT collects glass, cartons, and other recyclables for processing at specific ports. The company also traces its waste to ensure compliance and minimize any inefficiencies.
6. Wildlife conservation. The entire PONANT fleet is among the quietest at sea in order to limit disruption of natural behavior. Naturalist guides use seabed detector technology to alert ship captains when marine life is present in the area—speed is then reduced to minimize any disturbance.
7. Scientific research. PONANT partners with several scientific research organizations, allowing biologists, geographers, oceanographers, climatologists, and ethnologists to conduct experiments onboard its ships. Le Commandant Charcot houses 2 laboratories and has dedicated space for independent scientific research to happen alongside expeditions. The data provides a better understanding of how to protect marine ecosystems.
8. Community benefit. When visiting ports, the customs and traditions of Indigenous people are of utmost importance. Community leaders help craft guest experiences for passenger enrichment and beneficial impact on the local economy.
9. Ongoing education. Just as the climate continues to change, so too does information and research regarding the best ways to protect it. PONANT stays on top of best practices and ensures ship officers and guides have a thorough understanding of any new regulations and requirements on everything from waste management and water treatment to new ways to reduce emissions and protect biodiversity.
10. Foundational strength. A portion of PONANT’s profits support the PONANT Foundation, which in turn provides financial assistance to organizations working to preserve oceans, advance science, and interact with indigenous populations.
Experience a meaningful voyage via PONANT.
“Take only photographs, leave only footprints.”
For most of us, that’s a mantra we do our best to follow. But for PONANT, it’s a requisite. They take guests to the most remote and untouched places on the planet, where the ecosystems are often the most fragile. For that, PONANT has developed a host of innovative, earth-first programs and products—all designed to protect the environments that the ships explore.
1. Size matters. Smaller ships naturally have a smaller impact, which is why PONANT ships are built with no more than 132 staterooms.
2. Reduced emissions. All of PONANT‘s fleet, except for the wind-powered Le Ponant, are equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, allowing them to run on electric batteries while in port. PONANT has even committed to building a cruise ship that aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions, expected to launch in 2030.
3. Efficient navigation. To limit fuel use, PONANT uses a navigation assistance program that adapts engine power to local conditions.
4. Plastic purge. Still and sparkling water is delivered to the staterooms daily in reusable glass bottles. Guests also receive a reusable stainless-steel water bottle which they can easily refill using the ships state of the art Nordaq system.
5. Portside recycling. PONANT collects glass, cartons, and other recyclables for processing at specific ports. The company also traces its waste to ensure compliance and minimize any inefficiencies.
6. Wildlife conservation. The entire PONANT fleet is among the quietest at sea in order to limit disruption of natural behavior. Naturalist guides use seabed detector technology to alert ship captains when marine life is present in the area—speed is then reduced to minimize any disturbance.
7. Scientific research. PONANT partners with several scientific research organizations, allowing biologists, geographers, oceanographers, climatologists, and ethnologists to conduct experiments onboard its ships. Le Commandant Charcot houses 2 laboratories and has dedicated space for independent scientific research to happen alongside expeditions. The data provides a better understanding of how to protect marine ecosystems.
8. Community benefit. When visiting ports, the customs and traditions of Indigenous people are of utmost importance. Community leaders help craft guest experiences for passenger enrichment and beneficial impact on the local economy.
9. Ongoing education. Just as the climate continues to change, so too does information and research regarding the best ways to protect it. PONANT stays on top of best practices and ensures ship officers and guides have a thorough understanding of any new regulations and requirements on everything from waste management and water treatment to new ways to reduce emissions and protect biodiversity.
10. Foundational strength. A portion of PONANT’s profits support the PONANT Foundation, which in turn provides financial assistance to organizations working to preserve oceans, advance science, and interact with indigenous populations.
Experience a meaningful voyage via PONANT.
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Nestled in rural Shelby County, KY, Dream Catcher Cruise and Travel is all about home and family. Whether you choose to cross the river to Grandmother's house, sail our vast oceans or winding rivers abroad, or tickle your toes in powder-white sand on a warm and sunny shore, your life will be forever enriched by traveling with those you love.
Travel today can be exciting, relaxing, and adventurous, but the planning process may seem daunting. Dream Catcher will make it easy by assisting before, during, and after your trip - planning with you, answering questions, and caring for you every step of the way. Travel is all about you! – your moments to discover, your time to build memories, your chance to reach out, and to truly “catch that dream.” We would like to be a part of your journey.
Terry began traveling as a young Army wife, living in the quaint villages of Germany, exploring Europe, ...