Ponant

Packing Checklist

Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

• Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
• Light weight long trousers
• Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
• Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
• Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming 
• Aquatic non-slip sandals 
• Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
• Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
• Comfortable walking shoes

Accessories:

• Highly protective sunglasses.
• Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
• Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
• Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
• Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
• Walking poles (highly recommended).

Please note:

During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.

Ideal clothes for life on board:

During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Informal evening:

In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.

For women:

• Simple dress
• Skirt or trousers
• Blouse
• Polo

For men:

• Pleated trousers or chinos
• Sports jacket
• Shirt
• Polo

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).

Gala evening:

During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.

For women:

• Cocktail attire
• Evening dress (if you wish to)

For men:

• Dark suit
• Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

SHOP:

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

Advice 

TECHNICAL OUTFITS:

• Shorts / bermudas
• Light weight long trousers
• Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
• Sweater/pullover for the evening
• Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
• Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
• Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
• Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
• Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore

ACCESSORIES:

• Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
• Binoculars
• Walking poles
• Small waterproof backpack
• Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
• Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
• Gym wear (fitness)
• Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
• Mobile phone charger
• Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck

HEALTH CARE:

• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
• Mosquito and insect repellent
• Medications and prescriptions

OUTFITS ON BOARD:

• Casual outfits for the day
• Smarter outfits for dinners
• Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
• White or black and white outfit

PRECAUTIONS:

In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.

All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.