2019 - 2020 “Here we have two highly respected global companies working together to inspire our guests to live curiously, explore our planet and become global ambassadors for sustainability. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC brings a network of experts, photographers and Society-sponsored researchers, while PONANT brings the largest fl eet of new, technically advanced small expedition ships able to sail all regions of the world.” — JEAN EMMANUEL SAUVÉE & GARY E. KNELL 2 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT A STRONG PARTNERSHIP OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL AND IMMERSIVE EXPEDITIONS Dear guest, For all lovers of exploration, adventure, discovery, untouched nature and unique encounters far beyond the boundaries of normal travel, PONANT and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC have joined forces and combined their expertise to off er unique and enriching expedition cruises. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has been igniting our inner explorer for 130 years, through its legacy of ground-breaking storytelling from the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers, and visionary fi lmmakers. PONANT has provided its guests with unique, unparalleled travel experiences aboard luxury ships, all around the world, for more than 30 years. Together we off er over 130 new itineraries, taking you to the world’s most intriguing and remote destinations, onboard a fleet of state-of-the-art ‘clean ships’, each designed and built with leading edge technologies to respect our environment and marine life. These are the iconic locations where the great stories of human exploration took place. Aboard PONANT’s luxury small expedition ships, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC will continue to be your guide, off ering specialists, experts and our peerless photographers as your travel companions, to share their knowledge and passion for the breathtaking destinations and teach you to capture perfect photographs of the incredible sights you’ll see. Our itineraries cover the furthest corners of the world, far from the usual tourist bubbles. Enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes and soaring glaciers on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Arctic or Antarctica. Sail turquoise waters on an idyllic cruise through the beautiful islands of the Seychelles. Discover wild open spaces while following the steps of ancient gold miners in Alaska. However you choose your itinerary, we know you will come home changed. We hope you will join us onboard to experience an unforgettable journey. Jean Emmanuel Sauvée Gary E. Knell CEO and Co-founder of PONANT CEO of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PARTNERS 3 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT SET SAIL WITH PONANT AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC From 2019, PONANT and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC are launching a unique partnership to off er people who love travel, discovery and nature the opportunity to embark on new expedition cruises to some of the most secret and best-preserved destinations on Planet Earth. A PARTNERSHIP FORGED AROUND COMMON VALUES We are building this collaboration from our shared values: the spirit of adventure, a passion for exploring, a thirst for discovery and care for our planet. PONANT, the leader in polar expeditions for almost 20 years, boasts a state-of-the-art modern fleet of expedition ships. Designed to sail distant seas in comfort and safety, our boats' small size and manoeuvrability allows us to reach the most remote lands. At the same time our fl eet is equipped with leading edge navigation and stability technology, alongside the most up-to-date environmental protections, which are essential when crossing through fragile areas, observing unique and often delicate ecosystems. For over 130 years, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY has funded groundbreaking scientists and explorers, sharing our fi ndings with the world. We sponsored Hiram Bingham as he brought back stories of Machu Picchu; we documented Robert Ballard’s quest to fi nd The Titanic and supported Jane Goodall’s lifelong study of chimpanzees. Today, the Society awards more than 575 grants a year to scientists, educators, innovators and storytellers around the world. Simply by taking a trip with PONANT and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, you are supporting these vital initiatives. * Onboard each cruise, a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC expert specialising in topics ranging from anthropology, to history, to marine biology, will enrich the expedition with fascinating presentations and informal discussions. A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC photographer is also onboard, on hand to advise and teach you techniques along the way, sharing their skills while the subject of your photograph is right there in front of you. *National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC, funded in part by your purchase. To learn more, visit www.natgeo.com/info. 4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT 5 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” — WENDELLBERRY 6 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, PASSIONATE ABOUT EXPLORING THE WORLD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, AN INSPIRING AND TRUSTED BRAND Part of the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY — founded in 1888 and one of the most influential non-profi t institutions in the world in the fi elds of science and education — NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC has been providing sophisticated and inspiring writing, fi lmmaking and photography, covering major current aff airs and topics aimed at an inquiring audience. Building on generations of trust, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC harnesses the energy of our millions of readers, viewers and supporters to promote learning, caring and taking action to protect our planet. “We believe in the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to change the world.” — NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WE ARE ALL EXPLORERS Stimulated by science and adventure, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’s objective is to inspire people through meaningful experiences and to create personal connections through exploration. TRAVEL IS NOT AN EXTENSION OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. IT HAS BEEN A CORNERSTONE FROM THE START. Travel has been part of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’s DNA ever since that January evening in 1888 when 33 explorers, scientists, academics and patrons gathered to found “a society for the increase and diff usion of geographical knowledge.” Since the fi rst issue of the Journal of the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, the writing, then photography, then in more recent years video, digital, and social media, have transported people. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC captures the far-flung places of the world and brings them vividly home to our audience. Travel is just another way that NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC fuels an understanding of our world. 7 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT DISCOVER THE PONANT DIFFERENCE ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF A PONANT CRUISE Discover the Earth’s treasures onboard a luxurious ship built on an intimate scale. Set sail in a relaxed, stylish environment and enjoy a travel experience that is both engaging and sophisticated. Experience our unique blend of expertise, attentive service and gastronomic fl air. Step aboard our state-of-the-art ships, each with up to 132 staterooms and suites. You will discover a unique, intimate atmosphere imbued with French flair: a blend of gastronomy, fi ne French wines, high quality materials, an elegant attention to detail and sleek, yet always welcoming, design. THE WORLD LEADER IN LUXURY EXPEDITIONS Discover some of the world’s most remote and inaccessible regions in supreme comfort. Enjoy unique, fl exible itineraries, curated to share with you the very best of the region. Aboard supremely modern ships, designed to navigate through diverse environments and small enough to be able to take our guests to the most exceptional sites, discovering places that cruises are unable to reach. Under the guidance of our PONANT expedition teams of passionate and knowledgeable experts, regular outings and landings in Zodiacs® will allow you to get as close to nature as possible. 8 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT 9 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT “Choosing a PONANT Expedition cruise means choosing to be truly connected to your environment: a blend of luxury and immersive experiences, exploration and great comfort, adventure and refi nement… even in the heart of the most remote regions.” 10 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC | PONANT EXPEDITIONS BY PONANT ARE YOU DREAMING OF AN EXCEPTIONAL, ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP? Far from modern civilisation, in the heart of isolated lands, and as close as possible to truly unspoilt nature and ancient cultures? With PONANT, you can eff ortlessly fulfi l this dream in the luxurious comfort and refi ned setting of our ultra-modern fleet. Take a trip in a Zodiac® accompanied by one of our expert naturalist guides; land on a deserted shore, observe fauna, learn more from onboard expert lectures: these experiences combine to make your cruise unforgettable. AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE APPROACH Aware of our responsibilities towards the precious eco-systems we cross and the local communities we meet, we plan all our expedition cruises with an environmentally responsible focus. We prioritise and operate sustainable tourism, radically limiting the environmental impact of our visits to these preserved sites: zero-impact landing protocol, the use of an electric propulsion system and dynamic positioning to protect the seabed. WHETHER POLAR OR TROPICAL, ENJOY AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPEDITION Whether you prefer the icy expanses of the poles or the preserved atolls of the Indian Ocean, our teams have created unique itineraries so you can discover the wonders of our planet. ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPEDITIONS Once aboard,