Meet Vladislav Saveliev, UK Sales Manager at PONANT

Which expedition cruise company do you work for?

Ponant.

What do you think sets your company apart from other expedition cruise operators?

Photos @PONANT

Founded in 1988 by French navy officers, the company embodies a deep respect for the oceans and a spirit of exploration, which continues to guide its sustainable & innovative approach to travel. Ponant prides itself on crafting exclusive itineraries that allow guests to discover remote and untouched destinations, from polar regions to hidden tropical harbours only accessible by small ships. What truly sets Ponant apart is its distinctive French touch: from exquisite French gastronomy, featuring Michelin-starred chefs and locally inspired dishes, to elegant design, exclusive partnerships, and refined service. Guests enjoy an atmosphere of understated luxury, blending cultural immersion with world-class hospitality, and the spirit of exploration & discovery aboard purpose-built ships on a human-scale. As the only cruise line sailing under the French flag on an international scale, Ponant offers a rare combination of adventure, sophistication, and environmental stewardship.

Do you have a favourite destination that you always recommend to first-time expedition cruisers and if so, which destination is it?

Photos @PONANT

We offer a year-round expedition programme spanning all seven oceans, in tropical and polar regions. For first-time expedition cruisers, our tropical expeditions are an excellent starting point. I’d recommend exploring the lush biodiversity of destinations such as Madagascar, the Seychelles, Papua New Guinea, or the pristine waters of Belize and Honduras. These voyages combine cultural encounters with stunning natural beauty, from vibrant coral reefs to ancient traditions and fascinating local cultures. For those drawn to polar wonders, our Antarctic expeditions are equally captivating. From the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia’s king penguins to the remote Weddell Sea or even the Geographic North Pole aboard our luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant offers unrivalled access to these extreme regions in comfort and sustainably. With expert teams of naturalists, historians, and geologists enriching every journey, Ponant ensures your first expedition is an unforgettable blend of discovery and refinement.

If you could design your dream expedition cruise itinerary, what would it include?

I think that one of the key elements on any polar/tropical expedition is the experts on board, especially because for me it's imperative to learn as much as possible about the place I'm visiting. In February/March 2024, I was fortunate to sail to Antarctica on a Smithsonian Journeys (SMJ) themed itinerary, where we had two experts from the Smithsonian Institution with us, alongside a team of fourteen expedition team experts. The SMJ experts offered even more depth of knowledge and inspiration to our experience, so my dream expedition cruise itinerary would almost certainly include an SMJ element, and/or even the element of our Explorers Club thematic expeditions. If I’m asked then I think the edutainment element paired with Ponant’s refined on-board approach is the winner for me.

What are your top three travel hacks for making the most out of an expedition cruise?

Guide waits for the guests to arrive to the landing site @PONANT

1. Engage with onboard experts, and try to join their lectures: On each expedition cruise you have a team of experts ranging from marine & wildlife biology, history, ornithology, geology, oceanographers, archaeologists, anthropologists, conservationists, and naturalists. These people unveil the destination for you from their respective discipline, which offers a unique perspective, and understanding of our planet. Take your time to get to know them on board and certainly join informative daily lectures that they host which will enhance your understanding not only of the destination but possibly of our planet.

2. Balance Adventure with Relaxation: While tropical expeditions offer thrilling activities like snorkelling coral reefs or exploring mangroves, schedule downtime to enjoy the ship’s amenities or simply soak in the scenery. Staying hydrated and rested ensures you’ll fully enjoy each day’s adventure!

3. Stay Flexible and Embrace Spontaneity: Nature dictates much of an expedition cruise’s itinerary, so plans may change due to weather or wildlife opportunities. Keep an open mind and enjoy unexpected moments, like a Zodiac detour to follow a whale pod or an extended stay at a penguin colony.

4. Bonus hack: Let go of your camera (well, sort of)! Take a moment to put down your camera and truly immerse yourself in the stunning world around you- breathe in the salty air, listen to the rustle of palm trees, and marvel at the vibrant marine life. Sometimes, the best memories are captured by your senses, not your lens. That said, if you can’t resist snapping a few shots (who could blame you?!), make sure your phone/ camera is waterproofed (may need to purchase additional casing) and securely strapped to your wrist or clothing. After all, no one wants their prized gadget taking an unplanned dive into the tropical/ polar waters!

Which lesser-known destination do you think deserves more attention from travellers?

Tropical Expedition: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat in Indonesia’s West Papua province is a hidden gem for tropical explorers. Known for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, this remote archipelago offers pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life & breath-taking landscapes of jungle-clad islands. Visitors can snorkel or dive in protected waters teeming with manta rays, turtles, and colourful fish. The area’s remoteness ensures a tranquil escape, while its commitment to conservation makes it a haven for eco-conscious travellers. Beyond the water, the islands’ local communities offer a chance to learn about traditional Papuan culture.

Cruise Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands from Darwin to Darwin - September 2025 | Ponant

Polar Expedition: Scoresbysund, Greenland

Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system in East Greenland, is a polar treasure often overlooked by travellers. This remote region boasts dramatic icebergs, towering cliffs, and tundra blooming with wildflowers during the Arctic summer. Accessible only by expedition cruises, Scoresbysund offers opportunities for Zodiac excursions among iridescent icebergs & visits to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated Inuit settlements. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot musk oxen, arctic foxes, and even narwhals in this untouched wilderness.

Cruise Total Solar Eclipse in The Far North from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen to Reykjavík - August 2026 | Ponant

If you could only visit one destination for the rest of your life, which would it be?

The Arctic holds a special place in my heart. My fascination began with a life-changing expedition to the geographic NP aboard the atomic icebreaker Yamal in 2003. Since then, I knew I wanted to work in travel, and my journey began with G Adventures in 2013. Today, Ponant is the only operator that can take you to this extraordinary frontier in style and sustainability. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, our hybrid luxury icebreaker powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, you can journey to the top- or as some might say, the bottom(!)- of the world. It’s an experience that combines cutting-edge innovation with comfort, offering a truly unique way to explore one of Earth’s most remote & awe-inspiring regions.

My fascination with the Arctic began with life-changing expeditions to the geographic North Pole aboard the atomic icebreakers Yamal in 2003, and 50 Years-of-Victory thereafter. Since then, I knew I wanted to work in travel, and my journey began with G Adventures in 2013. Today, Ponant is the only operator that can take you furthest up in the Arctic, and furthest in Antarctica than any other operator, in luxury and sustainably. What's more, is that aboard Le Commandant Charcot we have +20 experts with us, providing a fascinating edutainment programme, plus, we have four scientists on each departure that offer further depth in understanding the destination. Some departures even feature guest speakers and photographers, so the learning element is, I think, the winner for me in the industry. If I can visit Arctic in such a refined manner as aboard Le Commandant Charcot, then that would certainly be my choice.

The one thing you take with you wherever you travel:

The one thing I take usually take with me on my travels is yerba leaves with a custom-made maté-cup & bombilla, a thoughtful gift from my in-laws!

But the other thing I always pack with is a power-bank.

PONANT expedition experience @PONANT: