The ship overall was stunning – very new and modern, and wonderfully stylish. The main areas are beautifully designed, and the size of the ship was great (92 staterooms) – large enough that you didn’t bump into the same people over and over but small enough so that when you found likeminded travelling companions it was easy to meet up again.

It was my first ever cruise – and what an initiation (!) – sailing the Norwegian Fjords in luxury. Aboard Ponant Le Champlain I loved both the Panoramic Lounge and the Pool Deck. It was nice to have both options. There was a heated plunge pool at the front of the ship that was all lit up at night, so even though it was winter you could still enjoy a dip and take in the incredible views – it was quite magical.

Our cabin was a twin room on deck five. It was very chic in its design and a really good size. Even with the huge amount of luggage we brought there was plenty of room! All cabins have a private balcony big enough to fit a table and chairs, which was a nice place to relax.

All the fabrics and linens come from famed French designer, Pierre Frey, and the incredible bathroom featured Hermes products.

The cruise is fully inclusive, and the French food and drink throughout our time on board was fantastic – the dinners every evening were delicious. Even though there is only one main restaurant, there was always food available throughout the day in the main lounge, including carefully selected cheeses and wines and specialty breads and sweet pastries from Maison Lenôtre.

The French Champagne on offer at breakfast was an indulgent touch, and one day the chef was on the Pool Deck making crepes with Grand Marnier sauce – I could get used to this sort of life!

Are there other amenities on board? There is a gym and it’s quite something to be on the treadmill and watch the beauty of Norway go by. I didn’t get a chance to use the spa, but it looked great and all treatments have been designed by French beauty house SOTHYS Paris.

Le Champlain also features the world’s first underwater bar, the Blue Eye Lounge, where you can observe the underwater world through two giant curved portholes. While we didn’t see much during winter in Norway, this will be a fabulous place to enjoy a drink on one of Ponant’s luxury expedition cruises through the Kimberley region of Australia.

Small ship cruising makes your experience very intimate, but what I enjoyed most was the exceptional ‘French Touch’ of Ponant. As the only French cruise company in the world, Ponant ships provide an incredibly unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.

The French crew are all fantastic and attentive, and all the excursions at the ports ran smoothly. Everything from the food to the décor on board makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a luxury French hotel.

The Captain’s Gala Dinner was a real highlight, as was the Maison Veuve Clicquot cocktail party beforehand. And every evening cocktails were served in the main lounge as a pianist and singer performed.

If you want the sophistication and elegance of French living while travelling to other parts of the world then Ponant is your perfect fit. I can’t wait to cruise Ponant again and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the cruise line to travellers who seek adventure and luxury.

Ponant offers the world’s premier luxury expedition vessels. With 12 ships sailing around the globe there’s no shortage of destinations to whet your appetite. From the Norwegian Fjords to Australia’s Kimberley Coast; from the Mediterranean to the Arctic and Antarctic – your inner explorer has boundless choice. Get in contact with Sarah or another Forth and Wonder travel designer for more information.

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