This October and November, PONANT EXPLORATIONS is welcoming guests, travel partners and their clients to embark on an inspiring journey of discovery with the next wave of Discovery Sessions taking place across Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. These exclusive sessions will offer a unique opportunity to uncover PONANT’s new extraordinary 2028 and 2029 itineraries brought to life through the insights and experiences of PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ experts.
Exclusive event-only offers
Guests will discover the spirit of exploration that defines a PONANT voyage, with the opportunity to save up to 30% when booking early. Attendees will also enjoy exclusive event offers, including an additional 5% saving on staterooms and suites for voyages departing within 12 months of the event, or a €300 shipboard credit per person for voyages departing more than 12 months after the event.*
Meet the experts behind the journey
Bringing the spirit of exploration to life, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will welcome two special guest speakers to the Discovery Sessions for the first time. In Australia, Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras will share stories from more than 11 years with PONANT drawing on his extensive experience in polar navigation and expedition operations across Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe, Asia and Polynesia. Similarly in New Zealand, Expedition Leader Xavier Moroy will take guests behind the scenes of his seven years of exploration with PONANT sharing memorable adventures from Antarctica, the Kimberley, Japan and French Polynesia
Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras – Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
A Franco-Greek mariner originally from the Marseille region, Captain Mathieu Tsingrilaras joined PONANT Explorations in 2010 and has since spent more than 11 years aboard the company’s ships. A specialist in polar navigation and expedition operations, he contributed to the construction and launch of both L’Austral and Le Commandant Charcot, playing an active role in the latter’s development and entry into service. Captain Tsingrilaras has commanded Le Bellot and Le Boréal, including voyages in Antarctica, and brings extensive experience navigating some of the world’s most remote regions. Beyond his responsibilities at sea, he contributes to the development of new PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ itineraries, including scouting winter expeditions in Greenland and voyages along Australia’s west coast. Passionate about exploration and life at sea, Captain Tsingrilaras brings deep maritime expertise, international experience and a long-standing connection to PONANT Explorations and its culture of exploration he loves sharing with guests. From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the turquoise waters of Polynesia, join the Captain on his extraordinary journey across the globe, sailing through the Arctic and exploring Europe and Asia along the way.
Xavier Moroy, Expedition Leader – Auckland & Christchurch
With seven years of exploration aboard PONANT EXPLORATIONS’, Xavier has spent the past four years as an Expedition Leader, overseeing everything beyond the ship’s rail, from Zodiac operations and landings to excursions and the coordination of the expedition team. His role is to bring each itinerary to life, taking guests as close as possible to the shore, wildlife and local communities. His voyages have taken him from Antarctica to the Kimberley, from Japan to French Polynesia, and deep into Melanesia, a region that he describes as a true cultural shock, one that continues to shape the way he approaches every village visit and encounter. Xavier will share the moments that have stayed with him: the stillness of an Antarctic evening at Bluff; the awe of discovering Kimberley rock art painted tens of thousands of years ago; a Kodo concert on Sado Island, and a walk through Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas. What Xavier loves most about a PONANT voyage is, quite simply, exploring. Reaching a shore that no road leads to, meeting the people who live there, and seeing guests discover it for the first time is not a highlight of the voyage; it is the reason he goes to sea.
Event experience
Each Discovery Session will showcase the essence of PONANT EXPLORATIONS with music, fine canapés and refreshing beverages. Guests can explore interactive screens, browse the latest brochures and engage with PONANT EXPLORATIONS experts before the presentation commences.
