Because it’s important to reach new generations and make children aware of environmental protection issues from an early age, PONANT has joined forces with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation on the occasion of the World Oceans Day to help run its Ocean Explorers club for children. In total this summer, 17 cruises will offer children aged 4 to 13 a programme of activities dedicated to the ocean protection theme.

Raising awareness of oceans protection from an early age

The partnership is a perfect fit for the company’s Explore to inspire philosophy for a more responsible tourism, and its commitments to safeguard our oceans. Drawing on its expertise in this field with the youngest of audiences, the Maud Fontenoy Foundation is providing PONANT’s activity teams with fun educational kits, activity sheets and videos highlighting why oceans need to be protected.

Example of educational activity sheets from the Maud Fontenoy Foundation

In July and August 2022, a total of 17 cruises will have the Ocean Explorers club for children aged 4 to 13 on Le Lyrial, Le Bougainville, Le Jacques-Cartier, Le Bellot and Le Ponant. Maud Fontenoy herself will be aboard Le Lyrial for the cruise to the Greek islands.

Creative activities, fun educational workshops and excursions

From creative activities (drawing, painting, a giant map of the world to colour in, etc.) to meditation initiation sessions, the programme is very varied. And from 2023, it will also include fun educational workshops on the water cycle, biodiversity, astronomy, and geology.

On every voyage, children aged 4-13 will have the opportunity to do excursions such as watersports, beach games and swimming, treasure hunts, and even guided tours arranged specially for them according to the itinerary. For larger groups, a naturalist guide will join the team running the sessions and give a talk on local fauna and flora.

Year-round, on all the company’s ships and voyages, children will receive a welcome kit that includes gifts such as reusable water bottles, pencils and games, plus a book by Maud Fontenoy suited to each age group with key messages that are dear to the Foundation.

Focus on Ocean Explorers 2022 cruises

“At the heart of the Greek islands” – with Maud Fontenoy as a guest of honour for this cruise

Athens – Athens, 22 to 29 July 2022, 8 days – 7 nights on Le Lyrial From €3,430 – Find more about this cruise

“From the city of gods to the canals of Venice”

Athens – Venice, 29 July to 5 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights on Le Lyrial From €3,050 – Find more about this cruise

Also 19 to 26 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights on Le Lyrial From €3,950 – Find more about this cruise

“Turkish shores and Greek archipelagos of the Aegean”

Istanbul – Istanbul, 10 to 20 July 2022, 11 days – 10 nights on Le Bougainville From €4,710 – Find more about this cruise

“The Best of Croatia”

Venice – Venice, 5 to 12 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights on Le Lyrial From €3,590 – Find more about this cruise

“Treasures of the Aegean Sea”

Athens – Athens, 15 to 22 July 2022, 8 days – 7 nights on Le Lyrial From €2,920 – Find more about this cruise