Launching this autumn, the partnership will enable UK agents to offer fully packaged journeys to their clients – complete with flights, transfers and accommodation. 

Previously, Ponant had only sold cruises, meaning agents had to source all other travel arrangements themselves. 

The partnership acts as an alternative to the French-owned cruise line acquiring an Atol from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

“This is gold dust,” Anthony Daniels, General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Ponant, told TTG. “We had previously tried to get our own Atol licence, but that had been such a complex process.” 

The timeline for international companies to obtain an Atol can be far longer than it would be for a domestic business, with the Civil Aviation Authority often requiring non-UK applicants to undergo rigorous competence and security checks. 

Daniels added: “It’s understandable and respectable that the CAA requests this, but it doesn't help the UK because we need that bond to be able to go to the wider market and say, ‘now everyone can book us'." 

Discussions with Aviate began late last year, when Daniels approached Aviate’s founder Michael Edwards and its relationship manager Clare Barlow to explore alternative packaging options. 

“I went to them and said ‘look, this is our challenge,’” said Daniels. “They told me they now actually have a dedicated team at Aviate that still books the cruises as a normal travel agent and can actually be your ‘packaging arm’. The booking process and the legal aspects don’t change.”  

The deal will significantly broaden Ponant’s reach across the UK market, giving the luxury cruise operator access to Aviate’s network of 1,200-plus tour operators and agents nationwide.

“Our existing agents have done a brilliant job for us, but the risk is that it’s only a small group,” Daniels explained. “If one or two of the big ones, for whatever reason, turned us off, then we would have a problem.” 

Daniels was keen to emphasise, however, that Ponant continues to value its current trade partners. 

“The distribution channel we've already got with our key existing partners is critical to our growth,” he said. “What we’re doing with Aviate is to supplement and complement that rather than detract.” 

Over the next few months, Ponant and Aviate will focus on “fine-tuning” their partnership to ensure it is completely ready for agents. 

“We’re at the final stage of the journey, where we get the training and education for agents right,” Daniels added. 

In addition Ponant has shared a statement on the hantavirus outbreak onboard Oceanwide Expeditions ship MV Hondius. 

It insisted it remains "vigilant and continues to apply strict protocols, including a permanent Integrated Pest Management plan to prevent pests such as rodents".

Ponant added: "It is too early to draw conclusions, though indications point to parts of Latin America, including Chile and Argentina. The Antarctic season has ended, and no Ponant vessels are currently in the area. 

"The safety of guests, crew, and visited communities remains the priority, supported by small ship size, advanced medical facilities onboard Ponant fleet, and strong coordination with authorities. Further updates will follow as needed.”