Discover How Ponant Is Transforming Loyalty Rewards Across Its Brands

Published on December 6, 2025

Ponant has made an important decision to simplify its loyalty programs by launching the Status Match initiative across its various brands. This new program combines the loyalty offerings of Ponant Explorations, Ponant Yachting, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Aqua Expeditions. It aims to create a more seamless experience for guests, allowing loyal travelers to enjoy the same benefits no matter which brand they choose to sail with. This initiative follows the company’s acquisition of Aqua Expeditions in early 2025, which has paved the way for better integration across the group’s services.

Unifying Loyalty Programs for a Seamless Guest Experience

Traditionally, Ponant, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Ponant Yachting used a joint loyalty program called the Ponant Yacht Club, providing exclusive rewards for frequent travelers. However, with Aqua Expeditions joining in January 2025, a new challenge arose since Aqua Expeditions had its own loyalty program, Circolo Aqua. To make things easier and provide a better experience for guests, Ponant has now introduced the Status Match initiative, which brings the different loyalty programs into a single system.

This move is meant to enhance the guest experience across all brands within the Ponant Explorations group. With this new plan, guests can enjoy a consistent set of benefits when booking through any of Ponant’s brands, improving the travel experience and fostering continued loyalty.

Circolo Aqua Members to Enjoy Tier-Matched Privileges

Under the new Status Match initiative, Circolo Aqua members will receive tier-matched privileges when they book with Ponant brands. These perks include onboard credits of up to $55, priority services, and dedicated support from the reservations team. Circolo Aqua members will retain their status tier for future voyages, making it easier to receive consistent benefits without needing to start a new program.

For example, Circolo Aqua members holding the status of Navigator, Explorer, or Legend will be matched with corresponding levels in the Ponant Yacht Club, where the tiers are Major, Admiral, and Grand Admiral, respectively. To access these benefits, Circolo Aqua members need to mention their status when they reach out to Ponant for a booking. A dedicated reservations team will help ensure the correct benefits are applied.

Ponant Yacht Club Members to Receive Matching Benefits in Circolo Aqua

Ponant Yacht Club members will also benefit from the Status Match initiative, as their loyalty status will be matched to the corresponding Circolo Aqua tier. For instance, Ponant Yacht Club members with Major, Admiral, and Commodore status will be matched to Navigator, Explorer, and Legend status in Circolo Aqua, respectively. Based on their matched tier, guests will receive the related loyalty benefits.

In addition to the tier-matching, Ponant Yacht Club members who transition to the Circolo Aqua program will receive $50 in onboard credit on their first sailing. This bonus aims to enhance the guest experience and make sailing with Ponant and Aqua Expeditions even more rewarding.

Earning Miles and Unlocking More Benefits

A key aspect of the Status Match initiative is the opportunity for guests to earn Miles on eligible bookings after achieving their Circolo Aqua status. Miles are calculated based on the earn rate and the guest’s share of the booking value. Accumulated Miles can then be used to reach higher status levels within the loyalty program, unlocking even more exclusive benefits for future voyages.

The Status Match initiative benefits both Circolo Aqua members and Ponant Yacht Club members, providing a smooth transition between the programs while ensuring that loyal guests can continue enjoying valuable rewards, regardless of which brand they choose to sail with.

A Promising Future for Ponant’s Loyalty Program

Ponant’s launch of the Status Match initiative marks an important step in its efforts to establish a more integrated and rewarding loyalty program for its guests. By aligning the benefits across its brands, Ponant is making it easier for travelers to enjoy consistent and valuable rewards. The initiative is expected to strengthen the relationship between Ponant and its loyal guests, encouraging repeat bookings and improving the overall cruising experience.

Conclusion: A Seamless Experience for Loyal Guests

The Status Match initiative is an exciting advancement for both new and returning guests of Ponant Explorations and its associated brands. By merging loyalty programs into a single system, Ponant is simplifying access to the benefits guests deserve while traveling on its fleet of ships. Whether sailing on Ponant’s luxury yachts, a Paul Gauguin cruise, or an Aqua Expeditions voyage, guests can now look forward to enjoying the same rewards and privileges that come with their loyalty status. This new initiative marks the start of a more connected and rewarding future for Ponant’s guests, ensuring a seamless experience across all the brands in its portfolio.