PONANT EXPLORATIONS Elevates Guest Experience and Operational Efficiency with Oracle Simphony Cloud POS Integration, Set to Transform Luxury Expedition Cruises by 2025

Published on April 2, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

PONANT EXPLORATIONS, the French luxury cruise ship operator known for its exceptional expedition voyages, is embarking on a major technological upgrade that promises to revolutionize its onboard operations. The company, a leader in the field of luxury expeditions, is set to enhance its fleet of 13 intimate ships with Oracle Simphony Cloud point-of-sale (POS) technology. The goal is to elevate the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term revenue growth. The rollout of Oracle Simphony is slated to begin on a pilot ship in May 2025, with the entire fleet expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has long been committed to providing guests with the highest level of service and luxury, and this technological upgrade is a critical component in achieving that mission. The integration of Oracle Simphony Cloud POS will give the crew and management of PONANT EXPLORATIONS the tools they need to streamline onboard operations, enhance service delivery, and offer a more seamless, personalized experience for passengers.

A Seamless Experience: Empowering Crew and Guests Alike

The key feature of the Oracle Simphony Cloud POS system is its mobile-enabled functionality, which allows PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ staff to deliver superior service directly to guests, whether they are dining in a restaurant, lounging by the pool, or enjoying in-room service. By empowering staff to take orders from anywhere on the ship, the mobile POS system enhances operational efficiency, reduces wait times, and improves the overall guest experience.

For passengers, the new system will offer the convenience of self-ordering options, allowing them to place orders at their convenience via mobile devices. Guests can also pay using their preferred methods, including credit cards, stateroom charge, or mobile payment options. This flexibility ensures that passengers enjoy a hassle-free experience while cruising, whether they are ordering drinks on the deck or dining at one of the ship’s signature restaurants.

Jean-Louis Cambert, the Chief Information Officer at PONANT EXPLORATIONS, emphasizes the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its guests. With the new mobile POS system, he states, “Our staff will be able to deliver exceptional service from fine dining to the pool bar or stateroom service, making their jobs easier and onboard service more seamless.” This change reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry toward enhancing guest satisfaction through the use of advanced technologies.

Efficiency and Real-Time Insights for Better Operations

In addition to benefiting guests, the Oracle Simphony Cloud POS system provides invaluable tools for ship management. By offering real-time insights into reservations, inventory, and sales data, the system helps PONANT EXPLORATIONS better manage its operations and make informed decisions about food and beverage services. With a comprehensive view of sales, inventory, and guest preferences, the cruise operator can more efficiently track performance across its fleet and optimize offerings to cater to the demands of its passengers.

For the crew, the system simplifies workflows, allowing for better coordination and communication. This not only reduces operational friction but also frees up time for staff to focus on enhancing the guest experience. Whether it’s tracking the most popular menu items or managing stock levels, the cloud-based system gives PONANT EXPLORATIONS the tools to run a more streamlined and responsive service operation.

The integration of Oracle Simphony is a step toward a more connected and efficient fleet, giving PONANT EXPLORATIONS a unified system for its onboard operations, from food and beverage management to room management and customer service. The cruise line’s ongoing commitment to improving the guest experience is evident in this strategic technology upgrade.

Cloud Technology at Sea: The Next Frontier for Cruise Lines

Cloud technology has become a game-changer in various industries, and the cruise sector is no exception. The adoption of Oracle Simphony Cloud POS marks a significant milestone in PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ journey toward digital transformation. With the ability to access real-time data from any connected device, cruise lines can now operate with greater flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence.

Alex Alt, the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Oracle Consumer Industries, highlights the importance of cloud innovation for the cruise industry: “With advances in connectivity, cruise lines are now able to benefit from all the advantages of regular innovations delivered in the cloud.” The shift to cloud-based solutions not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports the growth of new services and amenities that can elevate the guest experience.

This shift to the cloud enables cruise lines to offer more personalized services, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately create a more dynamic and responsive experience for passengers. For PONANT EXPLORATIONS, integrating Oracle Simphony Cloud POS allows the cruise line to simplify its IT infrastructure and reduce the complexity of managing onboard operations. The shift to a full Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environment allows PONANT EXPLORATIONS to scale its operations more easily, adapting to changing guest needs and industry trends.

Enhancing Revenue Streams with Data-Driven Decisions

Beyond operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, the Oracle Simphony Cloud POS system also offers a valuable opportunity for PONANT EXPLORATIONS to increase revenue. With access to a wealth of real-time data on guest preferences, order history, and inventory levels, the cruise line can identify trends and opportunities to upsell and cross-sell products. This data-driven approach allows for better-targeted marketing and the ability to customize offerings based on individual guest preferences, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience while supporting revenue growth.

Additionally, the self-ordering and mobile payment options integrated into the new system enable guests to pay at their convenience, reducing bottlenecks and streamlining the payment process. By enabling faster and more seamless transactions, PONANT EXPLORATIONS can also increase revenue per guest, particularly in high-demand areas such as onboard dining and bars.

Looking Ahead: A Seamless Cruise Experience for the Future

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the integration of cloud-based technology like Oracle Simphony Cloud POS is helping luxury lines like PONANT EXPLORATIONS stay ahead of the curve. With the ability to provide superior service, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver personalized guest experiences, this technological upgrade will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of luxury expedition cruising.

The rollout of Oracle Simphony will start with a pilot ship in May 2025, with the rest of the fleet expected to go live by the end of the year. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for PONANT EXPLORATIONS, one that is firmly focused on delivering unparalleled guest experiences while driving operational excellence and revenue growth across its fleet of intimate luxury expedition ships.

As the travel and tourism industry increasingly leans on technology to meet guest expectations, the adoption of advanced cloud-based solutions by cruise lines will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry, ensuring that guests continue to receive the luxury experiences they’ve come to expect, both on land and at sea.

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