PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Unveils New Loyalty Status Match Program Across Brands

Image: Le Bougainville in Madagascar (Photo Credit: Ponant/Damien Decaix)
Image: Le Bougainville in Madagascar (Photo Credit: Ponant/Damien Decaix)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Tue December 2, 2025

PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is matching loyalty status across all of its brands, including the newly acquired Aqua Expeditions.

Historically, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT Yachting have shared the same loyalty program, the PONANT Yacht Club. However, Aqua Expeditions, which PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP purchased in January, operated its own loyalty program called Circolo Aqua.

Now, the company is bringing all of the programs under one unified framework. 

Aqua Expeditions is introducing reciprocal privileges, meaning Circolo Aqua members can access tier-matched privileges when booking with other PONANT brands. They can also enjoy additional onboard credits of up to $55 per person, priority services and dedicated support from the PONANT Reservations team. To enjoy these benefits, Circolo Aqua Members must identify themselves and their status when contacting PONANT to place a booking.  

Circolo Aqua Members will be matched to their respective PONANT Yacht Club tiers as follows: 

  • Navigator to Major
  • Explorer to Admiral
  • Legend to Grand Admiral 

PONANT Yacht Club members will be matched to their respective Circolo Aqua tiers as follows: 

  • Major to Navigator
  • Admiral, Grand Admiral to Explorer
  • Commodore to Legend 

PONANT Yacht Club members  will receive the allocated Circolo Aqua loyalty benefits accordingly. In addition, they will receive onboard credits worth $50 on their first sailing 


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