PONANT Explorations Group Streamlines Loyalty Benefits Across All Brands
by Marsha Mowers
Following its acquisition of Aqua Expeditions in January 2025, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is moving forward with a major enhancement to its guest experience through the launch of a Status Match initiative that unifies loyalty recognition across all brands in its portfolio.
Until now, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and PONANT Yachting operated under the shared PONANT Yacht Club program, while Aqua Expeditions introduced its own loyalty program, Circolo Aqua, in September 2025.
With this new Status Match initiative, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP brings all programs into a single, streamlined framework, giving guests consistent recognition and elevated benefits—regardless of the brand they sail with.
Building on the strong response to Circolo Aqua, Aqua Expeditions will now offer reciprocal benefits through the Group’s status-match structure.
For Circolo Aqua members, this means tier-matched privileges when booking PONANT voyages, including:
- Up to EUR 50 per person in onboard credits (approx. USD $55)
- Priority services
- Dedicated support from the PONANT Reservations team
Members will enjoy these benefits starting from their very first PONANT sailing and will retain their matched status tier on future voyages.
Circolo Aqua Members will be matched to their respective PONANT Yacht Club tiers as follows:
- Navigator → Major
- Explorer → Admiral
- Legend → Grand Admiral
PONANT Yacht Club Members will be matched to their respective Circolo Aqua tiers as follows:
- Major → Navigator
- Admiral, Grand Admiral → Explorer
- Commodore → Legend
To enjoy these benefits Circolo Aqua Members must identify themselves and their Circolo Aqua status at time of booking. For PONANT members, depending on the matched tier, guests will receive the allocated Circolo Aqua loyalty benefits accordingly. In addition, guests will also receive USD 50 of onboard credits on their first sailing.
For a full rundown of new benefits, please visit PONANT Group’s site.
