The Food

Food, on any cruise, speaks to the overall quality of the experience and is an essential part of the adventure- even more so when that food is the only option available for hundreds of miles. Cuisine provides cruise ships an opportunity to showcase their level of sophistication and luxury. Of course, French influence was apparent through each and every course. Whether it was raw fish, caviar or the vast options of fine cheeses, I definitely felt as if I was getting a foreign and cultural experience. Unsurprisingly, everything was delicious, but more than that it was beautiful. Far more than could be said for the meager rations consumed by early explorers to this corner of the world.
 
If branching out and trying new dishes isn’t quite your thing, Ponant still has your back. There was an “order at any time” menu that was always available with the classics. This included french fries, caesar salad, hamburgers, baked potatoes, but Grant, my husband, continued to rave about the fine steak. In the mornings, we could order breakfast in bed or a club sandwich for a snack- and don’t get me started on their hot chocolate! Drinks were included which was a hit by all and wow, their bartenders were good! Manhattans, daquiris and martinis added the perfect touch to a brisk Antarctic evening. If the included drinks didn’t strike your fancy, there were always finer spirits that could be added to your tab. And don’t forget to select a red, white or rose glass of wine to go with your dinner.
  Oftentimes, you could find members of the expedition team, bridge crew and performers dining amongst passengers. I enjoyed seeing the captain, who normally had to rush through most of his meals, take the time to eat a formal dinner with those who signed up for a meal at the captain’s table. Several times during these dinners, he had to excuse himself to help navigate the L’Austral through thick patches of ice or dodge pods of whales and, you know, whatever else Antarctic captains do.