French-speaking cruises, according to Étendues Sauvages

An Arctic or Antarctic cruise is often considered the trip of a lifetime.
If, for this experience, your first criterion is French-speaking support, read the following carefully and ask us about it.

We draw a distinction between English-speaking cruises accompanied by a French-speaking guide and “French-speaking” cruises.

1. English-speaking cruises with one or more French-speaking guides present
Some expeditions or cruises are advertised as including “a French-speaking guide”. This means that, in addition to English, one or more guides speak French, and others may speak Italian, German, and so on.
This does not mean that this guide’s services will be exclusively dedicated to French-speaking passengers, or that lectures, safety briefings and zodiac outings will be conducted in French.

2. French-speaking cruises
For a cruise to be considered French-speaking, Étendues Sauvages requires that the following 9 French-language services be included:

– at least 1 to 2 French-speaking expedition staff or guides present

– before boarding, a welcome and information letter in French is given to each French-speaking passenger

– once on board, French-speaking guides identify themselves to French-speaking passengers

– during crossings, naturalist lectures are translated into French or simultaneously interpreted by the French-speaking staff member

– mandatory briefings (such as those on safety procedures) are given in French, either in a conference room or via audio headsets

– daily debriefings are all translated or simultaneously interpreted into French by the French-speaking staff member, or presented in a separate briefing

– the daily programme outlining the day’s activities is translated into French

– the French-speaking staff member(s) are available on every outing, whether on the zodiacs or at landing sites

– the expedition team makes a point of directing French-speaking passengers to the French-speaking guide so they can be easily identified during outings

Only cruises and expeditions that include all of these services are labelled “French-speaking” by Étendues Sauvages.
Not all operators or cruise lines hold themselves to this standard, and that makes all the difference. Ask us!

Schedules for “French-speaking” cruises and those with “a French-speaking guide” change throughout the year, so it is important to check with us for verified information.

For any further information, do not hesitate to contact our advisors.