# Cruise-Inspired Beachwear Collections PONANT EXPLORATIONS Collaborates with Vilebrequin By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-08-07 | Luxury Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ponant-explorations References: [seatrade-cruise](https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/hotel-operations-entertainment/ponant-partners-with-vilebrequin-for-exclusive-swimwear-collection)  PONANT EXPLORATIONS, a luxury small-ship cruise line known for voyages to remote destinations across all seven continents, has launched an [exclusive collaboration with Vilebrequin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orlebar-brown-x-vea-newport-beach), the French swimwear brand established in Saint-Tropez in 1971. As part of this venture, the businesses introduce two [limited-edition men's swim trunk designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mack-weldon-x-bather) along with a coordinating tote bag and accessory pouch that are available only in the brand's [onboard boutiques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fine-jewelry-collection). The first design in the PONANT EXPLORATIONS x Vilebrequin collection is named The Wave. It features a repeating pattern in shades of turquoise, aqua, and cobalt blue that evokes the movement of the sea, with fine line drawings of PONANT's ships discreetly woven into the print. The second design, dubbed The Polar Plunge, showcases a white line drawing of the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot against a deep navy fabric. Both styles are produced using Vilebrequin's signature craftsmanship, with patterns designed by the brand's own studio. Image Credit: PONANT EXPLORATIONS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.8/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury) > [Ultra Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/ultraluxury) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cruise-inspired Apparel:** Luxury travel brands are extending destination storytelling into exclusive apparel collections that transform onboard retail into a premium lifestyle experience. - **Limited-edition Travel Retail:** Scarcity-driven merchandise tied to specific journeys creates collectible value while deepening emotional connections between travelers and hospitality brands. - **Nautical Heritage Design:** Marine motifs and expedition imagery are emerging as refined design cues for fashion collaborations that blend adventure, craftsmanship, and brand identity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Luxury Travel:** Exclusive product partnerships give cruise operators new ways to differentiate voyages through branded goods that reflect remote destinations and onboard prestige. - **Swimwear:** High-end swimwear labels can expand cultural relevance by aligning signature craftsmanship with travel experiences and place-based narratives. - **Travel Retail:** Onboard boutiques are evolving into curated brand platforms where limited collaborations support premium merchandising beyond traditional souvenirs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxe Whimsical Resort-Style Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-regis-x-vilbrequin.md) - [Fashion-Forward Beach Clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loro-pianas.md) - [French Resort Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-piscine-prive.md) - [Wellness Focused Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathing-belle.md) - [Canadian-Made Cruise Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shans-cruise-2026-line.md) - [Collaborative Summer Protective Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-and-speedo.md) - [Elegant Sporty Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lacoste-swimwear-collection.md) - [Versatile Sleek Swimwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dandy-del-mar.md) - [Colorful Resort Wear Reinterpretations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dioriviera-2026-collection.md)