New Ship For Ponant

It might not be a name that springs to mind when thinking about cruising, but Ponant is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. The only French-registered cruise line currently has four ice-strengthened vessels with a streamlined superstructure painted in the most unusual colour of taupe. They also operate a three-masted sailing ship – Le Ponant - which charts unusual sailings in the Mediterranean and Cuba. Their latest comprehensive brochure offers over a hundred departures aboard its ultra-modern fleet.

In early 2017 the company announced the construction of a further four Explorers-class, 194-passenger sister-ships, commencing with Le Lapérouse, to debut this year. Reflecting the current trend for expedition cruising, the company has just revealed an order for two additional expedition ships, delivery of which is scheduled for early 2020. The vessels will be similar to those currently in service. With just 92 balcony staterooms and suites, ultra-chic design, state-of-the-art technology and respect for the environment, these are at the cutting-edge of boutique-style cruise ships created specifically to cruise off-the-beaten track.

All six new vessels will be fitted with a world first: the ‘Blue Eye’. This multi-sensorial underwater lounge will allow passengers to discover and experience the underwater world via two portholes looking out on to the sea bed. There will be non-intrusive underwater lighting and hydrophones integrated into the keel that retransmit the natural symphony of the deep water, as well as Body Listening sofas offering a unique sensorial listening experience.

From the Adriatic to the Aegean Sea, and the Atlantic coast to the Baltic Sea, the summer 2019 brochure has 46 experiential cruises to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including five new itineraries and unique ports of call such as Gythion, Syracuse and Brindisi. Culture or relaxation, landmarks or exceptional natural sites, Ponant offers itineraries for discovering little-known destinations that are inaccessible to larger ships, as well as the most beautiful sailing spots in the Mediterranean such as the Bay of Kotor, the Corinth Canal, Bonifacio and its white cliffs, or the active volcano of Stromboli. On board, the French touch is evident in the elegant design, personalised service and fine cuisine.

With a fleet of 12 ships, 2000 crew members and 460 departures planned for 2021, Ponant - the world leader of luxury expeditions - will cover all the world’s seas. The company is remaining loyal to its philosophy of sailing to places where others do not venture, offering an ever-richer selection of authentic journeys to exceptional destinations. For more details about cruises to the ends of the earth speak to our experienced team on 0808 256 6742.