Ponant Considers Iloilo and Guimaras for Asian Expedition Cruise Itineraries

#expeditioncruising .

The French luxury expedition cruise line has inspected ports, attractions and shore excursion options in Western Visayas as it considers future calls in the Philippines.

French luxury expedition cruise operator Ponant is assessing Iloilo City and the neighbouring island province of Guimaras as potential ports of call for its Asian itineraries, according to Daily Tribune.

First ship to berth at Broome's new floating wharf

#expeditioncruising .

Expedition cruise vessel Le Jacques Cartier has marked a milestone for Broome, becoming the first ship to berth at the town’s newly completed floating wharf earlier this week — a development long anticipated by the Kimberley cruise sector.

Ponant to deploy two vessels in French Polynesia

#expeditioncruising .

Ponant Explorations Group will expand its operations in French Polynesia from the 2026–2027 northern winter season by deploying two vessels in the region, broadening its range of itineraries and destinations.

PONANT sued after cancellation of elite Arctic cruise

#expeditioncruising .

The luxury French-flagged cruise line, PONANT, has cancelled a lucrative charter aboard Le Commandant Charcot, allegedly because of the arrest of the payment broker acting on behalf of a Russian travel agency that had booked a group of 150 high-profile Russian passengers on an exclusive voyage.

PONANT announces 'world first' full circumnavigation of Antarctica - sort of

#expeditioncruising .

Who could blame PONANT EXPLORATIONS for getting excited about their announcement that their luxury icebreaker is about to embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica between January and March 2028. 

Australia and Indonesia work together to open up new expedition cruise ports

#expeditioncruising .

A dispatch has just been received from Justin Friend, a long-time supporter of this website and a major player in the provision of excursions through his company, Austronesian Expedition Services.

Justin has been instrumental in opening numerous destinations to cruise ships, including Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Indonesia.

[Pic above: L-R Justin Friend, Director of Austronesian Expedition Services, Australian Consulate-General, Glen Askew, Captain Thomas McCandless of Le Laperouse, Acting Governor of East Java, Adhy Karyono, Mick Fogg, Australian Director of Expeditions at Ponant.]

Paspaley Pearl cancels 2025 bookings

#expeditioncruising .

Updated: 6 Nov 24

The much-anticipated luxury Kimberley expedition vessel, Paspaley Pearl, will not sail its inaugural 2025 season as planned and has cancelled future bookings.

The website (since taken offline) carried the simple message:

Industry insiders are speculating about the future of the 56m, 32-passenger boutique vessel, which was to be managed by Ponant and championed by industry identity Sarina Bratton. Bratton was contacted for comment, but declined.

According to reports received by Expedition Cruising, Ponant sales reps contacted trade partners to advise that Ponant would no longer be marketing the vessel. Competing operators have also emailed their respective databases offering places to passengers displaced by the cancellations.

In a statement sent to ExpeditionCruising, Ponant Asia-Pacific CEO Deb Corbett said:

"PONANT regrets to inform its valued customers and travel partners that the proposed cruise program to operate on PASPALEY PEARL is not proceeding with Ponant as the cruise operator. However, PONANT remains dedicated to exploring the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, Papua New Guinea and East Indonesia, with over 40 explorations on PONANT’s Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier over the next 2 years. Guests holding reservations have been advised that they will receive a full refund or alternatively, guests can receive a travel credit with an additional 15% saving to choose a cruise on PONANT’s fleet across the globe, which is combinable with the PONANT Bonus Savings and PONANT Yacht Club benefits for members of the club. Guests have until 31 December 2025 to book an alternative cruise for travel at any time. Trade partners have been advised that their commission will be fully protected. PONANT continues to innovate and develop new experiences and looks forward to sharing this pioneering spirit with future travellers”.

Launched by now-defunct operator, Island Escape Cruises, the vessel was arrested in 2022 and later sold at auction. The Pearling dynasty, Paspaley, purchased the vessel for a reported A$5.5 million.

Have you been affected by these cancellations? Let us know

Tweet

Sarina Bratton talks inaugural Paspaley Pearl by Ponant at Cruise360

#expeditioncruising .

Sarina Bratton, recognized as the leading figure in the Australian cruise industry and dubbed the "First Lady of Cruise," has taken on the role of chair for the innovative partnership between the esteemed Paspaley pearling family and the renowned luxury cruise line Ponant. The newly formed venture, Paspaley Pearl by Ponant, is gearing up for its debut cruise season to the Kimberley, an up-and-coming global destination that remains relatively undiscovered. This marks just one of the many notable accomplishments for Bratton. 

READ THIS ARTICLE AT TRAVEL WEEKLY

PONANT's brand new Vietnam Adventure

PONANT has launched an exceptional offer on a brand new 10-day voyage along the Vietnamese coast from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long, departing on November 29, 2024. With a combinable 30% PONANT Bonus savings off the brochure fare, (1) AU$2,000 flight credit per person, (2) and a free solo supplement, (3) now is the time to take advantage of this unmissable opportunity starting from $7,040 per person. *

PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT commences boutique expeditions in 2025

Commencing operations in January 2025 the new boutique yacht will feature a new immersive level of expeditions when operating through East Indonesia, The Kimberley and Papua New Guinea. 

PONANT taps Deb Corbett for CEO Asia Pacific

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT has announced a number of changes to the Asia Pacific team, with Deb Corbett appointed to the position of CEO APAC. After seven years with PONANT and 30 years in the industry, Corbett is perfectly placed to take on the key role in the Asia Pacific region.

Deb Corbett will be ably assisted by the experienced PONANT management team, including Maxime Farrenq, who has been appointed COO; Julie Rogers, Director of Sales and whose sales portfolio has been extended to include Japan and Hong Kong; David Marionneau who has been appointed to the new role of Director of Maritime Operations; Charles Boutet, Director of Marketing & Communications; Mick Fogg, Director of Expedition & Destination Development; and Helene Delgado, Customer Engagement Director.

PONANT heading to French Polynesia

#expeditioncruising .

Ponant will offer French Polynesia cruises onboard the 184-passenger Le Jacques Cartier from September 2026 to March 2027. The ship will offer a new 14-day cruise around the region, with details to be announced in due course.

PONANT: 35 Years of Exploration Guided by Nature

#expeditioncruising . 

PONANT celebrating its 35th anniversary is paying tribute to those who have been at the heart of its development and growth since 1988 with a new media campaign highlighting their expertise and commitment.

PONANT's ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ documentary, presented by Andrew Daddo

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT has released the documentary ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ featuring brand ambassador and media personality Andrew Daddo. Bringing to the screen Daddo’s magical experience sailing aboard PONANT’s luxury expedition ship Le Laperouse, the film is the second instalment in the documentary series.

PONANT and Relais & Châteaux offer two exclusive gastronomic New Zealand voyages in 2023

#expeditioncruising .

Renewing their collaboration for 2023, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux have designed two extraordinary expeditions to New Zealand, each hosted by renowned Relais & Châteaux chefs – Norka Mella Munoz and Jimmy McIntyre. These unique voyages will offer exclusive gastronomic experiences, highlighting the inimitable French lifestyle and excellence.

See the undiscovered face of Japan on unique new Ponant voyage

#expeditioncruising .

Save A$4055 per person – book by March 31, 2023

As Japan grows in its appeal with its exotic and alluring mix of ancient traditions and high-tech sophistication, Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, has packaged a new luxury voyage in March, 2024, that spotlights small, enchanting and rarely visited destinations lining Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.

Ponant Podcast: “Explore to Inspire”

#expeditioncruising .

Podcast: “Explore to Inspire”

For PONANT’s podcast: “Explore to Inspire”, with one click, listeners can embark on an odyssey to discover the most fabulous tales of voyages, emotions and once in a lifetime experience of guests, crew and world-renowned experts invited aboard by the company.

“Explore to Inspire” is a full-immersion format that takes the listener “live” on board PONANT ships. Last summer, the company recorded testimonials, experiences and soundscapes which were then narrated with voiceovers by actors. The first episode invites listeners aboard Le Lapérouse with PONANT video maker Elie to discover the traditions of the Asmat people of New Guinea. Another episode tells a touching and fascinating narration of the encounter PONANT guest Marguerite had with emperor penguins in the Antarctic. These are just a few of the many inspiring stories offered through “Explore to Inspire”.

Available in French and English, this new PONANT communication tool has the potential to reach thousands of existing and potential customers all over the world.

The “Explore to Inspire” podcast is available on major listening platforms (Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music…).

Listen to the podcast.

PONANT to welcome Le Lapérouse into Sydney Harbour this evening ahead of the 2023 season

PONANT is thrilled to announce the return of small expedition ship Le Lapérouse to Sydney Harbour this evening after more than three years.

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot: 2024 itineraries now available

#expeditioncruising . 

PONANT has launched sales of its polar exploration voyages aboard Le Commandant Charcot for its 2024 Arctic season. Following in the wake of the great polar explorers from Greenland’s east coast to the Geographic North Pole, the season comprises five itineraries and eight sailings, each offering enchantment and adventure.

PONANT's new expedition ship for 2024 Kimberley Season

#expeditioncruising .

PONANT has unveiled their highly anticipated 2024 Kimberley sailing expedition season with its newest PONANT EXPLORER series small luxury expedition ship Le Jacques-Cartier set to make its Australian debut, joining Le Lapérouse for the very first time in the country.