Two luxury heavyweights – French cruise line Ponant and Paspaley Pearls – have teamed up to launch a new super-luxe expedition motor yacht, Paspaley Pearl to take 30 high-end guests to the Kimberley in June 2024.

The launch of M/Y Paspaley Pearl will signal a new era of luxury exploration in the remote hinterland of The Kimberley, where guests will experience an in-depth immersion of the pearling industry.

“Sharing the routes that my crew and I pioneered in the 1970s onboard our pearl luggers will provide wonderful opportunities for guests,” Nicholas Paspaley, the famed pearl company’s Executive Chairman said. 

The boutique ship will offer year-round itineraries of seven up to 14 nights through the Kimberley, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat & Spice Islands and Papua New Guinea.

It will give Ponant, which will sail two of its own ships in the Kimberley next season, a strong point of difference to attract high net worth tourists.

Ponant and Paspaley this year pioneered their partnership with the Le Ponant sailing ship and Paspaley’s two vintage flying boats.

Paspaley purchased the former Island Escape yacht for $5.5 million earlier this year after its owners went into receivership owing $4 million.

Ponant and Paspaley team up

“The launch of Paspaley Pearl by Ponant marks a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel and we are proud to offer a new and different standard of excellence in this pristine region,” says Sarina Bratton, Ponant Chairwoman Asia Pacific. “With our long-term relationship and vast combined experience, this venture is a testament to our joint commitment to sharing unique and exclusive experiences to discerning travellers.”

Paspaley Pearl will have private balconies and the highest level of environmental and technical systems rarely seen on boutique ships of this size.

Prices and final routes are yet to be announced.

Reservations for Paspaley Pearl will open in November.

For more information, visit  www.ponant.com