Paspaley, the pearling company is considering a new cruise operator to run its super-luxe motor yacht, Paspaley Pearl after its partnership ended earlier this week with luxury French brand Ponant.
Fresh from this week’s unexpected announcement all voyages on Paspaley Pearl by Ponant have been cancelled, a cruise travel agent in the Kimberley said Paspaley has three options – find another cruise operator, operate it themselves, or sell the luxury motor yacht.
“Why would Paspaley, a pearling company take on the cruise operations? So the most logical option is to look for another cruise operator,” said the agent who wished not to be named.
“But there is too much competition in the expedition market in the Kimberley – there are too many ships and the market is over-subscribed.”
Meanwhile, Paspaley Pearl, the motor yacht which can accommodate 30 passengers is in dry dock in Singapore. Works on the yacht are expected to be completed by the end of the year. She underwent sea trials in August off the coast of Fremantle. The vessel, previously Island Escape operated by New Zealand’s collapsed Island Escape Cruise, has been converted into a super-luxurious expedition ship, Paspaley Pearl.
Under the partnership with Ponant, Paspaley Pearl would debut on January 10 in East Indonesia followed by expeditions to Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley.
Deb Corbett, Ponant CEO of Asia Pacific, declined to give a reason why Ponant will not be proceeding 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 Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier over the next two years,” said Corbett.
Corbett confirmed earlier this week the French expedition group will not be proceeding as the cruise operator of Paspaley Pearl.
“Ponant regrets to inform its valued customers and travel partners that the proposed cruise program to operate 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 two years.”
Dining on Paspaley Pearl by Ponant
Ponant has taken down its dedicated website to promote Paspaley Pearl by Ponant with this message:
“The PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT project is not proceeding. To discuss alternate PONANT itineraries and experiences please call 1300 737 178 to speak to one of our cruise consultants or visit au.ponant.com.”
The message on Paspaley Pearl by Ponant’s website
Corbett added, “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 per cent saving to choose a cruise on Ponant’s fleet across the globe, which is combinable with Ponant Bonus Savings and Ponant Yacht Club benefits for members of the club.”
Affected travellers have until December 31 to make their decision.
Those who would like to continue with their Kimberley expeditions with Ponant, will be accommodated on various departures operated by the line’s two ships, Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier in the region.
Paspaley said it was “very disappointed to learn that the upcoming voyages on Paspaley Pearl, operated by Ponant have been cancelled.”
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