You’re invited to Ponant’s Explore to Inspire Roadshow Series
SponsoredJust when you think yourself to be a seasoned expedition cruiser, Ponant has some fresh new discoveries in store for their passengers and they’re hitting the road to share their newest adventures in luxury voyages and small ship explorations. You can meet the experts face to face at various locations around Australia over the coming months and enjoy champagne and canapés as they reveal Ponant’s newest exclusive offers.
Leaders in the luxury expedition field, there is little doubt these next adventures are going to take the cake. Combine this with their signature small ships, authentic style and iconic French influence and you have the makings of a truly memorable journey.
Let’s take a moment to meet the incredible expedition team leaders who will be inspiring you for your next journey. Mick, Ryo, Jorge and Lou are all equally passionate about what they bring to Ponant, the world leaders of luxury expedition.
Mick Fogg is Director of Expeditions & Destination Development for Asia Pacific. If you’re joining the Sydney or Melbourne events then you’ll hear Mick describe his enviable life over the past 20 years as an award-winning photographer and adventurer. He has led over 300 expeditions across the Asia Pacific region from Antarctica to Southeast Asia. One of his personal passions is as first Ambassador of the Orangutan Foundation International, which recognises his extensive conservation work in Borneo.
Ryo Ijichi is Ponant’s Expedition Leader and Commercial Manager for Japan and Korea and will be joining the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane events. Ryo first fell in love with Antarctica in 2002 and has continuously visited the polar regions as often as possible ever since. In fact, he has travelled to Antarctica over 100 times and has worked in various remote wilderness areas of the Arctic and the North Pole. Ryo is based in Japan and helps develop Ponant’s itineraries along the coastlines of Japan and remote Japanese Subtropical Islands.
Jorge Villamarin is Ponant’s Polar and Tropical Expedition Leader and will be keen to meet you at the Adelaide, Hobart and Perth events. Jorge says he has always been in love with the outdoors and has been Expedition Leader on numerous vessels around the globe since 2012 after his first Antarctic experience. He has an infectious energy for Geology, Geomorphology, History and Wildlife. Jorge also excels at outdoor activities that help you discover various regions, from mountain biking to scuba diving, sailing and just about anything he can get his hands on. You may get Jorge chatting about his one year solo trip around South America on his motorcycle and a loop around New Zealand on his mountain bike. In his down time, Jorge leads tours around his native Colombia and sails the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Australia where he is now based.
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If you’re joining the Adelaide, Hobart or Perth events, you’ll also have the good fortune of meeting Lou Paynter, Polar and Tropical Expedition Leader. She is now a self confessed global wanderer since her first expedition trip that changed her life. She is particularly passionate about destinations like Patagonia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, India, The Galapagos and Antarctica to name a few. Her combined background in Science, Marine Biology and Education make her a much loved Expedition leader onboard Ponant’s itineraries. Lou’s dedication to the outdoors is remarkable and has also seen her compete in 10 marathons, 1 ironman triathlon and the incredible trek of the Kokoda Trail. She is also a passionate teacher in remote indigenous communities.
These are just some of Ponant’s world class leaders who make up the team that guides you across the globe when you join the expeditions. And even though the yacht-like small ships are reason enough to choose Ponant for your next expedition, many travellers say their most memorable moments are with the people they encounter along the way. These roadshow events are a rare opportunity to meet the team before you board and get a taste of what awaits.
Remember, it’s not just the experience of meeting the incredible team at these roadshows, you’ll be introduced to some of your fellow travellers, enjoy the signature Ponant champagne and receive an exclusive 5% discount on your next booking.
