French luxury line, Ponant, has announced its 2020/21 luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica, featuring 22 departures ranging from 10 to 21-nights. The line has 20 years of polar exploration experience and claims to have taken the biggest number of passengers to the polar regions. A comprehensive 20-night sailing on Ponant’s purpose built luxury expedition ship … Read more
According to legend, the tiny Croatian island of Korcula was founded by the Trojan hero Antenor, a councillor to King Priam of Troy who ruled during the events of the Trojan War. This picturesque island, which was once completely overrun with thick, rugged pine forests, has been inhabited by waves of different settlements – from … Read more
The summer cruise season is drawing to a close, but you can be sure that the lines and guests are already gearing up for the next. In fact, the countdown has already started. The new season will bring new ships, fresh upgrades and some stunning new destinations and activities. Because Australians are now booking 10 … Read more
To say Ponant does things their own way is a bit of an understatement. While others are building big, they are building small. And while most lines look for a homogenised ship design – a one size fits all approach – Ponant brings a distinctly Gallic style to their vessels. So Le Laperouse – the … Read more
French line Ponant this week became the latest luxury line to offer free, unlimited WiFi to all guests even in the most remote destination in the world. All guests will have free access to WiFi throughout the ship during their cruise irrespective of the category of their stateroom. Using satellite connection, the service allows passengers … Read more
French luxury company Ponant has been ordered to pay NZ$70,000 in fines after L’Austral entered into a prohibited zone in the remote New Zealand Subantarctic Islands early last year. The ships’ captain, Regis Daumesnil was also fined $30,000 by the Wellington District Court after New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and Maritime brought charges against the … Read more
One of the most senior expedition managers in the cruise industry has questioned the growing trend towards “gimmicks” like helicopters and submarines, claiming they could be a danger to fragile environments. He also revealed that the line would be removing the Silver Discoverer from the Kimberley in 2019, and replacing her in 2021 with the … Read more
National Geographic Expeditions and French luxury brand Ponant have joined forces to market small ship adventure cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. Ponant, which will soon be the world’s largest operator of expedition ships, will create over 130 unique expedition itineraries over the next four years, including 18 … Read more
In true French style, luxury line Ponant christened Le Laperouse, the first explorers series ship equipped with the much-anticipated underwater Blue Eye Lounge, which will cruise in Australian waters next year. Held at Iceland’s port of Hafnarfjordur, Le Laperouse was christened by godmother Mrs Francois Pinault in a Breton-inspired ceremony which resonated with the sound … Read more
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
