Step aboard Ponant for an unforgettable end of year

Enjoy a special New Year celebration at sea

Premium French cruise line, Compagnie du Ponant is offering an exclusive collection of cruises for the festive season, including two exciting itineraries to Asia departing from December 2010. Prepare for an unforgettable cruising experience as you journey to exciting destinations in the South China Sea, which are only accessible by small ship. For a limited time, guests can enjoy last minute savings of up to 25 percent on these itineraries.

Ring in the new year as you travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore on the 13-day A Zen New Year cruise onboard Le Diamant. This cruise departs on 28 December 2010 and visits Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Koh Kood, Bangkok and Ko Samui, Thailand; and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Cruising highlights include a visit to the royal palace of King Norodom Sihamoi in the lively capital of Phnom Penh; a tour of the emerald Buddhist Temple in Bangkok and a stroll on the impeccable white sand beaches of Kuala Terengganu. This cruise is priced from $3,141 per person twin share in Category E and includes a gastronomic celebration dinner to toast the new year on New Year’s Eve.

As the largest ship in Ponant’s fleet, the 8,282 tonne Le Diamant was built with exploration and comfort in mind. Offering 113 air conditioned cabins with full ocean views, Le Diamant has numerous leisure and entertainment facilities, including a panoramic observation lounge, three restaurants, a deckside pool and a lively club lounge.

In the new year, Le Ponant will offer three 9-day Islands and Marine Treasures cruises sailing roundtrip from Phuket. Guests will cruise the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, past hundreds of picturesque sandy islands. The journey begins in Langkawi, a magnificent archipelago in Malaysia’s north-west, known for its abundant wildlife and UNESCO protected parks. Le Ponant will then call into vibrant Penang before heading to Thailand, visiting the beachside ports of Butang, Koh Lanta National Park, Similan Islands, Koh Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay. Laze on the beach, explore the hidden coves or go snorkelling in the pristine waters. With three departures available on 25 January, 2 and 10 February 2011, the cruise is priced from $4,447 per person twin share.

Guests will cruise in the intimate yacht-like atmosphere of Le Ponant. With just 32 cabins, Le Ponant offers two sophisticated restaurants and lounges, a sun deck and luxuriously furnished cabins. The cruise line’s distinctive French touches include menus prepared by a French chef, a wide selection of wines and superior service from the ship’s attentive crew.

For further information about Compagnie du Ponant or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.