*Updated* Ponant Le Diamant Sold

Ponant’s 1974-built Le Diamant is sold

International Shipping Partners (ISP) has arranged the acquisition of the cruise vessel Le Diamant from Ponant Cruises.

The vessel was originally built in 1974 as a cargo vessel, however, was completely rebuilt as a cruise vessel in 1986 with a capacity of 226 passengers in 113 cabins/suites. Delivery is scheduled for mid-December.

ISP has been appointed the administrative, commercial and technical manager of the ship by the new owners, a Bahamian company controlled by a number of investors.

*UPDATE*QUARK Expeditions has announced that it will debut the 189-guest Ocean Diamond (currently Le Diamant) next year for its 2012-13 Antarctic season which kicks off in Nov 2012