Compagnie du Ponant Commisions New Yacht Destined for Australian Waters

As it celebrates its 25th year, Compagnie du Ponant, the French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist, has commissioned a new yacht from the Italian Fincantieri shipyard.

Due to launch in 2015, this latest vessel joins a fleet of four mega yachts all flying the French flag: Le Ponant (32 staterooms), Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal (132 staterooms and suites). She will be cruising the shores of Alaska from May to September and those of Australia and New Zealand during summer down under .

Like her sister ships, Le Boréal (2010), L’Austral (2011) and Le Soléal (inaugurated on 29 June this year in Venice), the vessel will qualify for the “Cleanship” label and embody the concept of Yacht Cruises as conceived by Compagnie du Ponant; namely, a carefully thought-out design, attentive service and gourmet cuisine enhanced by the comfort of state-of-the-art facilities.

This latest commission sends out a strong positive signal, further confirmation of the relevance of Compagnie du Ponant’s investment and international development strategy, positioning the cruise line at the exclusive end of the market. Compagnie du Ponant is the leader in the French-speaking luxury cruise markets (France, Switzerland and Belgium) and worldwide number one in polar cruising.

“Specifically tailored to what our passengers seek, these mega yachts with their innovative design allow us to explore exceptional destinations in the most extreme regions, while enjoying a level of comfort that is second-to-none,” says Véronique Saadé, Deputy Executive Vice President of Compagnie du Ponant.

After the excellent work achieved on the previous three yachts, the Fincantieri shipyard has been entrusted with building this fourth sister ship. French interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel will be responsible for the sleek, modern and sophisticated design that has contributed so much to the success of Le Boréal, L’Austral and Le Soléal.

Says Michelle Taylor, General Manager Sales and Marketing of Travel the World, “Compagnie du Ponant is one of the most exciting offers in the cruise market and very in tune with the new Australian cruise customer. Travel the World is delighted with the news of a new yacht, especially one that is scheduled for Australian waters.”

For cruise information for Compagnie du Ponant, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622.