Within the luxury sector, we find vessels of all kinds: yachts, boutique ships, mid-sized vessels, and also the yachts of Ponant Cruises, or Compagnie du Ponant in France.
Article from CruisesNews magazine, issue 48 – March 2019
If we're looking for class, elegance, and sophistication, we know no one better than the French. From the moment I tried their company, I fell head over heels in love with their charm.
Without going into too much detail about the history of Compagnie du Ponant, or simply Ponant, we should mention that it was founded in 1988 by Phillip Videau and Jean Emmanuel Sauvee, both from the merchant marine, with the clear intention of filling the luxury cruise niche with a distinctly French and personal touch. Their aim was to recapture the essence of sailing in a luxurious yet casual atmosphere. And they have done it exceptionally well.
A modern, sleek sailing ship, Le Ponant, with only 32 cabins, was chosen, along with a stunningly beautiful yacht, Le Levant, which joined the fleet in 1996. Le Levant was a striking and stylish vessel that looked like it had stepped out of a naval design magazine. With its black hull, it was incredibly alluring and caused a sensation every time it docked in the exclusive ports it visited, like a kind of luxurious yacht for friends. To increase the company's capacity, a third ship was added. The largest of the three, Le Diamant, with its classic design, formerly Song of Flower, was a magnificent vessel and allowed the company to grow.
Despite the intimate size of the ships, the classic shows are of high quality.
The ship entered service in 2003 after a complete refurbishment. At just 124 meters long, it was my first impression of the French company. I felt a profound sense of exclusivity. An excellent space-to-passenger ratio, and a capacity for only 226 people, pampered by a crew of 120. Decorated in a very serene and classic style, its 113 spacious cabins and suites offer a wealth of details, from premium brand amenities and exquisite Calissons each night to highly personalized service. The uniforms were immaculate and impeccable. A kind of fashion show, especially on Captain's Night.
I fell in love with their nouvelle cuisine with its unpronounceable names. The Iles Flotants were wickedly exquisite, the chocolate truffles bordered on orgasmic. And the best cheese boards I've ever seen. It was love at first sight; so much so that the essence of artisanal cuisine comes in small packages. I would never go back to large, impersonal restaurants, and I discovered that "small is beautiful," and above all, human.
Philosophy:
Little has changed in philosophy, although its scope has. Its ships have lost some of their familiarity, becoming much more cosmopolitan and sophisticated, and can now compete on equal footing with other, more reputable luxury cruise lines. From being a cruise line exclusively for the French, it has sought to expand its "French touch" to a range of passengers from all over the world. Undoubtedly, it has evolved from Compagnie des Iles du Ponant, as it was initially called, to Ponant Cruises, or simply Ponant. Although the French passenger base remains significant, the growing diversity of nationalities has led to English being the second most widely spoken language on board, blending French tradition with what an international traveler seeks. And the balance seems perfect: luxurious and incredibly appealing.
The New Fleet:
With the departure of Le Levant, the company ceased to be purely regional, aiming to "universalize" its offerings. The first ship in the Boreal series was unveiled. It was conceived as a kind of Le Levant, larger and longer, but maintaining the Le Levant's impressive lines. Le Boreal joined the company in 2010. It was the first in a series of ships that would captivate. Built in the Fincantieri shipyard, it was not only visually stunning, but its interior was so breathtakingly beautiful that it seemed like the ship of the future. Without a doubt, Jean-Philippe Nuel, one of the gurus of naval design and a specialist in creating dreamlike environments, had hit the mark. With a striking color combination of ash and burgundy tones, it had so captivated passengers that the initial anger of loyal customers, who saw the increased size as the first step towards mass tourism, quickly subsided.
Ponant takes the French naval tradition and reinterprets it with modern standards.
Exaggerations, no doubt. A little over 10,000 tons was nothing to be alarmed about. It was 126 meters of pure sophistication, capable of carrying 264 passengers in 132 cabins, pampered by a crew of 140. A charming yacht, with a pristine white and minimalist restaurant, main lounge, theater, shop, spa and sports area, children's playroom, and a beautiful panoramic lounge at the bow, perfect for days sailing through dreamlike landscapes. But what captivated most were its elegant and cutting-edge cabins. Nothing like it had ever been seen in the entire industry. It not only looked like it belonged in a small designer boutique hotel, but its furnishings were avant-garde, its materials exquisitely chosen, and it even incorporated spectacular innovations. A glass panel allowed you to shower while gazing at the sea, and the audiovisual entertainment system put most of the competition's ships to shame. The company's revenue quickly multiplied. Then came the next ships, which were identical and would form the bulk of the fleet: Le Austral, Le Lyreal, and Le Soleal. Only the color scheme and palette varied. It was no surprise that the first ship was chosen as "revelation ship of the year" by Eucras.
The sale of CMA CGM to the private equity fund Bridgepoint Capital represents a change in strategy. The company was intended to maintain its standards while expanding internationally, without abandoning its French identity. Currently, Ponant Cruises is a leading brand in the luxury segment. It embodies European elegance under its new owners, Artemis, a company owned by French businessman François Pinault, who is linked to a vast network of luxury brands, including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Just when it seemed the company was going to continue increasing tonnage, they surprised us again by reducing the size of their new ships, introducing the concept of the moment: “exploration.” In 2018, they launched the first two new Explorers. Smaller, more exclusive, but less sophisticated than their larger counterparts. In the same vein as the company's other ships, the Le Champlain and Le Laperouse, with 88 cabins and fewer than 200 passengers, are true polar vessels.
Fresh ingredients are brought on board almost daily, so that what is served is as fresh and local as possible.
Built as 1C class vessels, they also hold the designation of "clean" ship, certified by Bureau Veritas. Much more connected to nature, they are a kind of ode to the environment, decorated with natural elements such as wood, tones that mimic the colors found in the pristine environments they sail through, like polar blues, arctic whites, emerald greens, South Seas colors, or slate, paintings, and anthropological decorations from the places where these ships sail.
In 2019, Le Bougaville and Le Dumont d'Urville will join the fleet, followed by Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier in 2020. A whole fleet ready to explore every wonder of our planet. The real surprise came when the company announced its intention to build Le Charcot, a powerful icebreaker for Arctic and Antarctic waters, and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas.
The Product:
If we look at the small Le Ponant, the first ship in the fleet, we understand its essence. Above all, because it maintains, like no other, the basic principles on which it was founded. When the company began operating in 1988, large ships, usually American, were already emerging. There was a growing number of French and European passengers looking for a more "friendly," "personal," "intimate," and personalized product. Something like sailing on a private yacht without owning one. And of course, in an informal atmosphere.
A boutique product that recaptures the refined French style of doing things with class, privacy, and intimacy. Another fundamental principle of the company is to offer a special cruise experience, and whenever possible, to provide exclusive berths and secluded ports where there's no chance of encountering the large ships of the major cruise lines. The Mediterranean was a place where it was still possible to offer ports like Bonifacio, Greek islands without cruise ship docking, and Porquerolles. Looking at any of the company's brochures is to let your imagination run wild and consult maps to discover unimaginable places.
The power of the brands is evident on board. Everything used and served is of the highest quality. From Veuve Clicquot and Ladurée macarons to Pierre Frey fabrics, Fragonard perfumes, and Sothys spa products. And of course, the aromas of Hermès and L'Occitane amenities in every cabin. An exclusive and beautiful ship, luxury at every turn, and unique itineraries are nothing without excellent cuisine. For the French, gastronomy is a "religion," and every aspect of it is truly perfect. Each time I return, I am amazed by their culinary offerings and how they pamper the palate.
The most outstanding feature of the product is the craftsmanship of its small details.
From something as simple as a freshly baked baguette, the most decadent chocolate mousse, or a gourmet croissant for breakfast, to the most sophisticated cuisine. Advised by Ducasse Conseil and under the supervision of renowned chef Alain Ducasse, the dishes are an explosion of flavor, presentation, and boundless finesse. Famous recipes from regional French gastronomy are fused with international dishes, or infused with the local cuisine of each port of call, where it's common for the chef to source fresh, locally sourced ingredients and prepare them right in front of the guests. Local lobster, Argentinian cuts of meat, and the freshest fruits and vegetables are served, culminating in the subtle touches of a Valrhona Grand Cru chocolate dessert. And always, the finest wines and champagnes from France.
The typical Ponant passenger is someone seeking a modern, elegant, and contemporary luxury experience, far removed from the ostentation of other luxury cruise lines. They want to feel pampered, visit unique destinations, and enjoy an atmosphere of European elegance. It's not a large entertainment center; the ports themselves are the destinations. The captains, who maintain an open-door policy on the bridge, constantly interact with passengers as if they were family. And I have firsthand experience with their commitment and problem-solving skills.
A luxurious meal in its main restaurant, a Mediterranean buffet by the pool with music. An afternoon of classical melodies, or personalized activities. Perhaps a few hours at the spa, or enjoying a show in its theater, based on the nightlife of Montmartre Paris. And always a crew attentive to every detail.
Routes:
As Ponant has grown, its scope has expanded. While initially focused on regional, local destinations, its fleet now sails the seven seas, aiming to explore uncharted territories. Always with a fresh approach: discovering new ports, providing more personalized local contact, offering the perfect natural setting for you, and presenting themed products, selling unique experiences. Something more than traditional themed cruises.
The French influence is noticeable in all its details.
It seems that lately, the word "expedition" is all the rage. More and more cruise passengers are tired of the same old routes and are looking for something special. The company has divided its cruise offerings into two different product models. The Boreal class usually offers the more traditional cruises under the name Luxury Culture & Leisure Cruises, encompassing the most well-trodden routes: the Mediterranean, the Fjords, the Caribbean. However, "traditional" doesn't mean conventional routes like those of other cruise lines. Even when the ports are near crowded tourist destinations, the company seeks out alternative berths.
Then, these new explorers embark on what they call Yacht Cruises & Expeditions. The absolute star is Antarctica, which shows no signs of slowing down in terms of demand. It's a very popular cruise, sailing through stunning white and blue landscapes, with fascinating wildlife, but with usually harsh weather. Ponant has been sailing in extreme climates for over 20 years and boasts extensive experience. It is a signatory to the Chartere Bleue d'Amateurs de France protocol and a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Cruise Operators), a reputable organization of Antarctic tour operators committed to protecting the ecosystem. Its measures are very stringent, ranging from the very configuration of the vessels that venture into those waters to minimizing the impact on the ecosystem. They define everything from docking procedures and the operation of the Zodiacs to how people interact with wildlife, and even how each passenger must decontaminate themselves before setting foot on polar soil.
You don't need big ships to have a perfect cruise experience.
The company incorporates a dynamic positioning system that avoids damaging sensitive seabeds by dropping anchor, navigates using silent electric propulsion, employs Farsounder sonar with 3D projections of the seabed, offers advanced recycling systems, uses energy-efficient light bulbs, and operates on low-emission MDO fuels. Furthermore, it collaborates with Le Cerclee Polaire, an organization that promotes the sustainable development of polar regions. Ponant is committed to operating a fleet of completely clean vessels.
The company's expertise extends beyond polar exploration. The shallow draft of their vessels, the versatility of their fleet, and the retractable marina at the bow, which allows for a "first-person" experience of the sea, enable them to land tenders, especially useful in other isolated locations around the world without ports. Their network of destinations is vast and steadily expanding. Some are offered exclusively, such as visits to the Asmat tribe. This closed community rejects all contact with tourism, except for the company's ships. When a Ponant ship arrives, it's quite a spectacle as the tribes adorn themselves and their boats approach the ships. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, like being the first to reach the southern seas, and something truly priceless.
Ponant has been sailing through extreme climates for over 20 years, and has a wealth of experience.
An example of the surprising nature of the routes. Always with a respectful approach, and aided by prominent figures with extensive knowledge of each destination visited. As with any expedition, the aim is a less touristy and more anthropological, cultural, and ecological connection. Accompanying collaborators include the expert Nicola Dubreuil, head of expeditions for the company; the renowned adventure photographer Mick Foff; the marine biologist José Sarica; and the acclaimed naturalist Alain Bidart. The routes are astonishing. Polar regions, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, subtropical regions, explorations along the Orinoco and/or Amazon rivers. Remote islands, the Russian tundra, Borneo, the Bissagos Islands, and hundreds of other more or less exotic destinations. Africa, Alaska, circumnavigating South America. Also the United States, the Caribbean, but above all, Oceania and Asia. In addition to more or less touristy countries like China or Japan, we can find destinations such as the Philippines, the Moluccas, the Solomon Islands, or New Zealand, Melanesia, or New Caledonia. For some years now you have been offering unexplored peaceful destinations in Russia such as the Kantchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, the Ring of Fire, or the Aleutian Islands.
And then there's the small Le Ponant. The first and most iconic. A charming sailboat with just 32 cabins. 400 square meters of sail area, offering an authentic sailing experience that defies easy categorization. A cross between an expedition ship and a private yacht. A vessel that has gathered hundreds of devoted fans and that remains true to the essence of Ponant. Past and future in one small, family-friendly boat.
The company offers two products: Tempting expeditions, and traditional routes through the most popular seas.
Today, in conclusion, we can outline some figures. Seven continents, 197 cruises completed in 2017, with their seven elegant ships. Approximately 30,500 passengers, with a turnover of 185 million euros. A 97% customer satisfaction rate, and from a single office in Marseille at its inception, to seven more located in Paris, Brussels, Hamburg, New York, Sydney, Shanghai, and Mata Utu in the Pacific, where their fleet is registered. Undoubtedly, the future holds many more exciting and glorious chapters for them.
