PONANT, the world's leading luxury expedition company and the only French-owned cruise line, is committed to elevating luxury travel to its highest level while preserving its signature expertise. Starting in 2020, PONANT has partnered with Relais & Châteaux, a symbol of culinary excellence, to offer unparalleled experiences. Several Relais & Châteaux will travel on various PONANT , hosting gala dinners and creating new dishes focused on the flavors and ingredients of each destination. Guests will also be able to enjoy cooking masterclasses and gastronomic lectures. Depending on the cruise and port of call, the chef may also offer some passengers the opportunity to accompany them to a local market or to meetings with local producers.
“Treasures of Brittany”
On September 20, 2020, Mathieu Guibert (head of the House of Anne of Breton in Plaine-sur-Mer) will be aboard the Jacques-Cartierfor an 8-day cruise along the coast of Brittany. During this itinerary, guests will discover historic port cities and wild coastlines of Brittany, including the Ponant Islands, the Gulf of Morbihan, Houat, Hoëdic, Ouessant, and Belle-Île-en-Mer. From €4,350
“Canary Islands and Cape Verde”
On October 11, 2020, Spanish chef Federico López Arcay (director of A Quinta Da Auga in Santiago de Compostela), a Relais & Châteaux member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Fine Arts, will embark on a 9-day voyage from Portugal to Senegal aboard the Dumont-d'Urville. After leaving Lisbon, the ship will sail to the historic city of Funchal in Madeira, then on to the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria), before exploring Cape Verde: Mindelo and Santiago, the archipelago's most populated islands. Dakar will be the final destination, a sunny respite amidst cultural and architectural heritage and exceptional natural landscapes. From €4,330*
“China and Vietnam”
On October 28, 2020, passengers embarking on the Lapérousein the vibrant Chinese megalopolis of Shanghai will embark on a 9-day Asian-themed cruise to Halong Bay. This itinerary includes visits to cities such as romantic Xiamen and bustling Hong Kong, before concluding in Haiphong, Vietnam. A unique cruise during which passengers will discover fascinating cities and natural treasures declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From €4,530*
Philippe Gombert, president of Relais & Châteaux, stated: “We share the core values of the cruise line: ethics, commitment, and authenticity, which are particularly evident in the development of local cultures, respect for heritage, and the protection of the environment and nature. The requirement for ethical cuisine is our guiding principle. The ocean must now be considered one of the most valuable ecosystems on our planet.”
For his part, Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, president and co-founder of PONANT, stated: “Showcasing French excellence on all the world’s seas. This is the philosophy that has driven PONANT for 30 years, and the exceptional partnership we have formed with Relais & Châteaux. Our shared values in the areas of the environment, excellence in service and gastronomy, and the “boutique hotel” concept reflected in the intimate size of our ships are just some of the many points of convergence that allow us to offer our guests a unique experience.”
Juan Rodero, CEO of StarClassand representative of PONANT in Spain, has expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, as it allows them to offer their clients culinary experiences that live up to the StarClass brand.
