The Le Jacques Cartier cruise ship, operated by the premium company Le Ponant, made its maiden call at the Port of Valencia on Sunday. Francesca Antonelli, head of cruises at the Port Authority of Valencia (APV), and the ship's captain, Christophe Roger Antoine Dupuy, exchanged the traditional plaque, which in the case of Valenciaport is a "Socarrat," a Valencian terracotta tile designed with maritime motifs.
The captain highlighted the warm welcome his company has received in Valencia, the high quality of the COVID-19 protocols, and the variety and excellent tourist offerings of the city and its surroundings. The Jacques Cartier is a luxury Explorer-class cruise ship from the Ponant shipping company, launched in 2020 and featuring innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly equipment. It is 131 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 9,976 and a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. Its maximum capacity is just 184 passengers in 92 cabins, with a crew of 118.
Marine ecosystem conservation is a priority for Ponant, and the company's latest ships have been awarded the international Cleanship label by Bureau Veritas for their commitment to environmental protection. This vessel features a multi-sensory underwater space accessible to all passengers, offering a truly immersive experience. Thanks to two large portholes reminiscent of whales' eyes, passengers can enjoy a unique view of the seabed without disturbing its flora and fauna.
