Latest news with #Ponant
West Australian
7 days ago
- West Australian
Ponant releases rare opportunity to explore Baja California, Mexico marine wilderness
The coastline off Baja California in Mexico has been referred to as 'the world's largest aquarium'. And wildlife seekers will have a priceless opportunity to get up close with ocean giants on a rare voyage with Ponant Explorations. Setting sail in early 2027, the adventure has been three years in the making after an extensive reconnaissance mission undertaken by Ponant's research team. The Baja California peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and is maritime sanctuary for many species of whales, dolphins, rays and sea lions, who seek refuge in the sheltered wilderness to reproduce in the northern hemisphere winter. Ponant's team of expert naturalists will guide guests on an 11-day exploration aboard luxury cruise ship Le Bellot, navigating the unspoilt coastline, marvelling over the wildlife, hiking through majestic canyons and visiting small Mexican towns including charming Loreto. The itinerary has been co-developed with local communities and conservation stewards, which Ponant's Jose Sarica, who directed the research and development scouting mission, says aligns with the operator's ethos of responsible tourism. 'Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for me,' Sarica says. 'We have a huge responsibility to share this exceptional environment, to pass it on to future generations, and to show that we are worthy of the trust placed in us by the people who live there. 'What I experienced there compares to no other experience: it's the powerful feeling of being truly alive, connected to nature, and that's what our guests will discover.' + Exploration in the Heart of Baja California departs from Cabo San Lucas on three dates in 2027: January 31, February 20 and March 2. + Packages start at $10,950 per person. Price is subject to change without notice at any time. + For more information, visit
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Cruise ships will sail from the Port of Dover this summer – with sailings to Norway, Malta, Portugal and more
Carnival Miracle is among cruise ships that have made inaugural calls in Kent this month as the Port of Dover prepares for its high season. Southampton may be the main UK port for cruises but Dover will have hosted four inaugural calls for ships during May and has five regular brands departing from its terminal, providing another departure option for UK passengers. Windstar's Star Pride and Ponant's Le Laperouse and Le Bellot ships stopped at the port for the first time this month, meaning more than 3,000 new guests have travelled into the region in May. The Port of Dover expanded its mooring facilities earlier this year to make room for larger ships and can now host three vessels at once. Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, said: 'We are thrilled to launch our 2025 season with Carnival and their guests, and to see another member of their fleet begin her set of nine turnaround calls this year. 'We also had the pleasure of welcoming both Star Pride and Le Laperouse for their debut calls. 'It was wonderful seeing these two unique ships moored alongside each other in front of the White Cliffs and making use of our wide-ranging facilities catering for different ship sizes and styles.' The Windstar and Ponant ships were only in port for a visit during longer sailings but there are a range of cruise brands departing from Dover in the coming months. Carnival Miracle The 2,670-capacity Carnival Miracle made its debut in Dover this month. The vessel is hosting British Isles sailings from the port after just coming out of drydock following a refresh that includes a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge and Cloud 9 Spa. Passengers can also enjoy the ship's refreshed mini-golf course and eat at a new chef's table experience. Carnival Miracle will homeport in Dover until early August for a series of nine and 12-day itineraries across the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltics and northern Europe. Prices start from £747 per person for a nine-day Spain, Portugal and France cruise that departs on 30 May. Saga Cruises Over-50s brand Saga Cruises has regular departures from Dover aboard both Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Itineraries include sailings around Britain and Norway, including a seven-night Norwegian fjords summertime cruise departing on 15 August from £2,822 per person. Fred Olsen's 1,360-capacity Borealis is departing from Dover throughout the summer. Passengers can enjoy sailings to the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Azores region in Portugal Other highlights include its 11-night Malta and Scenic Sights of Croatia sailing, departing on 5 June from £1,299 per person. Seabourn Sojourn Luxury cruise brand Seabourn has six sailings from Dover until early August aboard its Sojourn ship, which caters for 458 passengers. Itineraries include sailings to Iceland and Norway as well as a seven-day Castles, Lochs and Scottish Highlands cruise departing on 2 August from £4,164 per person. Holland America Nieuw Statendam Holland America's Nieuw Statendam ship has several sailings from Dover until September. It marks Holland America Line's first UK season in 10 years, with the 2,666-guest ship.
TTG
19-05-2025
- TTG
Everything you need to know about Ponant Explorations' luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot
Charlotte Cullinan When designing Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant Explorations set out to create a vessel that could venture further afield, to places where 'few others dare to go'. The ship is capable of sailing to some of the planet's most inaccessible regions, helmed by seasoned captains with extensive expertise in ice navigation. In the Arctic, its destinations include the North Pole, and it is one of the few passenger vessels in the world capable of reaching 90° North Greenland. Its programme also includes a trans-arctic between two of the four north poles, and Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula. Facilities and excursions Onboard guests enjoy an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, conservatory, panoramic restaurant, Main Lounge, Observation Lounge and lobby. Each shared space has been designed to convey discreet French-style luxury, with a focus on natural light and open spaces, which let the extraordinary polar landscapes take centre stage. When they leave the ship, customers are immersed in polar experiences such as kayaking, snowshoeing, polar plunges, zodiac excursions and dog sledding, which vary by the cruise and itinerary. Suites and staterooms Carrying up to 245 guests, Le Commandant Charcot boasts 123 suites and staterooms, each boasting a private balcony or terrace, meaning your customers will feel as though they are sailing on a private yacht. The aft of decks six and seven feature four 94-square-meter, split-level suites with private terraces and Jacuzzis. On deck eight, the 115-square-metre Suite de l'Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) offers panoramic views through expansive sliding glass doors that open onto a 186-square-metre private terrace. Culinary excellence This is also the only vessel to feature a gastronomic restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, meaning your clients can have an exquisite dining experience in the heart of the polar regions. The menu features healthy, refined and elegant dishes, while a second restaurant and a grill also serve wholesome, gourmet fare. Environmental stewardship This hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), meaning it excels in safe and low-impact polar navigation. Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) ice-strengthened hull, allowing it to navigate drifting sea ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions permit. Protecting polar ecosystems and coastal sea ice remains a top priority for the team, who focus on more responsible exploration, which they believe hinges on 'expertise, innovation, humility before nature, collaboration with local communities and a commitment to minimal environmental impact.'
Sydney Morning Herald
19-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
If you seek adventure, there's never been a better time to find it at sea
If you hanker after more adventurous styles of holiday, there's never been a better time to cruise. A small flotilla of new expedition ships has launched in recent years and more expedition ships are arriving soon, including Atlas Ocean's World Adventurer and World Discoverer, and Aurora Expedition's Douglas Mawson. You can now head to more wilderness and far-flung locations than ever, some accessible no other way except by cruise ship. Many of us are seizing the opportunity. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says the number of people taking expedition cruises is up more than 70 per cent since 2019. CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz says this reflects a desire for more unspoiled locations and cultural authenticity, greater awareness of environmental issues, and more available opportunities. Other reasons to choose an expedition cruise include crossing off bucket-list destinations, a desire for wildlife encounters, a wider demand for more immersive and exclusive experiences, and a post-pandemic trend towards smaller ships. Although the first sightseeing travellers visited Antarctica back in 1966, expedition cruising long remained a niche market often involving basic stays on repurposed Russian icebreakers. By 2012, expedition ships still carried just 67,000 passengers a year. A Travel Market Report sponsored by HX (formerly Hurtigruten) says expedition cruises are the fastest-growing cruise segment, with about 400,000 passengers now taking an expedition cruise annually. More than 20 cruise lines operate some 100 expedition ships worldwide. Traditional lines such as Celebrity, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking have entered the market, and expedition ships provide luxury for those who want wilderness without sacrificing thread count and red wine. Among other international expedition lines are Aqua, Aranui, G Adventures, Heritage, HX, Lindblad, Ponant, Quark, Ponant and UnCruise Adventures.
The Age
19-05-2025
- The Age
If you seek adventure, there's never been a better time to find it at sea
If you hanker after more adventurous styles of holiday, there's never been a better time to cruise. A small flotilla of new expedition ships has launched in recent years and more expedition ships are arriving soon, including Atlas Ocean's World Adventurer and World Discoverer, and Aurora Expedition's Douglas Mawson. You can now head to more wilderness and far-flung locations than ever, some accessible no other way except by cruise ship. Many of us are seizing the opportunity. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says the number of people taking expedition cruises is up more than 70 per cent since 2019. CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz says this reflects a desire for more unspoiled locations and cultural authenticity, greater awareness of environmental issues, and more available opportunities. Other reasons to choose an expedition cruise include crossing off bucket-list destinations, a desire for wildlife encounters, a wider demand for more immersive and exclusive experiences, and a post-pandemic trend towards smaller ships. Although the first sightseeing travellers visited Antarctica back in 1966, expedition cruising long remained a niche market often involving basic stays on repurposed Russian icebreakers. By 2012, expedition ships still carried just 67,000 passengers a year. A Travel Market Report sponsored by HX (formerly Hurtigruten) says expedition cruises are the fastest-growing cruise segment, with about 400,000 passengers now taking an expedition cruise annually. More than 20 cruise lines operate some 100 expedition ships worldwide. Traditional lines such as Celebrity, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking have entered the market, and expedition ships provide luxury for those who want wilderness without sacrificing thread count and red wine. Among other international expedition lines are Aqua, Aranui, G Adventures, Heritage, HX, Lindblad, Ponant, Quark, Ponant and UnCruise Adventures.
