It will be difficult to resist the quality of cruises on offer from Compagnie Du Ponant throughout the summer of 2010 and the opportunity to relish the inaugural cruises of the company's new yacht, Le Boréal.
The programme features voyages from May to October, luring guests into a dream world of "Yacht Cruises" on small scale ships.
The ambiance on board a Compagnie Du Ponant vessel is unique - more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship.
Renowned themed cruises are designed to appeal as much to the novice as the enlightened: top quality lecturers and tailor-made programmes are in place to share with the passengers the talents of these true professionals.
Faithful to its classic themes, for 2010 Compagnie Du Ponant has programmed the 6th edition of its popular "Symphony at Sea", a 5th Music Festival "In Opera Mode", a Jazz Gospel cruise, and for golf enthusiasts "Tee time in the Mediterranean". New this season is a superb "Haute cuisine and the Arts of a French Table" cruise, spa and well-being, the Chopin Bicentenary and a special voyage to Greenland for the whole family.
Another dimension, which sets this summer season apart, is the range of itineraries on offer for Compagnie Du Ponant's latest jewel in the crown, Le Boréal, pictured left. Accompanying a new ship on her maiden voyage is always an emotional experience and with her innovative design, slender shape and original interiors, Le Boréal offers an unrivalled level of comfort and elegance.
Her inaugural trips include a range of Mediterranean cruises, some magnificent forays into North Europe to explore the Baltic, and a journey into the heart of Iceland's geysers and glaciers.
Meanwhile, the majestic 88-metre, three-masted yacht Le Ponant will be sailing round the Mediterranean, as close as you can get to the Corsican, Italian, Croatian and Spanish shores. As on a private yacht, Compagnie Du Ponant sails her with a small group of people on board (only 64 passengers), who really love the sea.
Creating a similar sensation of being on a private cruise, the racy thoroughbred Le Levant (90 passengers) offers a "sporty chic" ambiance for those seeking intimacy and sophistication. As well as the Mediterranean, the elegant Le Levant revisits the great classics of cruising destinations to explore the magic of the Black Sea, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
Lastly, a small expedition ship of great charm and tradition, Le Diamant (226 passengers) comes from a race of great travellers and will be venturing into extreme lands as far as Spitzbergen and Greenland.
A number of new itineraries have been introduced for 2010 in lands where the sun hovers between day and night. An expedition cruise in the Baffin sea to meet the Inuits from July 27 to August 8promises to be a truly exceptional adventure, accompanied by a team of experienced and passionate nature guides. Also unusual, are two cruises for those who would like to discover the myths of Celtic culture in the midst of wild unspoiled nature, from August 20 to 31 and August31 to September 7.
Dream locations off the beaten track, new cultures and close encounters with Nature's wonders, in the relaxed yet sophisticated style that the French know how to do to perfection, the 2010 brochure opens up a privileged world of "Yacht Cruises" which have become the signature of Compagnie Du Ponant. All the crew on board the yacht ships are totally fluent in both English and French.
Le Boréal Inaugural Voyage, departing May 6 for 7 nights, Marseilles to Nice, cruise only fares lead in at £2,130 per person, plus £210pp port taxes.
Cruise only fares for Summer 2010, lead in at:
- Le Boréal: £1,770 per person, plus £210pp port taxes for a 7-night voyage from Venice to Nice, departing 25 October.
- Le Ponant: £1,780 per person, plus £150pp port taxes, for a 5-night voyage from Nice to Nice, departing 2 or 7 May.
- Le Levant: £1,790 per person, plus £180pp port taxes, for a 6-night voyage from Rome to Rome, departing 16 September
- Le Diamant: £1,240 per person, plus £210pp port taxes, for a 7-night voyage from St Malo to St Malo, departing 31 August
For inquiries and reservations call 020 7292 2387 or visit the Du Ponant website
