Initially started by two French merchant marine officers in 1988, the large French container line CMA-CGM now owns the majority interest in Ponant Cruises and its fleet of three small cruise ships taking between 64 and 172 passengers. In the North American markets, the ships’ ideal size makes them attractive to full-ship charters catering to both individuals and/or affinity groups. At other times, the passenger compliment is heavily French speaking. Registered in France or a French overseas territory, they offer a French flavor and classic French cuisine, something now very rare in the cruise industry since the demise of the major French shipping lines.
Fleet
Le Ponant is a high-end 64-passenger three-masted motorsailor, while 90-passenger Le Levant offers a luxury yacht experience withrichly sophisticated interiors and Le Diamant provides a boutique ship ambiancefor 198 passengers. The last-named was until 2003 Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’Song of Flower, very popular amongst sophisticated cruise travelers looking forunusual itineraries.
Itineraries
Cruises primarily cover Europe and North and South America.
Dining and Decor
The food is French, modern and classic. The interiors arecontemporary European.
Programs
When an American firm charters the ships, it brings aboard enrichmentprograms appropriate to the destination and to the specific interests of thegroup.
Onboard Experience
Intimate and relaxed, Le Ponant is very much an outdoorexperience, while Le Levant and Le Diamant are destination ships.
Competitors
All high-end boutique ships sold to individuals or marketedto affinity groups.
