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On board L’AUSTRAL and LE BOREAL, enjoy an old world charm of elegance and privilege in the attentive services of your very own Butler .

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Discover the most spectacular norwegian fjords next summer : the Hardangerfjord, the Geirangerfjord et the Sognefjord.

Our Norwegian fjords cruises

To celebrate her 20th birthday, the classic luxury sailing yacht LE PONANT has been given a new look, a judicious blend of ethereal elegance and harmony, by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.The lounge has been stylishly redecorated with new cushions, awnings and a fitted carpet in beautiful shades of sapphire. The Karukera restaurant has also been given a makeover with totally new photographs and modern supremely comfortable chairs.

To mark the anniversary of its 100th edition, Côté Ouest plans to whisk you away on an Epicurean journey of gourmet cuisine and culture aboard LE BORÉAL. Accompanied by the Managing Editor, Violaine de Saint Vaulry, discover the hidden depths of this magazine and the excellent advice given by Côté Ouest as you explore the secrets reserved for you on this unique cruise.

Set sail to explore the canals of Amsterdam, enjoy the fireworks of the Hamburg Festival, or immerse yourself in the picturesque districts of the design capital, Copenhagen. On your return to LE BORÉAL, savour original creations by Michelin-star chefs, enjoy fine wines selected by a renowned sommelier and discover the soul of Côté Ouest in the elegant comfort and intimacy of an exceptional cruise.

 

Senior Designer at STIRLING DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, having previously worked on designs for FERRARI, Joel Bretecher is an official partner of Compagnie du Ponant for whom he has designed LE PONANT, LE LEVANT, LE BORÉAL, L AUSTRAL and now the company’s new ship, currently under construction.

Passionate about his work and highly experienced, Joel Bretecher kindly agreed to answer our questions.

MEETING THE INUIT PEOPLE IN BAFFIN LAND – 11 to 23 August 2011

3^rdday: Ilulissat

Fishing for cod off the ship arranged by our Chief Purser; miraculous catch with nearly 70kg of fish landed by passengers and crew, which will all end up on our plates for dinner tomorrow!

5^thday: Augpilagtoq

A beautiful little cruise through the icebergs to reach a new port of call we have nicknamed “the children’s village”. Extraordinary encounters between passengers and all the Inuit children who gave us a very warm welcome. It is a fine village of traditional hunters. Here everything is so genuine, we take in the colourful houses guarded by a dozen sleigh dogs. Skins and skulls of bears hanging up, seals and dried fish instantly plunge us into this amazing culture.

In the evening we had invited about 30 locals, including former bear hunters, the shaman and the village choir who put on a show for us in the theatre. Some were dressed in traditional costume to perform the Inuit songs, much to the delight of their audience. This unique and moving port of call is sure to remain engraved on the hearts of passengers.

7^thday: North of Melville Bay

We provide a magnificent tour in the adjacent bay amidst hundreds of icebergs calved off directly from the ice cap. It’s extraordinary; it’s probably the most beautiful and largest iceberg cemetery we have ever come across as even in Antarctica there is nothing to equal it!

10^thday: Isabella Bay

On route we encounter a polar bear crossing the bay. We accompany the animal without stressing it for a long way, side by side, for about 50 metres (a polar bear can swim 80 to 100 km a day!)

Late morning the sea was filled with breaching whales not far from the ship, finishing with a resounding caudal fin slap-down in front of Le Boréal.

BOREAL ADVENTURES – 23 August to 4 September 2011

6^thday: AKPATOK

Akpatok is legendary and more than lived up to its reputation, not just because of the geology but also the animals that were there to welcome us. There are more polar bears here than anywhere else in the world, along with Wrangel Island (Russian island in the Long Strait). Thousands of Brünnich guillemots nest in cliffs against a superb backdrop of waterfalls. It’s a real food store for the polar bears who gather here by the dozen on the beaches north of the island. We made a small trip to the north to watch them, then organised zodiac outings in the afternoon from the north-east to get within a couple of hundred metres from them in total safety. That day we saw about 30 bears including mothers with cubs!

7^thday: Kimmirut (formerly Lake harbour)

A superb night when I called the passengers up on deck about 23:00 to watch the aurora borealis - incredible! It was the first of many sightings of the aurora on this cruise.

9^thday: Ice floe (Fox basin)

This morning was an amazing spectacle; passengers woke up surrounded by sheets of ice. No icebergs here but perennial sea ice mixed with sediments brought up from the depths of the basin.

In the evening as we sailed along the edge of an ice belt, a heaven-sent encounter that passengers will probably always remember: two polar bears on an ice sheet. We got to within about 100 metres of this beautiful slab of ice where the two bears, probably the three-year-old brother and sister, put on an amazing and moving show for us!

See the photos taken from Le Boréal

Find our Artic cruises for summer 2012

Discover the White Continent and its colonies of gentoo penguins with this new film shot by Compagnie du Ponant on one of our Five-star expeditions in the Great South.

In addition to € 300 per cabin / double suite off the cruise fare, many special touches are reserved for honeymooners on board.
 This can be a romantic dinner just for the two of you on the sundeck of Le Ponant, or a zodiac excursion surprise in Antarctic waters ...
 Our pastry chefs are also happy to prepare a special cake for the lovebirds, who will find a bottle of champagne in their staterooms, with a word of the captain.
 On board, our staff is on the lookout to create more surprises, and make this special trip unforgettable.

 Love to cruise the Maldives for your honeymoon ?

Find out our cruises for Summer 2012 and book now to enjoy the bests fares !

All our cuises

Are you looking for an original holiday; or want to make the most of your cruise by indulging in your favourite past-time, or discovering a new one; or enjoy a unique experience with the family? Our themed cruises could be just what you need!

Do you want to go as a family, but your children are full of energy and are looking for new adventures? Our FAMILY CRUISE provides all sorts of activities for four-year-olds and up: singing lessons, theatre, fancy dress, dance classes, creative workshops, team games, and much more.

For the epicureans among you, why not embark on the GOURMET ODYSSEY. Accompanied by Michelin-star chefs, this cruise is a celebration of gastronomy destined to seduce you!
In the company of world renowned artists, why not let yourself be born away by the spirit of the sea and music, on the rich and varied itineraries of our magnificent SYMPHONY AT SEA or the superb OPERA CRUISE. And for GOLF enthusiasts, Compagnie du Ponant offers to take you to outstanding golf courses together with a top level instructor. For the Venice Film Festival, L’AUSTRAL is really pushing the boat out! This cruise welcomes film-buffs who will be at leisure to attend several screenings, after which the films will be discussed by directors, screenwriters and actors.

New: Do not miss advantage of 1000€ /£900 / $1400 * off on the Buenos Aires-Ushuaia flights for the Le BOREAL and L’ AUSTRAL cruises, (November and December, 2011, and January, 2012)

* proposal applies to double cabin for any reservation of package cruise (+ flights booked before December 31st, 2011) on an Antarctic cruise from November, 2011 to January, 2012. Not retroactive, offer valids on the return flight Buenos-Aires / Ushuaia.

Find out more about our Antarctica cruises

The world’s only French cruise line and “Five-star Expedition” specialist COMPAGNIE DU PONANT is to build another “latest generation” yacht (132 staterooms and suites) at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona.

Sistership to LE BORÉAL and L’AUSTRAL, complying with the “Cleanship” label, the new vessel will join the fleet in June 2013.  The fleet currently comprises five yachts of character all flying the French flag: LE PONANT (32 staterooms), LE LEVANT (45 staterooms), LE DIAMANT (113 staterooms and suites), LE BORÉAL and L’AUSTRAL (132 staterooms and suites).

“In keeping with our concept of cruising, we are again favouring the intimate, friendly environment of a human-size ship, ensuring our passengers receive individual attention and a personalised “tailor-made” service in an outstanding environment.” Véronique Saadé, Deputy Executive Vice-President.

Having joined COMPAGNIE DU PONANT on 18 June, the new captain of LE DIAMANT, Philippe Berge, was delighted to agree to this interview.

Michel Rocard, former Prime Minister of France will be on board le BOREAL during the Iqaluit-Boston cruise from 4 to 17 September 2011.

Appointed Ambassador of Poles, political father of the Antactic and author of the Gorvernance Resolution about Antartic, he will share with you his projects for a better governance of the Artic Ocean.

Book your cruises

This summer set sail to where the kingdoms of Iceland and Spitzbergen meet. Le Boréal welcomes you for two cruises to the very heart of these enchanting Polar lands which are so full of contrasts. A luxury ship, free parka (for Spitzbergen), experienced nature guides and more, every detail has been thought through to ensure your comfort as you venture into these hostile far-off lands.

Trips in zodiacs will bring you as close you can get to the seals and polar bears in the region : Call of the Great North, Set Sail for Spitzbergen and the Ice floe from 27 June to 10 July or follow in the footsteps of the Jules Verne characters in the land of geysers, volcanoes and glaciers : Iceland, Viking Country: Geysers and Glaciers from 17 to 24 July

On May 19, both ships met at sunset off the coast of Capri, a truly magical moment worth celebrating.

Le Ponant and l’Austral greeted each other …. While the crew of both vessels exchanged memories and departed remembering and smiling.

A magic moment….

On Wednesday May 18, in front of an audience of 350 businessmen and women, the General Manager of “La Poste” Group awarded Compagnie du Ponant the Gold Medal of Media Mail.
This award recognizes the postcard "Call of the Great North", highlighting our cruises in Arctic waters during this summer.
The jury was composed of 15 professionals from the advertising and marketing sectors, as well as direct marketers.

Beyond the marketing department, this award recognizes the hard work and collaboration of all our teams, to offer you the finest cruises.

Marseille will be Culture Capital of Europe in 2013, the place to be for arts and leisure.

The Phocean city of Marseille, headquarters of Compagnie du Ponant, is renowned for her welcoming atmosphere and great location.

These are some of the reasons why Compagnie du Ponant chose her as a preferred port for the 2011/2012 season. 

On Tuesday April 26, L’AUSTRAL, Compagnie du Ponant’s newest vessel, was inaugurated in fireworks of flavor and elegance. Marseille, the headquarter of la Compagnie du Ponant and CMA CGM, was chosen for this extraordinary event.

During this event, l’Austral was joined by her elder sister Le BOREAL for a side-by-side cruise to the Frioul Islands and famous Chateau d’If. A third ship of La Compagnie du Ponant, Le LEVANT joined later in the day and all three ships saluted each other in the port of Marseille – a truly emotional moment.

 
 The evening began with an emotional speech from Jean Emmanuel SAUVEE, current CEO and co-founder of the Company. Veronique SAADE, Deputy Director General and the Captain of L’AUSTRAL, Remi Genevaz, expressed their pride and joy of celebrating the arrival of the fifth ship. Guests then took place in the Gourmet Restaurant for an exquisite lyrical dinner, with the presence of BEL CANTO performers, crowned by a “dessert surprise” from the Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.

The evening continued in the Theatre with a unique show of Crazy Horse, and ended with a magnificent fireworks display in shades of red, gold and silver, visible from the pool deck of L’AUSTRAL, and from Le BOREAL , its sistership.

Discover pictures of the event here

Captain Genevaz is pleased to announce that L’AUSTRAL is now sailing under the French flag. After an emotional ceremony which took place on Wednesday, April 20, l’Austral is now officially operated by La Compagnie du Ponant . She became Compagnie du Ponant’s 5th ship.
 L’Austral waved goodbye to the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona as she sailed to Marseille this morning.
 
 Long live L’AUSTRAL!

From Valparaiso to Singapore, you will cross the Pacific Ocean, flirting with the Great Barrier Reef, then browse the Java Sea on board of L’AUSTRAL.

- 11968 miles
- 60 days at sea
- 9 countries
- 22 islands

Valparaiso - Easter Island - Bora Bora - Cook Islands - Tonga - Fiji - New Caledonia - Great Barrier Reef, Darwin - Bali - Java - Singapore ... these are some of the ports of call, synonymous with beauty and enchantment, that you discover during this extended journey.

Join us for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Exceptional means for an exceptional ship.
To launch the new ship of La Compagnie du Ponant, discover our exclusive mini-site which is totally dedicated. Discover our new mini-site dedicated to the launch of l’Austral – Compagnie du Ponant’s newest ship.
Visit the ship, check the destinations, and explore the underside of the launch. Visit the ship, explore the destinations and discover the behind-the-scenes of the launch of l’Austral.
Come and sail with us!

On 26 April, Compagnie du Ponant will welcome L’Austral into the fleet. To celebrate this event in style with glamour and elegance, THE CRAZY HORSE, a first for this cabaret on a cruise, will welcome you aboard your new yacht!

L’Austral’s maiden voyage will be a glittering occasion, but also one of fine cuisine with the famous Belgian confectioner Pierre Marcolini on board, and charm from an outstanding show by Michel Leeb. Many other surprises await you on this Marseille to Lisbon cruise which will set sail on 27 April for a truly memorable week.

Read the excellent article in the French glossy magazine VSD on our expedition cruises in the southern oceans: “From the balconies of their luxurious cabins, passengers glimpse their first blue-tinted icebergs. Nicolas Dubreuil [our expedition leader] is already thinking about the high point of the day, landing on an ice floe in the middle of the Weddell Sea, where the British explorer, Ernest Shackelton’s ship Endurance met her end…”

 See the new Compagnie du Ponant TV advert showed on BFM TV

23 to 30 May 2011, 8 days/7 nights on Le Ponant: Nice-Portofino-Cannes-Monaco

Enjoy the mildness of May on the Côte d’Azur and the buzz of the Principality of Monaco during its prestigious Grand Prix: aboard Le Ponant you will revel in the excitement that awaits amateurs and enthusiasts alike.
Nice-Portofino-Cannes - and to finish with a flourish, four days as close as you can get to the stars of Formula 1.

BONUS: there are still a few tickets for the Monaco Grand Prix, book your cruise now and we will make sure you get tickets

Compagnie du Ponant has not forgotten that its roots lie in Nantes. As a tribute to our origins, this summer we are offering you a voyage of a life time on Le Diamant, exploring the myths and legends of the Celts.

Meanwhile, here are some not-to-be-missed events for fans of Celtic music:

• 2^nd St Patrick Festival at the Paris Olympia on 20 March.

Tri Yann concert tour: at the Zenith in Nantes on 2 April to the Zenith in Paris on 6 May.

After a career spanning 10 years with Compagnie du Ponant, Mathieu Lebrun has been made a Captain of Le Levant starting at the end of March in a post he will share with the current Captain, Régis Daumesnil.

To mark the occasion, Captain Lebrun has granted us an interview.

A new ship, new destinations and new brochure: we are proud to present this new version of the Compagnie du Ponant cruise catalogue.
A more intuitive presentation, the brochure is set out by destination featuring all our ships and offers some superb new regions to visit: Polynesia, Australia, Easter Island, New Caledonia, the Azores and many others. Stop dreaming and start planning now by taking a look at the electronic version or ordering the paper version in just a few clicks.

May we remind you that by booking ahead you can take advantage of our very best offers through the Ponant Bonus scheme