Reviews & Ratings for the Le-Ponant

The French luxury cruise operator Ponant has announced plans to enhance its iconic sailing cruise ship LE PONANT, which accommodates up to 64 passengers. The vessel will undergo a significant refurbishment at San Giorgio del Porto (SGdP), a renowned ship refit specialist in Genoa. This comprehensive upgrade is slated to commence in November and continue through April 2020, ensuring that LE PONANT remains one of the premier choices for discerning travelers seeking an exceptional maritime experience.

In an exciting development for sustainable maritime travel, French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique has conducted testing of its cutting-edge Solid Sail system aboard Le Ponant, a flagship vessel of the cruise company Ponant. This innovative sail design was first unveiled through Chantiers de l'Atlantique's smart cruise ship initiative, Silenseas, which launched two years ago. The Solid Sail employs advanced materials including fibreglass, carbon, and epoxy-resin panels, all integrated into a robust carbon-slat framework. Two patents have been registered for this revolutionary sailing technology, one in 2009 and another in 2017, aimed at significantly lowering the environmental footprint associated with marine propulsion. "When Chantiers de l'Atlantique approached us about their solid-sail technology, we were instantly intrigued," stated Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant. He emphasized the historical significance of Le Ponant to the company, reiterating that the future of energy-efficient sailing relies heavily on innovative sail propulsion methods.

Artemis, the company owned by the Pinault family, renowned for its ownership of luxury brands and the sportswear giant Kering, has officially concluded its acquisition of the French luxury cruise line Ponant. According to a statement released, this acquisition positions Ponant to enhance its global outreach and embark on an exciting new chapter in its growth trajectory. With Artemis now at the helm, the cruise line transitions from its previous ownership under private equity firm Bridgepoint. Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, Ponant's CEO, reflected on the fruitful three-year partnership with Bridgepoint, highlighting their collaborative achievements in launching and financing new vessels, as well as expanding their footprint into markets like Australia and China, and acquiring a significant player in the American cultural cruise sector. 'As we move forward with Artemis as our new long-term partner, we remain excited about sharing a vision for Ponant's future as a prominent figure in the luxury cruise industry,' Sauvée stated. This shift signifies a strategic move aimed at propelling Ponant into a more formidable position in the global high-end cruise market.