If you aren’t familiar with this boutique cruise line, you might want to take notice.
As the world’s only French cruise line, Compagnie du Ponant has ordered another luxury mega-yacht to add to their distinguished five-ship fleet. At a cost of close to $140 million USD and a scheduled launch date of June 2013, the new ship will be built at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard.
The new ship, which as yet has not been named, will join her two sister ships, the Le Boreal (May 2010) and L’Austral (April 2011), each with 132 staterooms and suites. The other three yachts in the fleet are considerably smaller; Le Ponant (a three-masted sailing ship with 32 staterooms), Le Levant (45 staterooms) and Le Diamant with 113 staterooms and suites.
Compagnie du Ponant is confident that there is a solid demand for the luxury mega-yacht cruise concept. The cruise line is committed to deliver an exclusive, luxury cruise experience as well as adhere to the “clean ship” label. This award, which was given to the newer Le Boreal and L’Austral, is based on numerous eco-friendly features: dynamic-positioning, advanced waste water treatment, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and underwater detection system. In addition, top of the line amenities, gourmet cuisine and five-star facilities contribute to the company’s mantra; “Elegance, Emotion and Authenticity.
“For Compagnie du Ponant this order is another step towards the future that validates an effective business model, a good and successful bet,” says Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvee.
The order continues the growth of Compagnie du Ponant as a leader in luxury cruising, confirming its investment strategy, exclusive positioning, development on the international scene and the strength of its presence on the world cruise market. By the end of 2011, Compagnie du Ponant expects its growth to exceed the 20,000 passenger per year threshold, with turnover estimated at euro 80 M.
Their unique business model has won over loyal clients as well as attracting many new ones as one in two guests in 2011 is a new customer for Compagnie du Ponant, while one in four is going on a cruise holiday for the first time. Customer satisfaction levels (4.5 out of 5) and the high rate of positive recommendations to friends and family (97% of passengers), recognizes the hard work by the company’s enthusiastic personnel.
Compagnie du Ponant’s shareholders share this enthusiasm and are showing ongoing confidence in the company’s successful business model and the crews and land-based teams by investing in this new ship. Having led the project to build the two previous yachts with such flair, the Fincantieri shipyard has again been entrusted with the third ship. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel will be responsible for the sophisticated modern interior which has contributed so much to the success of Le Boreal and L’Austral .
“In keeping with our concept of cruising, we are again favoring the intimate, friendly environment of a well-designed mega-yacht sized ship, ensuring our passengers receive individual attention and personalized “tailor-made” service in an outstanding environment,” concludes Veronique Saade, Deputy Executive Vice-President.
- Investment: euro 100 M
- Delivery date: June 2013
- 142 m in length
- 18 m beam
- 6 decks (including 1 sun deck)
- 132 staterooms and suites (95% with balcony)
- 4.7 meter draft
- Ice certification: 1C
- 264 passengers
- 140 members of crew
- 16 knots (cruising speed)
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
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