AdrienH

Dear Timmy,

Funny enough I am going on the cruise just before your's on the Riviera on April 4th and the only reason is (did already all the ports of call except one)  ... the food and the expected culinary experience that I heard, is awesome.

Now I have done in 2021, 2 MSC cruises (Grandiosa) as they were the only ones operating during Covid, one in a "normal" balcony cabin and one in a Yacht Club Suite. Now only the one Yacht Club you have decent meals?  Specialty restaurants are an alternative. Of course you won't starve but the combination after an Oceania cruise could be rather disappointing.
So honestly, go for your land tour, South of Spain and then Paris ... don't bother MSC.

Thank you for the sharing of the beautiful photos.
I am embarking in 1,5 hour on L’Austral and can’t wait to experience a part of your Antarctica journey on board that amazing vessel.
Maybe we might pass each other as you are coming up North now?😜

I totally understand that in these uncertain times, it isn't easy for anyone, neither the passengers nor the crew and cruise line. I have done 8 Ponant cruises so far and as a Belgian, the language isn't an issue for me but I don't believe that you would get a different level of service then the French guests?
I agree that there is not much mingling but that is mainly due to the fact that the actual "Ponant generation", 60-80yo still don't speak much English.  

Now when I am reading the comparaisons you are making, I fear you are missing, in my view, the most important element: Ponant is still a yachting experience, they still run small ships, rarely full, so we are talking on average 100-150pax ... so impossible to compare with Chrystal, Silversea or Seabourn who are no longer "small" with 600, 800 to 900 passengers ... they are just "smaller" than those Carnival, RCCL or NCL monsters.

That being said, this means that the choice for a Ponant cruise should be based on itinerary, expedition style or not, meaning more laid back (one or two Captains evenings where you dress up a bit), great food but not the extended choice (on Captain's evenings it is a set menu ... but always delicious) as on other larger ships.  So what I want to say is that Ponant is different in many ways ... and that makes them rather unique.

P.S. And if your budget allows it, and if you can book one of their expedition cruises on board their newest jewel, Le Commandant Charcot ... then you are up for the most amazing experience. I was invited for a 2-night introduction cruise last October and the ship is a dream!  Unfortunately not for my budget but highly recommend!

OK ... both Boreal and Charcot are now in Punta Arenas

Looks like indeed the transfert might be happening now?

I was just on the phone with Ponant ... as I wondered why l'Austral was not docked as it was supposed to sail out today?

Of course I didn't hear anything about the "quarantine" ship and unfortunately I didn't see these posts before my call so I couldn't ask?
But OK, today's Austral departure (with National Geographic) is indeed cancelled and so far the next departures of 11th and 21rd of February are still confirmed ... for the time being.
I hope to be on the 3rd of March departure but as I am leaving for Argentina already on 22nd of February ... I called them what the status was on l'Austral?

Not much we can do I guess ... than wait and hope for the best?
 

The Champagne now is Baron de Rothschild Brut and on formal nights or captain's cocktails, they serve Veuve Clicquot Yellow label (included if you go for premium).

I am a Champagne lover and the previously served Henri Abelé and now Baron de Rothschild are very good so I don't bother upgrading 😉

On 9/2/2019 at 6:43 PM, Rummblestrip said:

That is great to hear about the communication with the passengers. I have heard horrible stories about little or no information from crew on ships, let alone the Captain. I can assume that the passengers are less likely to put up a fuss when they are truly informed. Can you describe the room service menu? I will occasionally enjoy a quiet dinner and a bottle of wine on the balcony. I look forward to your review.

Done 4 Ponant cruises so far, 3 more coming, and must say communication is great! Certain Captains are actually just "stars" like Captain Garcia (Le Boréal) who might wake you up in the middle of the night to ... listen to some whales!!
Keep also in mind that Ponant has an "Open bridge policy" so you can just walk in and ask your questions 😉 Except of course when docking or during crew meetings.
Must confess I haven't tried room service yet but I guess during dining hours you can order from the main dining room menu?

It is true that Ponant is slightly lower that Silversea or Seabourn and as someone mentionned, also cheaper but most important ... Ponant's vessels are still small ships which can't be said anylonger for Silversea, Seabourn! So if you yachting experience, zodiac landings and French cuisine are your type of vacation ... then don't hesitate and book  😉

Their house Champagne is Henri Abelé and on Captain's night, and other special occasions, they serve Veuve Clicquot.
Upgrade for a larger selection of wines is, I believe, 20 € per day

Indeed, it's a rather "strict" embarkation so they might take your luggage but you won't be able to board early

8 hours ago, stephen@stoneyard.co.uk said:

I was booked with a group of friends on the maiden voyage of Jacques Cartier.  Four nights Alesund to Stockholm. Ponant have cancelled the cruise. They have offered us a later cruise of four nights from Copenhagen to Reykjavík. We do not really like the new itinerary and are planing to cancel and get a refund of the money paid. 
 

The new Jacques Cartier maiden voyage is twelve night from London to Copenhagen via France. I quite like the sound of the itinerary. I would be by myself and I am not a French speaker. I am from the United Kingdom. My question is how international are Ponant.  Are daily programmes, menus and announcements made in English? 
 

I have travelled with non English cruise lines before. For example Croisiere De France, Pullmantur, MSC and Star Clippers.  Most of those accommodated English speaking guests to varying degrees. Crosiere De France was a bit difficult. I just wonder how I would get on as I am alone on Ponant as an English only speaker. 
 

Thank you, Stephen. 

Hi Stephen,

Ponant is indeed bilingual (FR/EN)  and everything is anounced in both languages. Actually in the dining room, most waiters are from Asia so actually it will be easier in EN than in FR ;-), and when it comes to food then of course it is essential that it is, remains French :-))

I am also one of the "victims" of this cancelled cruise and as I did already this year that trip to Iceland on Le Champlain, I am not going to re-book that one.  I love the new itinerary with Brittany but the date doesn't suit me, so I will look now to book next month while I am on the Dumont d'Urville with the extra discount they provided.
 

It was some kind of very last minute decision but when I saw that great deal with 0 % single supplement, on one of my favorite ships ... I simply had to book it!! :D

Glad I did, interesting itinerary, met nice people and cherry on the cake: I am now Elite Plus at the Captain's Club :cool:

Not sure the link works ... I'll try again:

https://picasaweb.google.com/Matsounet/RescueOperationUSSWASP3112006?authuser=0&feat=directlink

I was also on that TA. One of the most memorable moments of my life was to see the sailors lined up as they departed. Goose bumps moments.

I was also on that TA, my first crossing on Century and indeed ... I still get goose bumps when I look at this little video I made that morning:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iAUVytFMHGzkE5ZtfIUBSdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

I later heard, on a next Celebrity Cruise, from the Cruise Director, that both evacuated patients (while the first one was getting evacuated, another one thought: I better take this "opportunity" to leave the ship!!) recovered well.

Unfortunately during that same sailing, we lost also one passenger ... jumped :( so we ended up arriving almost half a day late in Miami.

On a "lighter" note, on the last 3 or 4 days we seemed to run out of everything: butter, milk, eggs ... indeed a memorable, unforgettable crossing!

I just got off the Century last weekend in Dubai and it is so sad to see her leaving the Celebrity float because she is simply one of the nicest ships, perfect size and one of the last ships with wooden promenade deck :cool:

I hope the Chinese will take good care of her! :)