Le Ponant will make its maiden voyage to Australia next year to operate a 2023 Kimberley season with two other Ponant ships
Le Ponant passengers will benefit from an exclusive partnership between Ponant and one of the few companies that still dive for wild pearl oysters, Paspaley Pearls, when the ship begins sailing in Kimberley next year.
The three-masted sailing yacht will venture to Australia for the first time next April.
Three ships Down Under
In 2023, the 32-passenger Le Ponant will join the line’s small expedition ships Le Laperouse and Le Soleal which are currently sailing between Broome and Darwin during what is Ponant’s first Kimberley season in two years.
New itineraries for the seven- and 14-night cruises – running until October – together with land arrangements including accommodation in Broome, will be available for booking later this month.
Scenic flights in amphibious aircraft
Family-owned Paspaley Pearls has a network of pearl farms stretching more than 2,500km across Northwest Australia. Le Ponant passengers will be given private access to the 80-year-old business’ pearl operations in Kuri Bay and will have the opportunity to take scenic flights with its fleet of vintage Grumman Mallard Flying Boats.
Paspaley boutique
Ponant’s chairman for the Asia Pacific region, Sarina Bratton, previously launched a Paspaley boutique onboard MV Orion during her time as MD of Orion Expedition Cruises.
