Cruising in 5-star French Flair with Le Ponant Luxury Small Ship Cruises & Expeditions

Intimate luxury discovery cruising “a la Francaise”

Le Ponant Cruises

Le Ponant is the only French ocean cruise line. It has been delivering upmarket cruise service for over 30 years. In the past few years, they have expanded their fleet rapidly and now have an extensive fleet of small luxury cruise and expedition ships. They have probably the biggest fleet of expedition ships in the world. John Galligan Travel are proud to bring this superb cruise product to our discerning cruise clients.

Le Ponant sails to exceptional destinations while combining a refined lifestyle with a passion for discovery. It has a fleet of 12 modern, sleek motor yachts and one sail/motor vessel. All in the 5-star category, complete with understated luxury. Destinations include discovery cruises to Antarctica.

Le Ponant’s “French Touch” is simply the subtle blend of relaxed elegance and conviviality. That certain “je ne sais quoi” that passengers so appreciate, buoyed by the elegant authenticity of the trips and the personality of the ships. Destinations range from the Far East to the Mediterranean, South America, and the Arctic and Antarctic. The ships are fully ice rated and ideal for expedition cruising in style.

Many extras are included in your cruise i.e. all meals while onboard, mineral water, tea, coffee, wines served during lunch and dinner, evening entertainment and events, baggage handling from pier to ship and vice versa.

Many departures have a cruise theme. With internationally renowned artists, recognized specialists, top level sports managers, Michelin-starred chefs, every themed cruise has been conceived to help you fulfil your personal expectations. Distinguished speakers and customized programs are in place for you to share the passion and talents of highly regarded professionals. Whether you are an amateur or experienced connoisseur, you are sure to appreciate these exceptional cruises. On board and on land, they have been meticulously planned around the chosen theme, particularly with regard to the choice of golf courses, concert halls, museums, and other venues. Most cruises are conducted in French & English. Some themed cruises are in French only. 

Le Ponant Ships

The fleet of 12 vessels allows for choice. “Le Ponant” is an efficient three-masted sailing yacht with 32 staterooms. The new state of the art ships “Le Boréal”, “L’Austral”, “Le Soleal” and “Le Lyrial” have 132 staterooms and suites. They all offer chic cruising without the crowds. Experience the comfort of a private cruise onboard vessels of an intimate size, exclusive to between 64 to 226 guests. Interiors are elegant and uncluttered. Delight in the fun and casual elegance onboard without the formalities. Discover exceptional sites and come close to landscapes, inaccessible to larger ships. The French registry allows Le Ponant’s ships to visit destinations often not visited by other lines, including Cuba and Libya.

Dining

As you might expect, Le Ponant offers exquisite dining with French and international cuisine. Complimentary wines are included at lunch and dinner. The gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants. Exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu, enhanced by specialties from the various ports of call.

Staff

Crew members are all versed in elegant discretion and will see to it that you enjoy a welcome that will make your cruise a unique experience. Le Ponant offers an alternative to many other traditional cruise lines. Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. The unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

Le French Touch?

The French Touch is above all a French crew, there to welcome you and ensure your well-being during your cruise. It’s also the French art of living that travels with them, where discreet service and excellent cuisine naturally take pride of place. Each day, French chefs will introduce you to fragrant flavours, cheeses carefully selected by expert cheese affineurs, delicious specialty breads and sweet pastries. All of this is accompanied by a selection of fine wines to complement your meal, or you may choose from a superb “à la carte” list of grand cru wines and the on-board sommelier will be only too happy to advise you. The French Touch is also evident in their choice of partners, whose expertise and passion for their work matches their own quest for excellence. Interior design by Jean-Philippe NUEL, beauty treatments by Sothy’s, fabrics by Pierre FREY, travel beauty kits by L’Occitane and a range of boutiques including Lacoste and Façonnable.

To book your Ponant cruise call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie

ANTARCTICA AND OTHER EXPEDITION CRUISES

Le Ponant cruises are famous for their expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica, Siberia, North West Passage etc. Expedition cruising in style.

Call us for details. (01) 207 6555

JOHN GALLIGAN TRAVEL
offers a broader range of cruise product
than anyone else in Ireland!
Contact the Real Cruise Experts!

To book a Cruise call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie