Life Aboard a Budget-Friendly Luxury Yacht-Style Cruise: An Insight into the Real Experience
Embark on a unique and unforgettable journey with Ponant's Le Ponant, a luxury sailing cruise ship that offers an intimate, yacht-style ambiance while providing the comfort and amenities of a small cruise ship. This vessel, with its 16 state rooms, presents a refreshing alternative to the large, vibrant atmosphere of traditional cruise ships.
Le Ponant, a member of Relais & Chateaux, boasts a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1, ensuring personalized service throughout your journey. The ship's recent refit in 2022 has resulted in brand new teak decking, a swish spa and fitness area, and newly expanded state rooms with balconies.
During your cruise, you can expect high-quality food and wine, prepared by a Michelin-starred chef from Limoges who joined the ship during the voyage. The menu may include delicacies such as asparagus blanquette and a rack of veal, ensuring a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
Le Ponant offers a variety of activities, but there is no pressure to participate in all of them. You can choose to explore at your own pace, with the flexibility to bail on an activity halfway through and return to the ship using one of the Zodiac boats available.
One of the highlights of the cruise is the opportunity to dock off St Tropez, where a tour guide, blending in with the locals and wearing Versace shades, will show you around this iconic French destination. Le Ponant also offers tours and excursions, such as a tour of Cassis and a boat tour of the Calanques, providing you with a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape.
While Le Ponant offers a luxurious experience, some imperfections might grate with some guests, including creaking at night, non-functioning bathroom light and fridge, and a shower making a strange noise. However, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall experience the ship provides.
Comparing Le Ponant to a private luxury yacht charter experience, the former offers exclusivity with the luxury of a fully staffed cruise ship. You get the entire ship reserved for your group, meaning total privacy, personalized service, and the ability to tailor your itinerary, onboard activities, and dining to your preferences. It offers a floating sanctuary with exquisite service, all-inclusive amenities, and access to less-traveled, exclusive destinations.
In contrast, a private luxury yacht charter tends to be even more exclusive and flexible, usually involving fewer guests than a chartered luxury cruise ship. It is more akin to owning a floating villa — smaller group size, ultra-personalized service, custom dining, and the ability to explore hidden coves and anchor where you desire with great freedom. However, Ponant’s private charters blend these aspects with the security, scale, and amenities of an all-inclusive luxury vessel.
In summary, Le Ponant offers a bridge between traditional cruising and private yacht chartering, combining the intimacy and exclusivity of a yacht with the luxury and comfort of a small cruise ship, especially when chartered privately. The seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant costs from £5,490 per person, making it an investment in an unforgettable, luxurious sailing experience.
[1] Traditional Cruise Ship Information sourced from Celebrity Cruises official website: https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-ships [2] Comparison between Le Ponant and Private Luxury Yacht Charter sourced from Luxury Travel Advisor: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/articles/2020/03/ponant-ponant-yacht-charter-luxury-cruising-comparison [4] Comparison between Le Ponant and Traditional Cruise Ship sourced from Cruise Critic: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/ponant-vs-traditional-cruises/
Le Ponant, a luxury sailing cruise ship, not only offers an intimate yacht-style lifestyle but also integrates elements of home-and-garden and travel. With its personalized service, refreshing alternative to traditional cruise ships, and variety of activities, it provides guests with a unique home-away-from-home experience as they voyage through different destinations. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in their newly expanded state rooms, enjoying the comforts of a small cruise ship and the serene beauty of the sea.
