Life aboard a cruise ship allegedly offering luxury akin to yacht charters, minus the high cost: An exploration of the reality behind the marketing
Luxury Sailing on Le Ponant: A Near-Private Yacht Experience
Embark on a unique voyage of luxury and adventure with Ponant's Le Ponant, a boutique sailing cruise ship that offers an intimate, yacht-like experience at a fraction of the cost of a private luxury yacht charter.
Le Ponant, with its 16 state rooms, boasts a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1, providing an exceptional level of service that closely resembles a private yacht. The ship underwent a complete refit in 2022, featuring brand new teak decking, a swish spa and fitness area, and newly expanded state rooms with balconies.
During the seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including tours, boat tours, swimming, and wine tastings. The ship also offers Zodiac boats, allowing passengers to bail on an activity halfway through and return to the ship at their leisure.
The culinary experience on Le Ponant is not to be missed. Aboard the ship, guests can indulge in a variety of gourmet food options, such as a leg of Ibérico ham and macaroons. On the second night of the trip, a dinner of asparagus blanquette and a rack of veal was served. Notably, a Michelin-starred chef from Limoges joined the ship during the trip to elevate the dining experience.
However, Le Ponant is not without its minor inconveniences. The ship creaks at night, which may be a minor annoyance for some guests. Additionally, some amenities, such as bathroom lights and fridges, malfunctioned during the trip.
Le Ponant docked off St Tropez during the trip, and the tour guide who showed guests around the town was wearing Versace shades and blended in seamlessly with the locals. The ship also features an inflatable pool off the back of the ship, providing a chance to cool off during the warmer days.
Imogen West-Knights, a writer and author who has written about culture and politics for various publications, recently sailed on Le Ponant. In her review, she praised the ship's sophisticated French service, multi-course meals, and curated experiences in exotic destinations.
In comparison, a private luxury yacht charter offers full exclusivity, meaning you have the entire yacht to yourself with personalized service tailored solely to your group, usually at a much higher cost. While Le Ponant offers a near-private luxury sailing cruise experience, a private yacht charter delivers full exclusivity and personalization at a premium.
| Aspect | Ponant's Le Ponant | Private Luxury Yacht Charter | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Capacity | 16 guests (shared experience) | Exclusive to chartering party (varies, often fewer) | | Crew-to-guest ratio | Approximately 1:1 (very high) | Typically high but fully dedicated to your group | | Experience | Intimate expedition cruise with others | Fully private, tailored itinerary and service | | Cost | Expensive but more affordable than charter | Significantly more expensive due to exclusivity | | Atmosphere | Close to private yacht but with some social dynamics | Total privacy and bespoke luxury | | Destinations | Exotic, remote, and varied (Antarctica, Caribbean, Mediterranean) | Customizable anywhere based on desire |
Whether you're seeking a unique, luxury sailing experience or a fully personalized private yacht charter, Le Ponant and its private yacht counterpart offer distinct advantages. For those who appreciate the charm and service of a yacht but prefer a shared experience, Le Ponant provides an excellent opportunity to explore exotic destinations in style. On the other hand, a private yacht charter delivers full exclusivity and personalization at a premium. The choice is yours.
The seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant costs from £5,490 per person. For more information, visit Ponant's official website.
- Le Ponant, with its high crew-to-guest ratio and luxury amenities, offers a fashionable travel experience that incorporates a touch of French elegance into its lifestyle, as demonstrated by the tour guide wearing Versace shades in St Tropez.
- For travel enthusiasts who are also enthusiasts of fashion and beauty, Le Ponant's luxury cruise provides more than just exotic destinations; it offers a chance to indulge in a sophisticated lifestyle reminiscent of a private yacht, all while maintaining a social, shared atmosphere during the voyage.
