Compagnie du Ponant orders a new cruise ship

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Published on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 09:17

Written by Teijo Niemelä

The world’s only French cruise line and “Five-star Expedition” specialist Compagnie du Ponant is to build another “latest generation” yacht (132 staterooms and suites) at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona.

Sistership to Le Boreal and L'Austral, launched in May 2010 and April 2011 respectively and complying with the “Cleanship” label, the new vessel will join the fleet in June 2013. The fleet currently comprises five yachts of character all flying the French flag: Le Ponant (32 staterooms), Le Levant (45 staterooms), Le Diamant (113 staterooms and suites), Le Boreal and L'Austral (132 staterooms and suites).

The order is another positive sign confirming the relevance of Compagnie du Ponant’s investment strategy, its exclusive positioning, development on the international scene and the strength of its presence on the French market. In 2011, Compagnie du Ponant confidently expects to exceed the 20,000 passenger a year mark, with turnover estimated at €80 million. The excellent results are mainly down to a full year of operation for Le Boreal and L'Austral.

Both cruise yachts bear all the hallmarks of Compagnie du Ponant and have won over loyal clients as well as attracting many new ones. In fact, one in two passengers in 2011 is a new customer for Compagnie du Ponant, while one in four is trying out a cruise holiday for the first time. Customer satisfaction levels (4.5/5) and the high rate of recommendation to friends and family (97% of passengers) are also recognition of the hard work put in by the company’s personnel.

"For Compagnie du Ponant this order is another step towards the future that validates an effective business model, a good and successful bet," says Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée.

It’s a business model that has also been welcomed by Compagnie du Ponant’s shareholders who have shown their confidence in the crews and land-based teams by investing in this new ship.

Having led the project to build the two previous yachts with such flair, the Fincantieri shipyard has again been entrusted with building the third sistership. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel will be responsible for the sophisticated modern interior which has contributed so much to the success of Le Boreal and L’Austral.

“In keeping with our concept of cruising, we are again favouring the intimate, friendly environment of a human-size ship, ensuring our passengers receive individual attention and a personalised “tailor-made” service in an outstanding environment,” concludes Véronique Saadé, Deputy Executive Vice-President.

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