Janelle Ramsay, PONANT’s National Business Development Manager QLD, recently welcomed agents and media aboard PONANT’s impressive luxury cruise and exploration vessel Le Lapérouse, which was visiting Brisbane’s new cruise terminal.

Ponant was founded in France, I believe, some 35 years ago. The company has grown to offer stunning global itineraries, including Australia, combined with luxury accommodation and, of course, incredible food, with Ramsay introducing the unique PONANT brand and its stunning fleet of small, intimate ships, some might say yachts, fitting in perfectly with the booming current trend for smaller, luxury cruise ships, visiting exciting, new destinations.

Will Smith and “Pursuit of Happiness”.

Ramsay updated the trade and media with PONANT’s new itineraries, and he shared the brand’s very significant points of difference, ethos, innovations, and achievements, with one very major one being that PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot was the first French vessel to reach the geographic north pole.

Demonstrating their commitment to the market, PONANT was very strongly represented on board, including Kristina Sambaher, Business Development Manager; Julie Rogers, Director of Sales, Asia Pacific; Charles Boutet, Marketing & Communications Director Australasia; Melanie Bernstein, Head of Guest Relations, Asia Pacific;  Ebony Manwaring, Marketing Coordinator – Media & Content and of course PONANT’s excellent Deborah Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC.

The stunning pool on board Le Lapérouse.

Ramsay also presented PONANT’s new sales strategy ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ playing a short clip of the Will Smith movie introducing the idea that dreams are limitless, tied together by noting that Will Smith himself has travelled on PONANT’s luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot to film a Disney Plus series ‘Pole to Pole’, and as Smith described, accomplishing his ‘pursuit of happiness’ in reaching the poles with National Geographic, all made possible with PONANT.

After Ramsay’s presentation, the vessel was showcased, including the open bridge policy and very stylish areas such as the blue eye lounge, staterooms and suites, the impressive owner’s suite, lounge areas, pool marina area, spa and more, before regrouping for of course a glass of French champagne and a toast. In a unique welcome, Ramsay recited a beautiful poem she had composed inspired by the vessel Le Lapérouse and the experience made possible for all guests aboard. Captain Thomas Mc Candless also made the day even more special by proposing a toast much appreciated by all guests.

Last but course not least, especially on a French ship, an impressive lunch created seamlessly by the head chef and his team offered a classic or vegetarian menu, served with a choice of red or white wine and flawless service to match, including:- green asparagus textures, Red Emperor Gravlax marinated scallops, beetroot and green apple, Surf & Turf (beef tenderloin, potato, mushroom, prawn, ceps jus), Ponant Sails (chocolate, praline), and Chocolate truffle, fancier cake….oh la la, simply delicious!

For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

Written by: John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Specialist

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