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Sydney’s cruise industry, specialist agents and media, turned out on Friday evening for a delightful and educational visit to Ponant’s elegant boutique ship Le Laperouse on Sydney Harbour. A sea full of yachts beneath an intense passing thunderstorm added to the atmosphere.

The thunderstorm caused havoc and knocked out power in parts of Sydney, but out on the harbour all was calm and spectacular. The occasional flash of lightning illuminated the city’s iconic landmarks and the Harbour Bridge light display alternated between red and purple to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Agents and media aboard the stylish Le Laperouse learned a few important facts, including:

  • On some cruises, Ponant waives the supplement for single use of a double cabin, according to availability and stateroom categories. Well worth looking out for.
  • There are no last-minute “fire sales” to boost ship occupancy. The earlier you book, the better the deal. On some lines, passengers who book early sometimes encounter other passengers aboard boasting about the cheap deal they picked up at the last minute. That doesn’t go down well, and it doesn’t happen with Ponant.
  • The small size of Ponant ships keeps itineraries flexible and innovative. Ships don’t serve up the standard itineraries that big ships are often compelled to follow – such as Sydney, Noumea, Isle of Pines, Sydney.
  • Antarctica is massive at the moment for cruising, and a significant proportion of the Ponant fleet is currently in the region. Once again, the boutique size of Ponant ships helps.

 

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Ponant is the only French-flagged ocean cruise line. Its lovely Le Laperouse has since set sail for Auckland. The Aussie contingent aboard on Friday was treated to dinner and a tour of the ship, viewing cabins to die for and the famous underwater Blue Eye lounge.

A limited-capacity yacht with just 92 staterooms and suites, Le Laperouse maintains the intimate atmosphere that’s the Ponant hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Le Laperouse features innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, spacious suites with large windows and lounge areas that open onto the outside.

Written by Peter Needham