Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.
The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT’s emblematic yacht.
You will move away from the shores of Guadeloupe and sail under wind power towards Dominica, the wildest and most mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles. In Portsmouth, in a local boat, you will go deep into the fascinating mangals of the Indian River edged with mangrove trees and populated with green herons, moorhens, pelicans and kingfishers. On the banks, you will meet the Kalinago people, one of the indigenous Caribbean peoples. The chief will welcome you into his village, tell you about the history of his people and invite you to taste their food.
In the muted décor of Le Ponant, each moment of your cruise is steeped in the peacefulness of the Caribbean. It is now time to set sail for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Carried by the wind dancing around the ship’s rigging, you will reach this strikingly beautiful archipelago. From island to island, savour the gentleness of the Creole way of life, admire the beauty of the sunsets, and explore the waters teeming with life.
Following a port of call on Bequia, where an indigenous fisherman is trying to save Hawksbill sea turtles from extinction, you have a very good chance of finding yourself face to face with one of these creatures in the warm and crystal-clear waters of Tobago Cays and Sandy Island. Thanks to the horseshoe-shaped coral reef connecting these four uninhabited islets, the Tobago Cays archipelago constitutes a real marine wildlife reserve that you can explore while swimming, diving or snorkelling. Back on your yacht, stretched out on the deck, barefoot and facing the wind, you will see the terns and pelicans flying in the azure-blue sky.
After sailing beneath the stars, the jagged silhouette of the pitons of Saint Lucia will appear on the horizon in the early morning light. Weather permitting, you will drop anchor and make the most of the rear deck to swim in this picture-postcard setting. In the evening, you will arrive in Les Anses-d’Arlet. With its colourful houses set on the beach, the tall brick-coloured church belltower standing out against a background of green mountains, and the pontoon jutting out over the sea, it is a perfect spot for admiring the sunset.
On Marie-Galante, the final port of call of your cruise, you will enjoy practically deserted beaches and be immersed in an authentic and agricultural atmosphere focused on growing sugar cane. After this crossing in the form of an ode to freedom, you will gently return to terra firma in Pointe-à-Pitre.
- A cruise off the beaten path in the Grenadines, featuring unique aquatic encounters, wild landscapes and special moments of relaxation aboard Le Ponant.
- Meeting the Kalinagos, an indigenous Caribbean people who will share their history and culture with you.
- On land and on sea, soak in the Caribbean spirit and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
- A rich programme of included excursions.
- Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
- A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef
Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
- Exceptional moments on board and numerous water-based activities to discover the beauty of the Caribbean as if alone in the world, with all your senses heightened.
- Discover the underwater flora and fauna of the Caribbean during your choice of an included beginner’s introduction to diving or a more advanced scuba dive (Level 1 or CMAS 1-star diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Le Ponant
| Length: | 88 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/rebuilt | 1991/2020 |
| Cabins | 16 |
| Crew | 34 |
Le Ponant becomes world’s first sailing yacht to obtain Relais & Châteaux label
After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux are strengthening their ties. The three-master joins the large family of Relais & Châteaux establishments as a new member. It is the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses in the world.
In 2019 & 2020 Le Ponant underwent a huge revamp. Her capacity was reduced from 64 to just 32 passengers who will be served by a crew of 34.
Following in the nautical tradition of three-masted sailing ships, Le Ponant will take you on a voyage of discovery. The ship provides intimacy and convivial atmosphere and the refined life on board, the welcoming charm to your cabin, the lounges and the restaurants setting are invitations to relax.
Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.
In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.
Conserving the environment is one of our priorities. We have therefore chosen to invest in innovations and equipment at the cutting edge of technology, with the aim of achieving the highest standards possible in the sector. Le Ponant is the only yacht in the world with a hybrid propulsion system. This uniquely designed three-masted schooner can rely solely on its sails but also can connect to the electricity network in certain ports to limit its ecological impact.
On board, we have banned the use of plastic in straws, laundry bags, cups and individual food portion packaging. Packaging is collected from our warehouses. Unavoidable plastic waste is sorted and entrusted to resource-recovery companies, who monitor its traceability until its elimination.
Le Ponant is equipped with a complete desalination and wastewater treatment system. This biodegradation process works without the use of chemicals. It provides clean water and meets the highest quality standards.
On board, 60% of packaging is recycled, while the rate elsewhere in the world is only 20%. The rest is 100% traced. We have on-board compactors adapted to each type of waste and are working to optimise their management on land.
Under full sail, gliding over the sea with the wind, you will fall under Le Ponant's spell.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
