Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts

Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts to showcase the brand in preparation for the ship’s inaugural 10-night expedition from 10 January 2025.

    The Paspaley Pearl by Ponant brand will be led general manager sales & marketing Asia Pacific by Deb Corbett who will be supported by Alex Stragalinos, who has been with Ponant for five years.

    Wendy Macfarlane, Deb Corbett and Alex Stragalinos make up the new Ponant team.

    Alex, who is nearing the completion of a master’s degree in digital marketing, brings a decade of diverse experience in retail, reservations, sales and marketing to the newly created role of marketing and sales manager, Paspaley Pearl by Ponant,

    Alex will be joined by Wendy Macfarlane, a seasoned travel advisor who brings more than 30 years of experience to another newly created role, that of yacht concierge.

    Leveraging her extensive knowledge and industry understanding, Macfarlane will promote the new bespoke product, offering travellers unique and authentic expedition experiences.

    Jamie Van Jones brings a wealth of knowledge as an environmental educator, sustainability advocate, expedition leader and tour guide. She will join the team as expedition sales executive. Jamie has been recognised as the Top Tour Guide of Australia, underscoring her commitment to integrating sustainability and eco-tourism principles throughout her role.

    “After months of development work, our new team is in place to support our valued trade partners in offering this incredible 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht to their clients,” says Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific. “It’s an exciting chapter of growth as we continue to lead the way in innovation.

    “I look forward to working with Alex and the team as we blend the legacies of two globally renowned names, Paspaley and Ponant.”

    “We will be searching for another yacht concierge to join Wendy on 1 July 2024, followed by the creation of an operations role to be announced in September this year,” Corbett added.

    “Expanding the teams across the business and creating new divisions shows the commitment that Ponant has to our industry. This phase is incredibly exciting. We can’t wait to showcase Paspaley Pearl’s extensive multi-million-dollar renovation before she sets sail year-round to some of the world’s most exceptional destinations.”

    With industry benchmarked technology for navigation, safety and environmentally sensitive operations, Paspaley Pearl emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies. Her diverse itineraries led by industry experts across the Asia Pacific region set a new standard for boutique expedition travel.

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