PONANT has stepped away from its Top End cruise partnership with Paspaley Pearl, cancelling its program into the Kimberley, PNG and East Indonesia after the deal collapsed.
The website is down, taken offline yesterday, and has been replaced with a statement that reads; “The PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT project is not proceeding. To discuss alternate PONANT itineraries and experiences please call 1300 737 178 to speak to one of our cruise consultants or visit au.ponant.com.”
The 30-guest PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT was expected to debut on 10 January 2025. Apart from accommodation, it also included two restaurants and three bars onboard.
In a statement PONANT CEO Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett, said: “The PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT project is not proceeding.”
“PONANT regrets to inform its valued customers and travel partners that the proposed cruise program to operate on PASPALEY PEARL is not proceeding with Ponant as the cruise operator.
“However, PONANT remains dedicated to exploring the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, Papua New Guinea and East Indonesia, with over 40 explorations on PONANT’s Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier over the next 2 years.
“Guests holding reservations have been advised that they will receive a full refund or alternatively, guests can receive a travel credit with an additional saving to choose a cruise on PONANT’s fleet across the globe, which is combinable with the PONANT Bonus Savings and PONANT Yacht Club benefits for members of the club.
“Trade partners have been advised that their commission will be fully protected. PONANT continues to innovate and develop new experiences and looks forward to sharing this pioneering spirit with future travellers.
Corbett confirmed the news had already been shared with affected travel agent partners, with all passengers and agents protected plus all costs covered, including agent commissions and advertising costs.
Paspaley Pearl was “very disappointed” to learn that the upcoming voyages on the Paspaley Pearl, operated by Ponant have been cancelled.
Affected passengers have until 31 December 2025 to change their arrangements and can be accommodated on Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier.
Travel Weekly recently profiled First Lady of Cruise in Australia, Sarina Bratton, who was chair of the collaboration between the Paspaley pearling industry family and the luxury, family-owned cruise line Ponant.
Bratton also holds the role of global strategic advisor to the CEO and the board of management and honorary chair for Ponant in Asia Pacific. Plus she has a separate contract with Paspaley Pearl by Ponant as chair of the board, plus executive advisor to the startup. It is not known what the future holds for either the ship or Bratton.
PROFILE: First Lady of Australian cruise Sarina Bratton talks inaugural Paspaley Pearl by Ponant
