Ponant sails to Asia for the first time

Enjoy early bird discounts of up to 25 percent off all sailings

Sydney, 1 July 2010 – Premium French cruise line, Compagnie du Ponant will be sailing to Asia this year for the first time in its cruising history. Ponant's intimate three-masted ship, Le Ponant along with the majestic exploration vessel, Le Diamant will offer cruises to scenic towns and magnificent ports in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and China starting from November 2010.

  

To celebrate Ponant's first cruising season in Asia, Travel the World is offering discounts of up to 25 percent off all Asia sailings for guests who book before 31 August 2010.

Six Malaysian ports feature on Le Diamant's 9-night Diamonds of Siam and Pearls of Malacca cruise from Phuket to Singapore. Departing on 23 November 2010 and 11 March 2011, guests will visit Langkawi, Penang, Belawan, Pangkor, Port Kelang and Malacca, Malaysia. This cruise is priced from AU$3,275 per person twin share.

On 2 December 2010, Le Diamant will sail a 14-night Mekong Delta to Ha Long Bay itinerary from Singapore to Hong Kong, featuring ports such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Chang May (Hue), Halong Bay and Hai Phong, Vietnam. This cruise is priced from AU$4,707 per person twin share.

Le Diamant will also offer a 12-night Reveries on the China Sea cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore, which takes place during the festive New Year period. Departing on 28 December 2010, the itinerary highlights include Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Ko Kut or Ko Chang, Bangkok and Koh Samui, Thailand; as well as Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. This cruise is priced from AU$4,145 per person twin share.

As the largest ship in Ponant's fleet, the 8,282 tonne Le Diamant was built with exploration and comfort in mind. Offering 113 air conditioned cabins with full ocean views, Le Diamant has numerous leisure and entertainment facilities, including a panoramic observation lounge, three restaurants, a deckside pool and a lively club lounge.

In 2011, Le Ponant will offer three 8-night Thailand and Malaysia cruises sailing roundtrip from Phuket. The itinerary offers ports of call in Langkawi and Penang, Malaysia; Butang, National Park Koh Lanta, Similan Marine National Park, Phi Phi National Park and Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. With three departures available on 25 January, 2 and 10 February 2011, the cruise is priced from AU$4,581 per person twin share.

Guests will cruise in the intimate yacht-like atmosphere of Le Ponant. With just 32 cabins, Le Ponant offers two sophisticated restaurants and lounges, a sun deck and luxuriously furnished cabins. The cruise line's distinctive French touches include menus prepared by a French chef, a wide selection of wines and superior service from the ship's attentive crew.

For further information about Compagnie du Ponant or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 766 566 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au.

Note: All pricing is based on an indicative exchange rate of 0.66 and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Cruise fares include all meals, accommodation and entertainment onboard, as well as safety and port taxes.