Updated: 6 Nov 24
Industry insiders are speculating about the future of the 56m, 32-passenger boutique vessel, which was to be managed by Ponant and championed by industry identity Sarina Bratton. Bratton was contacted for comment, but declined.
According to reports received by Expedition Cruising, Ponant sales reps contacted trade partners to advise that Ponant would no longer be marketing the vessel. Competing operators have also emailed their respective databases offering places to passengers displaced by the cancellations.
In a statement sent to ExpeditionCruising, Ponant Asia-Pacific CEO Deb Corbett said:"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 15% 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. Guests have until 31 December 2025 to book an alternative cruise for travel at any time. 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”.
Launched by now-defunct operator, Island Escape Cruises, the vessel was arrested in 2022 and later sold at auction. The Pearling dynasty, Paspaley, purchased the vessel for a reported A$5.5 million.
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