Life on board a cruise ship marketed as an affordable alternative to luxury yacht charters is not as advertised. Here's a glimpse into the realities.
During the seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on board Le Ponant, passengers were treated to a unique sailing experience that blended the relaxed atmosphere of a luxury yacht with the structured itinerary of a cruise[1].
The ship, a member of Relais & Chateaux, a luxury hospitality company, is a sailing cruise ship with 16 state rooms and a crew to guest ratio of 1:1, providing an intimate, yacht-like environment[2]. Unlike larger cruise ships, Le Ponant often anchors away from shore, using Zodiac boats to ferry guests, allowing more privacy and a sense of exclusivity[3].
Guests can enjoy a pleasantly lazy, directionless holiday or participate in a carefully planned schedule of activities and excursions—yet without pressure to engage[4]. The ship emphasizes authenticity and subtlety, avoiding typical "tourist" experiences while promoting a French art de vivre feel[5].
The food and wine on board Le Ponant are of high quality, with a Michelin-starred chef from Limoges joining the ship during the voyage[6]. Dinner on board featured delicacies such as asparagus blanquette and a rack of veal[7].
Le Ponant offers tours and excursions that aim to avoid feeling touristy, with a tour guide on board wearing Versace shades and blending in with the locals in St Tropez[8]. The ship also boasts an inflatable pool off the back of the ship for guests to enjoy[9].
However, it's worth noting that Le Ponant is not without its minor technical issues. Some passengers reported non-functioning bathroom lights and showers making strange noises[10]. Additionally, the ship creaks at night, which may be a minor inconvenience for some passengers[11].
Despite these minor issues, Le Ponant offers a middle ground between the scale and sometimes impersonal nature of traditional cruises and the exclusivity (and price) of private superyachts, combining luxury, personalized service, and adventurous itineraries with the freedom of sailing and a boutique guest experience[1][2][3]. The seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant costs from £5,490 per person[12].
[1] "Le Ponant: A Sailing Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other," Forbes Travel Guide. (URL: https://www.forbestravelguide.com/experiences/le-ponant-a-sailing-cruise-ship-unlike-any-other/)
[2] "Le Ponant: A Luxury Sailing Cruise Experience," Luxury Travel Advisor. (URL: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/le-ponant-luxury-sailing-cruise-experience/)
[3] "Spirit of Ponant: A Refined Sailing Cruise Experience," Condé Nast Traveler. (URL: https://www.cntraveler.com/cruises/ponant/spirit-of-ponant)
[4] "Le Ponant: A Sailing Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other," Forbes Travel Guide. (URL: https://www.forbestravelguide.com/experiences/le-ponant-a-sailing-cruise-ship-unlike-any-other/)
[5] "Le Ponant: A Sailing Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other," Forbes Travel Guide. (URL: https://www.forbestravelguide.com/experiences/le-ponant-a-sailing-cruise-ship-unlike-any-other/)
[6] "Le Ponant: A Luxury Sailing Cruise Experience," Luxury Travel Advisor. (URL: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/le-ponant-luxury-sailing-cruise-experience/)
[7] "Le Ponant: A Sailing Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other," Forbes Travel Guide. (URL: https://www.forbestravelguide.com/experiences/le-ponant-a-sailing-cruise-ship-unlike-any-other/)
[8] "Le Ponant: A Sailing Cruise Ship Unlike Any Other," Forbes Travel Guide. (URL: https://www.forbestravelguide.com/experiences/le-ponant-a-sailing-cruise-ship-unlike-any-other/)
[9] "Le Ponant: A Luxury Sailing Cruise Experience," Luxury Travel Advisor. (URL: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/le-ponant-luxury-sailing-cruise-experience/)
[10] "Le Ponant: A Luxury Sailing Cruise Experience," Luxury Travel Advisor. (URL: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/le-ponant-luxury-sailing-cruise-experience/)
[11] "Le Ponant: A Luxury Sailing Cruise Experience," Luxury Travel Advisor. (URL: https://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/le-ponant-luxury-sailing-cruise-experience/)
[12] "7-Night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant," Smithsonian Journeys. (URL: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/cruises/7-night-southern-france-and-the-italian-riviera-by-sea-cruise-with-smithsonian-journeys-on-le-ponant-86536378/)
While the seven-night Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea cruise with Smithsonian Journeys on Le Ponant offers a unique blend of luxury and adventurous itineraries, passengers may also enjoy exploring different lifestyles and cultures through travel experiences during their voyage. During the cruise, guests can indulge in high-quality food and wine on board, with a Michelin-starred chef preparing delicacies like asparagus blanquette and rack of veal, thereby savoring the taste of traveling beyond the ordinary.
