LuxuryLive: Ponant
Le Lapérouse has been sailing the Asia-Pacific since her debut in 2019. But even a lady this elegant needs the occasional touch-up – so it was off to the shipyard in Europe. Ponant saw an opportunity and jumped on it: for three days, they invited nearly 60 travel professionals from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas – from Germany, UK, the Netherlands and Ukraine to New York, the Philippines, and beyond. Throw in 20 members of the Ponant sales crew into the mix, and voilà – an exclusive full-ship charter filled with industry chatter, global networking, and champagne vibes on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
LuxuryLive: Ponant
Le Lapérouse has been sailing the Asia-Pacific since her debut in 2019. But even a lady this elegant needs the occasional touch-up – so it was off to the shipyard in Europe. Ponant saw an opportunity and jumped on it: for three days, they invited nearly 60 travel professionals from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas – from Germany, UK, the Netherlands and Ukraine to New York, the Philippines, and beyond. Throw in 20 members of the Ponant sales crew into the mix, and voilà – an exclusive full-ship charter filled with industry chatter, global networking, and champagne vibes on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Le Lapérouse awaits in Nice’s marina — poised and ready for her travel pro takeover.
A warm welcome from the charming crew – step aboard!
Before Le Lapérouse even casts off, it’s life jackets over lounge drinks – safety drill comes first!
Bienvenue on board! When international pros step aboard, Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel is all smiles with a warm “Salut!”
Captain Maxime Benoit, the master of Le Lapérouse, welcomes his guests with signature French hospitality.
Now it’s “Très chic à la Ponant” – with live music for the ears …
... a dazzling show for the eyes ...
... and champagne to fill in the rest. That’s how to do savoir-vivre – the Ponant way.
The two show-off dolphins? Right on cue – but sadly way too quick for the camera shutter!
The elegant gourmet restaurant Le Nautilus is already dressed for the occasion – with national flags on the tables, ready to welcome the guests.
Mais oui! French culinary finesse, served with ease – even on the open ocean.
When it comes to breakfast, the German-speaking markets know how it’s done: al fresco, with Corsican charm and the warm scent of croissants in the morning air.
“This is my second trip with Ponant, and I’m here to really get to know the product and connect with the amazing Ponant team. I truly wanted to be here – so much so that I was just on a business trip with clients in Monaco and Nice, flew home with them to Bangkok, and came right back two days later. That’s how much I value this experience! It’s not every day you get to be part of such a unique, mixed-format trip – a fantastic opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and see the product from the inside out. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!“
Mingh Hongsuchon, Managing Director · World Travel Designer Bangkok
Napoleon gets company – Stefanie Vollmuth (Director German-speaking markets at Ponant) meets Corsica’s top celebrity.
Corsica’s Tourism Board rolls out the red carpet in Ajaccio – with an exclusive private concert for VIP guests.
And 80 travel pros pause to take in the soulful sounds of Corsican folk music in the intimate St. Erasmus Chapel.
A short stroll from the chapel leads to the Citadel of Ajaccio – where smiling clearly isn’t part of the guards' job description.
Even more smiles all around as the pros sip and swirl their way through the wine tasting in Ajaccio’s citadel.
All hands (and heels) on deck – but first a picture-perfect moment with the elegant lady!
One last bite before getting to work – it’s not called "Seminar at Sea" just for fun.
The brand update said it all – Ponant’s growth shows no signs of slowing. Even the global sales team didn’t see this coming: two sleek new catamarans are on the way, one of them headed for the Med.
Meanwhile, big smiles from Daniela Laufer (First Reisebüro Schmidt, Wolfenbüttel, Germany) as she tours the ship with Captain Maxime.
On Ponant’s Explorer-class yachts, one spot clearly steals the show: the underwater lounge Blue Eye.
“I’m really happy and impressed overall, but I would’ve loved the chance to experience some of the other ships as well. This particular vessel definitely leans heavily into the expedition style – which feels a bit out of place for Europe and the Mediterranean. I’m sure they’ll adapt the concept, but I’d be curious to see if the service level is just as exceptional across the rest of the fleet. While other brands use their expedition ships more as functional tools, this one offers a whole different level – it’s not just pure adventure, it’s expedition meets subtle luxury. That blend really sets it apart.“
Zekeriya Şen, Partner & Managing Director · Fest Travel Istanbul
Sundowner with a Corsican twist, anyone?
Photo session? Yes. Letting go of the spritz? Absolutely not.
Day three calls for a tender ride into today’s port of call: Menton, a true gem of the French Riviera.
When the guide looks like Bob Marley on an Alpine trek (not pictured: his mountain boots – and the agents in flip-flops).
Known as the most Italian city in France, Menton also holds a zesty claim to fame: it’s called the "City of Lemons".
A touch of citrus, a dose of sunshine, smiles all around – and Menton as the picture-perfect backdrop for an impromptu photo shoot.
"I would like to thank Ponant for the invitation to this wonderful cruise! We were warmly welcomed when we embarked the beautiful Le Lapérouse. Everyone – from the staff to the crew – was genuinely friendly, and we felt pampered from the very first minute. I love the elegant design of the ship; it feels very homely and truly captures that exclusive yachting atmosphere. And we also thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food."
Natasja Brugmann, Cruise Specialist · Zeetours Cruises Rotterdam
Back on board, Manish Sonar (on the far right), Ponant’s Business Development Manager India & SE Asia, and his globe-trotting guests have to face it: it’s already gala farewell night.
One last moment of applause: the full crew gathers on deck to say their goodbyes.
Some are soaking up the last evening outdoors, with a warm breeze and the Côte d’Azur as the perfect backdrop …
... others are toasting the grand finale in style at the beautifully set gourmet restaurant.
A stylish farewell calls for one last spin on the dance floor.
Memories made, gifts packed – time to say au revoir …
... to Le Lapérouse, her stellar crew, and the dream team on land.
A fond farewell to the Côte d’Azur and the bubbly spirit on board. Merci & adieu, Ponant!