Sydney welcomed the arrival of one of the world’s youngest ships, PONANT’s small luxury expedition ship, Le Lapérouse, on Friday 8 February 2019. Launched in July 2018, bucking the current world-wide trend to build ever-larger ships, Le Lapérouse features just 92 staterooms and suites, yet lacks nothing in the way of luxurious appointments and facilities, including a Jules Verne-like world first, Blue Eye, an underwater observation lounge perfect for viewing and listening to surrounding marine life.

Australia’s “First Lady” of cruising, Sarina Bratton, will be the dignitary joining Ponant’s “Chairman’s Cruise” to Papua New Guinea in the first half of 2020.

PONANT is celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race next year, offering a seven-night cruise out of Sydney on Le Laperouse and providing passengers with front row seats as the competing yachts clear Sydney Heads on Boxing Day 2019.

Departing Broome, the ‘Kimberley Cruise: Australia’s Last Frontier’ itinerary sees clients discovering a vast, untouched wilderness of far-flung islands, stunning tidal waterfalls, bio-diverse coral reefs, riverine mangrove forests, historic Aboriginal sites, cavernous coastal gorges, towering mountain ranges and exotic wildlife. Wind down your expedition with a relaxing day at sea, disembarking in Darwin the following morning.

To celebrate PONANT’s 30th year of operation, the cruise line is offering a promotion to travel agents in Australia and New Zealand on new bookings made for the Kimberley in 2019 and Antarctica in 2018-2020, from now until 31 July 2018.