Ponant has announced an increased commitment in the 2021 Kimberley season, to meet the growing interest in and demand for its Kimberley expeditions.
This means more choice of travel dates and an expanded range of itineraries… It’s time to get your clients excited!
Think vibrant colours, crystal clear waters, an epic sense of freedom and a luxury cruising experience.AH-MAZING!
Commencing at the conclusion of the ‘Big Wet’, when the Kimberley waterfalls are at their most spectacular, through to whale watching in August and September, Ponant have 12 voyages scheduled: nine 10 night expeditions, plus an additional three 12 and 13 night expeditions held in conjunction with National Geographic, featuring exciting new itineraries
2021 will also see the arrival of the second of Ponant’s new fleet of eco-responsible Explorer ships in Australian waters, Le Bellot, launched earlier this year. Identical to Le Lapérouse, the deployment of Le Bellot in addition to Le Lapérouse further confirms PONANT’s long term commitment to luxury and expedition cruising in this part of the world.
“These are the most modern and ecologically responsible ships in the region, intimately sized, with just 92 suites and staterooms, their construction, shallow draught and maneuverability, ideally suited for exploring one of the most spectacular coastal regions in the world”.
Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific.
Cruising the Kimberley with Ponant
With over 1,200km of coastline and more than 2,500 islands, the Kimberley coast is best discovered aboard one of PONANT’s small luxury expedition cruise ships, Le Bellot or Lapérouse.
Modern in design and construction, Le Bellot (launched 2019) and Le Lapérouse (2018) feature the very latest in maritime technology, including 3D sonar for seabed vision, a dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor in sensitive marine environments, and electric propulsion for reduced emissions. Perfect for exploring this region, much still poorly charted, with its dramatic tidal changes.
Both perfect eco-responsible floating base camps, PONANT’s latest small and nimble ships take your clients to the best of what the Kimberley coast has to offer, including King George Falls, the Lacepede Islands, the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef and Mitchell Falls.
“Once again we feature a top-tier expedition team assembled by experienced adventurer and award-winning wildlife photographer Mick Fogg. A 20 year veteran of well over 300 expeditions, Mick ranks the Kimberley in his top three remote area destinations”
Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific.
Clients will enjoy French luxury and ambiance and experience the difference small ship cruising with PONANT offers. They can cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy spa therapy to ease tired muscles or simply as a pampering indulgence. An inclusive Open Bar provides guests with the chance to relax with a beer, wines, champagne or, perhaps, a cocktail. Later, the choice of fine cuisine, the flavours complimented with world-class wines.
Kimberley Highlights
- These Ponant voyages coincide with prime time for observing the largest population of migrating Humpback whales in the world – estimated to be 40,000 individuals or more.
- You clients can immerse themselves in spectacular encounters while exploring one of the remotest regions on earth: simply stunning in size, breathtaking in colour, home to saltwater crocodiles and extraordinary in its wealth of indigenous Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art.
- Clients can experience the exclusive world-first Blue Eye underwater lounge, a cocoon of surrounding maritime sights and sounds, available onboard Le Bellot and Le Lapérouse.
- Ponant customers can join the expedition team members for walks to the top of King George Falls and to view rare Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art.
Find out more…
Click here for more details of PONANT’s Kimberley 2021 luxury expeditions including itineraries, pricing, and shore excursions.