PONANT has confirmed its project with Paspaley Group to operate the luxury motor yacht PASPALEY PEARL, is no longer proceeding, LATTE can reveal.
Slated to launch in two months, the 30-guest PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT was expected to debut in East Indonesia on 10 January 2025.
In a statement sourced by LATTE, Deb Corbett, PONANT CEO Asia Pacific, 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 two years,” Corbett said.
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“Guests holding reservations have been advised that they will receive a full refund or alternatively, guests can receive a travel credit with an additional saving to choose a cruise on PONANT’s fleet across the globe,” Corbett said.
For trade partners with clients booked on sailings in the inaugural season of PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT, commissions will be fully protected.
“PONANT continues to innovate and develop new experiences and looks forward to sharing this pioneering spirit with future travellers,” Corbett added.
The standalone website for PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT was taken offline yesterday, and now has a notification for users to contact PONANT to discuss alternate itineraries and experiences, with a redirect to au.ponant.com.
Project background
Paspaley Group acquired the vessel in mid-2023. The motor yacht was previously badged as Island Escape and operated under its namesake, Island Escape Cruises, before the New Zealand operator went bust, leaving guests stranded in the Kimberley — revealed exclusively by LATTE in early July 2022.
PONANT announced its tie-up with Paspaley Group and the operation of PASPALEY PEARL in October 2023. Along with East Indonesia, PASPALEY PEARL was planned to operate in-depth expeditions to Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley.
Paspaley Group and PONANT held bold plans for the vessel, which successfully underwent sea trials in August off the coast of Fremantle before a planned dry dock in Singapore for an interior overhaul.
The inaugural sailing in January between Dili and Bali was sold out. The vessel’s maiden Kimberley cruise, operating as PASPALEY PEARL, was slated for 24 April 2025.
In January, PONANT internally promoted Alex Stragalinos to the newly created role of Marketing and Sales Manager of Paspaley Pearl by PONANT. Stragalinos has since launched Jamberoo Cruise and Travel as owner/manager, which is aligned with Frontier Travel.
