In a surprising turn of events, luxury cruise line PONANT has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Paspaley Pearl sailings in the Kimberley region. This decision marks the end of a promising partnership between PONANT and the renowned South Sea pearling company, Paspaley.

The End of a Promising Partnership

The Paspaley Pearl by PONANT was set to debut on January 10, 2025, offering an exclusive and intimate cruising experience with just 30 guests on board. The ship was designed to provide unparalleled access to some of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the Kimberley, Papua New Guinea, and East Indonesia. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the project has been shelved.

In a statement, Deb Corbett, PONANT’s CEO for Asia Pacific, expressed regret over the cancellation: “The PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT project is not proceeding. 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.”

Impact on Guests and Travel Partners

Guests who had booked the Paspaley Pearl sailings have been notified and will receive a full refund or a travel credit with additional savings for future PONANT cruises. PONANT has assured that all travel agent commissions, and advertising costs will be fully protected.

Paspaley Pearl expressed disappointment over the cancellation, highlighting the planned unique experiences, including exclusive access to pearl farms during harvest and seeding seasons. The boutique size of the ship was expected to unlock numerous destinations in the Kimberley that larger ships could not access.

Looking Ahead

Despite this setback, PONANT continues to innovate and develop new experiences for its guests. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences and exploring some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. With the continued operation of Le Soleal and Le Jacques Cartier, PONANT aims to maintain its presence in the Kimberley and beyond.

For those affected by the cancellation, PONANT’s customer service team is available to assist with rebooking and exploring alternative itineraries. The company looks forward to welcoming guests on board its other luxurious vessels and continuing its tradition of excellence in expedition cruising.

Stay tuned for more updates and future announcements from PONANT as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of luxury travel.