My experience on Le Ponant

[keltic]

My first plan was going to Avignon but again general strike by train. So the alternative plan was Martigues. The Venice of Provence. Buses run normally. Walking to la Canabiere, metro to San Charles Station and bus 34 (about 7 euros). In 45 minutes we got there.

 

 

 

[keltic]

I didn't expect Martigues to be that pintoresque and scenic. No tourists, warm spring time, and nice exploration

 

 

 

 

[keltic]

And a nice outdoors restaurant. Menu du jour: moules (mussels) with wine sauce, soup provenzale, ile flotants overlooking a canal. Not too expensive: about 15 euros. The baguette was really delicious.

 

 

 

 

And more sights visits at Martigues after lunch

 

[keltic]

I came back at 14:00 plenty of free time as the ship sailed at 23:00. I walk down from the station to buy the most typical souvenir in Marseille. Artisan soap at Savonnerie de Marseille at la Canabiere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Provence produces lovely ingredients to make one of the best soaps in the world. Lavander, olive oil, herbs, oranges....it should contain 72% of natural oils.

[keltic]

And a must. Just to rest after the walk. At the old port I suggest a Pastis at Samaritaine Café. One highland in Marseille. Pastis is a kind of local anisette licor served with ice or/and water. Similar to Ouzo in Greece.

 

 

 

I went back walking along the old town. Le Panier. Once a slum it's now a boheme quartier full of charm and next to the port

 

[keltic]

As I have knee problems I stayed on board and had a siesta before dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner was not particularly good tonight either. Just fine but not inspiring.

[keltic]

The main lounge was still empty but before going to sleep I stayed there for a while. Passengers started coming. Then everything became lively. There's something going on. Piano melodies, singing, karaoke, disco.....

 

 

 

 

We set sail to the pristine Porquerolles Island. Despite being close there was an inconvenient tilting which kept me awoken. So I got up and at 2:00 I decided to go for a walk and visit the bridge. After a while with the crew (open doors policy) I stayed bewildered on deck. There was a great full moon and light reflection on the sea.

 

 

Sorry the pic is not good.

[keltic]

Porquerolles it's a nature wonder. Almost deserted. Just with over 300 inhabitants almost in a tiny town around the port. Then greneries, forests, empty beaches. Only accesible by boat. And small yachts. We knew the sea was choppy.

 

He tendered and went using Le Ponant rafts. The guys at the crew made a great job by avoiding the waves. We got wet but the wild ride was just fan.

 

We hired bikes got lost in forests, went up the castle and the entrainment team tought us how to play petanque at the town. A local apetizer was served.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[keltic]

Last cocktail party and gala dinner

 

 

 

[keltic]

Food was excellent on the last night of our cruise. The dessert (double choc with caramel fudge) was incredible

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 21, 2016 by keltic

[keltic]

Disembark was smooth as silk. My main complain was not having food room service throughout the cruise and that breakfast in the cabin at disembarkation day was not available. Being almost at the high end of the cruising market, and being such a limited number of passengers it's not that difficult. Breakfast in the cabin was good and should be served on the last day.

 

Edited May 21, 2016 by keltic

[keltic]

Again strike at France so I had to hire a private transfer to the airport provided by the company.

 

Meanwhile a nice walk along one of the most beautiful city in the cote azur. Nice

 

 

 

 

And fly back home

 

 

 

Edited May 21, 2016 by keltic

[keltic]

Bye bye dear Le Ponant

 

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed my humble review. In case you have any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask

[brazilgirl]

You have sold me on Ponant! Looks lovely and the ports look wonderful.

 

Have you been on other Ponant yachts? How did the compare? Which was your favorite and why?

[keltic]

I have been on Le Boreal (three times) Le Austral and formely on Le Levant and Le Diamant. Ships are more upscaled, elegant and food much better. But in general terms Le Ponant is the nutshell of the company and more familiar than the bigger brothers.

[keltic]

Le Boreal is my favourite. Despite being virtual identical it was the first of the more modern ships and simply a question of colour combinations.

[Damaris1900]

Keltic, thank you so much for taking the time to write this trip report and for posting all the wonderful photos. I know how much time an endeavor like this takes, and it is much appreciated. It's especially nice since we don't hear much on CC about Le Ponant.

 

You mentioned that the food was a bit of a disappointment compared to the food on Le Boreal or L'Austral. In the photos the food looked appealing; what was it that you found to be below the usual Ponant standards?

[keltic]

It's not bad, it's even good but not good enough. Partly because food on Le Boreal Class is almost divine. The level is very very high and I expected to be almost the same.

 

Le Ponant kitchens are small, and knew food wasn't going to be that perfect. Infraestructure. So ingredients were fresh, tasted good but not enough for a ship which costs about 300-400 euros a day.

 

So definitely standards are lower. The product is not the same. The value on Le Ponant is being able to sail in an almost private yacht. But Le Boreal Class are more refined especially as far as food is concerned.

 

So food on the main restaurant needed a bit of flavour and character sometimes. Perfectly cooked but uninspiring.

 

But desserts were second to none. It's a disappointing food?

No it's not. But being Ponant standards. They need to be adjusted a little bit.

Edited May 22, 2016 by keltic

[brazilgirl]

Thank you for your answer and comments. Very helpful.

[Joc123]

Thank you for the review. We have taken the plunge and booked L'Austral August 2017 Darwin - Broome. It is a new itinerary for Ponant and from all accounts very heavily booked already.

[keltic]

I am sure you will love it. I did Croatia with her and enjoy every single minute.

 

Enviado desde mi GT-N8000 mediante Tapatalk

[keltic]

I suggest you having a look to my video on Le Austral.

 

 

Enviado desde mi GT-N8000 mediante Tapatalk

[Joc123]

Thank you for your video - she looks a lovely ship. I think we will love our trip on her.

[Damaris1900]

It's not bad, it's even good but not good enough. Partly because food on Le Boreal Class is almost divine. The level is very very high and I expected to be almost the same.

 

Le Ponant kitchens are small, and knew food wasn't going to be that perfect. Infraestructure. So ingredients were fresh, tasted good but not enough for a ship which costs about 300-400 euros a day.

 

So definitely standards are lower. The product is not the same. The value on Le Ponant is being able to sail in an almost private yacht. But Le Boreal Class are more refined especially as far as food is concerned.

 

So food on the main restaurant needed a bit of flavour and character sometimes. Perfectly cooked but uninspiring.

 

But desserts were second to none. It's a disappointing food?

No it's not. But being Ponant standards. They need to be adjusted a little bit.

 

Thank you for such detailed feedback, that was very helpful.

 

This is a wonderful trip report, thanks for taking the time to write in so much detail. I'm looking forward to our time on L'Austral in 2017.

[keltic]

Thanks everbody