editor@cruisecritic Posted December 5, 2013 #1 Share Posted December 5, 2013 Well, we are -- so hope you are too! We're heading out on a Singapore to Bali cruise on Ponant's new Le Soleal next week, and happy to answer any questions you might have.... The Marseilles, France-based cruise line offers a French atmosphere onboard -- and this was interesting to us -- but we're told the line attracts quite a large English speaking passenger base. We'll see :) Do you have any questions we can answer about the line? Note, too, that you can book it via travel agents and also via the Connecticut-based Tauck, which you might be aware of (this American tour operator is well known for well-heeled travel, especially on Europe's rivers). We'll be reporting from our cruise in the next two weeks, depending of course on Internet connectivity. So please drop a note here if you have questions. Thanks. Carolyn Spencer Brown Editor in Chief Cruise Critic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted December 5, 2013 #2 Share Posted December 5, 2013 I wasn't curious but now I am:-) Which ship will you be sailing on. Also, which category cabin. Some of the ships have extremely small cabins (especially on Le Ponant) - not sure how that would work for luxury cruisers. The top two category suites look lovely. Anxious to learn about the service and food. Bon Voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 5, 2013 #3 Share Posted December 5, 2013 I would love to hear some feedback from people who have sailed. I love small ships and these could beef interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 6, 2013 Author #4 Share Posted December 6, 2013 Hi, Travelcat2. It's a standard balcony cabin, I think (cruise docs are tucked away) and I was a bit surprised at the miserly square footage for a luxury ship. But let's wait and see :) This ship is bigger than the original. I'll post here, Internet willing, about impressions and such and will also have a running gig on our Facebook page (facebook.com/cruisecritic.com). Carolyn I wasn't curious but now I am:-) Which ship will you be sailing on. Also, which category cabin. Some of the ships have extremely small cabins (especially on Le Ponant) - not sure how that would work for luxury cruisers. The top two category suites look lovely. Anxious to learn about the service and food. Bon Voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 6, 2013 #5 Share Posted December 6, 2013 Some people have never heard of this line so may not be aware of their ships Looking at the size of the ship it seems they are about 11000 GRT ..so how big can the cabins be :rolleyes: Smallest cabin is 200 sq ft with a 43 Sq ft balcony Owner suites are 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft balcony there is limited space when they have 132 cabins on a small ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 6, 2013 #6 Share Posted December 6, 2013 The small Seabourn ships are only 10000 tons and the cabins are 277 sq. ft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 6, 2013 #7 Share Posted December 6, 2013 The small Seabourn ships are only 10000 tons and the cabins are 277 sq. ft. Less cabins also Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducklite Posted December 6, 2013 #8 Share Posted December 6, 2013 The small Seabourn ships are only 10000 tons and the cabins are 277 sq. ft. And twice the cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducklite Posted December 6, 2013 #9 Share Posted December 6, 2013 The L'Astral was docked next to us several times during our two weeks on the Wind Surf in 2012. She's a beautiful ship. The Wind Surf is a very different looking ship--equally beautiful--and it was stunning seeing them contrast in each port. We became very curious about the Compagnie du Ponant ships after that, and have been taking a serious look at their expedition cruises to Antartica. I'm interested in their spa facilities, how do they compare to those on other ships? I'm also interested in their food--particularly how adept they are at working with special diets and food allergies. My last question is regarding their stabilization--how do they compare to other large and small ships? Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tv24 Posted December 9, 2013 #10 Share Posted December 9, 2013 Wow! This is really interesting! My hubby and I are French-speaking and have sought our other Francophones on cruises with only sketchy success. We spend as much time as possible in Paris; are taking the QMII to and from Europe in May/June 2014 to spend about a month in Paris. So the concept of a French-based luxury line is a dream. I will watch with great interest for your comments, reviews, etc. Who are your fellow passengers? Food? French food? Wine? Gym or workout room? Space and style of cabin? Languages on board? Are the prices astronomical? I think I need to do some internet exploring!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducklite Posted December 9, 2013 #11 Share Posted December 9, 2013 I've looked at several cruises on this line and feel the prices are a good value, definitely not astronomical. Autocorrect responsible for most typos... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 9, 2013 Author #12 Share Posted December 9, 2013 I hear what you're saying, LHT28, but Ponant is pitting itself against lines like Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal, so the size of the cabin may well matter. I don't know. Haven't boarded yet. It may be that the itineraries are so unique that cabins don't matter (that's very true with most expedition ships, and we consider these experiences luxury as well). In terms of more traditional luxury cruising, the size of the cabin does matter but more important, at least IMHO, is quality of service, both onboard and in port. So we'll see. We embark tomorrow. Carolyn Some people have never heard of this line so may not be aware of their ships Looking at the size of the ship it seems they are about 11000 GRT ..so how big can the cabins be :rolleyes: Smallest cabin is 200 sq ft with a 43 Sq ft balcony Owner suites are 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft balcony there is limited space when they have 132 cabins on a small ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 9, 2013 Author #13 Share Posted December 9, 2013 Ducklite, thanks for the insights -- I'll let you know. Carolyn The L'Astral was docked next to us several times during our two weeks on the Wind Surf in 2012. She's a beautiful ship. The Wind Surf is a very different looking ship--equally beautiful--and it was stunning seeing them contrast in each port. We became very curious about the Compagnie du Ponant ships after that, and have been taking a serious look at their expedition cruises to Antartica. I'm interested in their spa facilities, how do they compare to those on other ships? I'm also interested in their food--particularly how adept they are at working with special diets and food allergies. My last question is regarding their stabilization--how do they compare to other large and small ships? Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 9, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted December 9, 2013 Fabulous! Have you ever considered doing a barge cruise in France? We did one on French Country Waterways (Loire Valley) and it was awesome, so intimate. Carolyn Wow! This is really interesting! My hubby and I are French-speaking and have sought our other Francophones on cruises with only sketchy success. We spend as much time as possible in Paris; are taking the QMII to and from Europe in May/June 2014 to spend about a month in Paris. So the concept of a French-based luxury line is a dream. I will watch with great interest for your comments, reviews, etc. Who are your fellow passengers? Food? French food? Wine? Gym or workout room? Space and style of cabin? Languages on board? Are the prices astronomical? I think I need to do some internet exploring!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexandra cruiser Posted December 9, 2013 #15 Share Posted December 9, 2013 and found it TOO SMALL for us. Not enough variety in dining,lounging,entertainment,etc. So this one would most likely be the same. Like the 400 to 700 passenger size the best.Like Regent,Seabourne,Oceania.;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 9, 2013 #16 Share Posted December 9, 2013 We embark tomorrow. Carolyn Enjoy Looking forward to your report Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 9, 2013 #17 Share Posted December 9, 2013 As am I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tv24 Posted December 10, 2013 #18 Share Posted December 10, 2013 A barge cruise in France would not be out of the question. But up until now, we have preferred to wander in a rented car, staying in quaint hotels and inns. Have seen the entire country that way and will hurry back in a minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 12, 2013 Author #19 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Now on day two of our Singapore to Bali cruise on Ponant’s Le Soleal, there are a few quick impressions to share with you: *The ship, which carries only 264 passengers, is beautiful, simple, elegant and, best of all – feels like a ship. It’s brand spanking new but somehow manages to evoke a sort of 1940s glamour. It’s pretty. *Le Soleal is a hybrid: Part very comfortable cruise ship part expedition vessel. Obviously, measuring only 11,000 tons, Le Boreal can get into a lot of places where larger ships, even larger luxury ships, can’t go. It’s got a fleet of zodiacs on the upper deck which are lowered to take us to even more remote locales. So for instance, today’s a “sea” day with the highlight being, at least I assumed, a sailing past the volcanic island of Krakatoa. Indeed, we did sail around it and the captain put down the anchor for photo opportunities, but the crew went beyond that. Just as someone said “tea time!” we noticed the zodiacs were being lowered, we were encouraged to don hiking shoes and wear bathing suits, and then were taken to the island, where most of us climbed up the famed volcanic island (it last erupted seven months ago!), finishing the impromptu excursion with a swim in the Pacific. Nice. Memorable. A huge wow. But the ship also has most of the usual cruise amenities we’ve all come to expect – spa, gym, several lounges and eateries, Internet terminals (and stem-to-stern WiFi that works pretty well), observation platforms, a pool off the aft. The only things it doesn’t have: a casino and, at the moment, access to any television stations at all (no BBC, etc.). Haven’t missed ‘em. More to come tomorrow.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 12, 2013 #20 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Sounds great so far. Thanks for posting. Can't wait to hear more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted December 13, 2013 Author #21 Share Posted December 13, 2013 (edited) A couple of other thoughts. *This is a French ship, with a French flag. French is the primary language and most of the passengers are from France. But English is spoken widely (among both passengers and ship staffers and crew). Lectures, tours and announcements are given in both languages. The television has movies on demand in German, as well as English and French. Entertainment at night is low key; last night a pianist played, beautifully, classical music. Tonight’s a dance performance. Both styles of entertainment transcend language barriers. And passengers seem very friendly, whatever the language you speak. As an English speaker, I will say I hope my French skills improve as a result of the cruise! And we’ve been made to feel very welcome. *What other lines are comparable to Compagnie du Ponant? I’d say this experience is most similar to SeaDream Yacht Club and Windstar, which we’ve loved for their small ship cruises with a nautical ambience, and which also have excellent food and service. It’s a luxury experience but it’s a relaxed version, low-key. So far, it’s been just fantastic…. Will keep you posted and please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Carolyn Edited June 8, 2018 by Host Jazzbeau Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike2131 Posted December 13, 2013 #22 Share Posted December 13, 2013 We were on a sister ship - L'Austral - for a 10-night Antarctica cruise in December 2011. I think the cabin size matters less when you are on an expedition cruise. The ship offered plenty of luxury touches, excellent food and service, etc. plus time spent in the cabin was pretty minimal because you were busy. Probably a good comparison is to two smaller vessels we have sailed on - the Silversea Silver Explorer and the Celebrity Xpedition. Stability was not an issue. We were in 35 foot seas in the Drake southbound and in 40 foot seas heading up the Antarctic Peninsula. Did we feel it - you bet! Did we feel like we were out of control or going to roll over - absolutely not. We definitely had an experienced and excellent crew and Captain plus we were very happy to have one of the larger, newer vessels sailing in those waters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted December 13, 2013 #23 Share Posted December 13, 2013 Very important question. Obviously, the food is French? How good is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted December 13, 2013 #24 Share Posted December 13, 2013 I am also interested in hearing about the food. In terms of language, are announcements done in English as well as French and perhaps other languages? Your visit to Krakatoa sounds incredible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike2131 Posted December 13, 2013 #25 Share Posted December 13, 2013 (edited) This was a hotly debated topic on these bords prior to our cruise. I found the food delicious. My DGF less so - not because of quality but because of the number of choices. Also, there was one rather odd twist for the Captain's Farewell Dinner (and one other dinner, I think) - no alternative choices. The menu was set. I found it absolutely delicious, but my DGF did not like the selections and basically ate dessert - a wonderful triple chocolate selection as I remember. Breakfast and lunch were buffets with choices (like eggs) prepared to order if you wished. Breads and desserts were excellent and the main challenge was making a choice. I can understand the criticism as to the lack of a lot of choices, but I would have fewer, well prepared dishes to select from than more, mediocre dishes that were more likely to disappoint. That, unfortunately, was the case on our May trip aboard the Silver Explorer. Let's see if Carolyn has the same experience we did. Edited December 13, 2013 by Mike2131 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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