Ponant Cruises (Compagnie des Iles du Ponant -(CIP)), subsidiary of the CMA-CGM Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyards, the world’s leading cruise ship builder, for the construction of two luxury small capacity cruise ships.

These elegantly trim vessels are mega-yachts (140 meters long) that accommodate a limited number of guests (130 all-outside cabins and suites including 75% with balconies).

They will be delivered in the second quarter of 2010 and are to be French flagged.

The vessels will be equipped with the latest advanced equipment to protect the environment including a dynamic positioning system that enables them to avoid damaging the sea floor when the ship would normal anchor.

As new additions to the current fleet (including Le Ponant, Le Levant, and Le Diamant), these ships will offer a unique cruise experience and first-class quality service and itineraries encomasing uncommon destinations.

Guests will take advantage of theme cruises as well as adventure itineraries in a highly personal setting designed to pamper passengers.

Both vessels will be operating mainly in new geographic areas.

The first will sail to Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia), Alaska, Polynesia and Oceania, with the second traveling to South America (including Antarctica), the Mediterranean, the Baltic,
Greenland, Canada, the Great Lakes, and the Caribbean.

Both ships will be able to visit quaint harbors and destinations that remain inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

This major announcement at Ponant Cruises, where 2007 sales totaled 36 million euros, comes as the company celebrates its 20-year anniversary.

The news reflects CMA-CGM’s commitment to strengthening its subsidiary’s offering of high-end luxury yacht style cruises to rare and exotic destinations.

Now more than ever, CMA CGM is looking to cultivate the unparalleled savoir-faire of Ponant Cruises, the number one French flagged cruise ship operator.

For further information, please contact:
 

USA:  Steve Bloss

Worldwide Cruise Associates

Tel:  +1 954 452 8800 x 226

Email: sbloss@cruiseco.com