Paspaley Pearl by Ponant project cancelled

Plans by Ponant and Paspaley to convert a 30-passenger motor yacht into a luxurious expedition ship called Paspaley Pearl by Ponant fell through.

The vessel, acquired last year, was previously Island Escape, operated by New Zealand’s collapsed Island Escape Cruises.

She underwent sea trials in August off the coast of Fremantle before a dry dock in Singapore.

East Indonesia debut

She was to have made her debut in East Indonesia on January 10 and then operate expeditions in Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley.

Deb Corbett, Ponant CEO Asia Pacific, declined to give a reason for the project not proceeding, but instead issued the following statement:

‘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.

Multi explorations

‘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 Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier over the next two years.’

People with reservations will receive a full refund or, alternatively, a travel credit with an additional saving for a cruise on any Ponant ship across the globe.

Travel agent commission has also been protected.

Related:Paspaley Pearl by Ponant’s 2025 inaugural digital brochure released