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Ocean cruises may soon restart from France, with reduced capacity

PHOTO: FRED MICHEL/PONANT CRUISE Le Dumont D'Urville.jpg
A ship like Le Dumont D'Urville, one in Ponant's Explorers class, can carry 184 passengers and 112 crew
Secretary of State for Tourism Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne indicated ocean cruises from France may be able to resume but with significantly reduced capacity.

Lemoyne said officials were talking with cruise operators about a capacity restriction. In a recent meeting, a 500-person (passengers and crew) limit was discussed, however this has not been decided.

Ponant's plan 'very interesting'

Ponant's proposal to operate cruises along the French coasts using six of its vessels was considered 'very interesting' by the minister.

Ponant's new Explorers series ships carry 184 passengers and 112 crew, while its earlier expedition vessels carry up to 264 passengers and 140 crew.

France's discussion about allowing ocean cruises continues.