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Ponant continues cancelling 2021 Kimberley cruises

Closely following Scenic’s decision to cancel Scenic Eclipse’s maiden 2021 Kimberley season, Ponant, which had planned to operate in the region from April until September, has cancelled its cruises until the end of June.

Helen Hutcheon, Australasia correspondent

May 13, 2021

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

‘At this time the balance of the season is being monitored with the remaining voyages in place while discussions with the federal and state governments continue, with a view to allowing borders to open for small ships to enter and conduct Australian domestic cruises for Australian residents,’ a company spokesman said.

Two vessels standing by

‘As an additional perspective regarding the 2021 Kimberley season, unlike other operators, Ponant’s two Kimberley designated ships (Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal) are close by, ready to be put into service.

‘As they are not in the northern hemisphere, this allows more immediacy and flexibility regarding a potential restart,’ he said. 

Seatrade Cruise News understands both ships are in New Caledonian waters.

Read more about:

PonantScenic

About the Author

Helen Hutcheon

Australasia correspondent

Helen Hutcheon did her cadetship on a shipping magazine and worked in P&O’s Sydney office for seven years as a public relations journalist.

For 19 years she was deputy editor of Travel Week, which was Australia’s leading trade newspaper that covered major local and international industry events.

In 2008 the late legendary Rama Rebbapragada presented her with an award from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd ‘in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cruising industry.’

In 2010 she won the Neil Frazer Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the cruise industry,’ elevating her to CLIA Australasia’s hall of fame.

She has been the Australasia correspondent for Seatrade Cruise Review since 1997 and for Seatrade Insider (now Seatrade Cruise News) since its launch in 2000.

 

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