Reported by J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M. Newbern
Our recent cruise from Boston, MA, then along the United States’ Northeast coast, into the St. Lawrence River, and ending in Montreal, Canada, aboard Le Boreal, a contemporary small cruise ship from the French company Compagnie du Ponant, gave us first-hand knowledge of the vessel and how the company treats its guests. Our prior journeys in the Adriatic Sea showed us the Dalmatian Coast, an area with many great ports.
Now you can combine the two with a limited-time savings of 30% available on an 11-Day Yacht Cruise Sailing Roundtrip from Venice.
From the stunning Dalmatian coast to scenic ports in Greece, Italy and Montenegro, Compagnie du Ponant’s 11-day “Venice to Venice” cruise is designed to unveil the jewels of the Adriatic Sea to the onboard guests. The August 10, 2012 departure aboard the 264-passenger L’Austral, the company’s newest mega-yacht, is designed for the traveler looking for a different type of cruise -- visiting unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales. L’Austral, (sister ship to Le Boreal) rated as a “Cleanship” by Bureau Veritas, takes in more ports of call (10) than most other lines -- including Otranto, Italy, where the melding of Christian, Byzantine and Romanesque influence is illustrated in the magnificent Cathedral and its mosaic floor; the red-roofed town of Korčula; and Trogir, a Croatian gem lauded for the charm of its small shops, pale pink cobblestone village. Optional excursions range from a city tour of Dubrovnik, a guided walk through Kotor and a mini tour of Montenegro. Reduced prices range from $3,430 to $9,073 per person, double (regularly $4,900 to $12,962). Eight-day Adriatic sailings are also available from May through September at prices from $2,950 to $9,856 – taking in eight Croatian towns and cities.
Stylish accommodations, elegant design, and discrete and attentive personalized service – assured by a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2 – all contribute to the guest’s “private yachting experience.” Fares are currently being offered at a 30% discount under Ponant’s Bonus program – the more in advance the booking, the greater the savings.
The cruise’s initial port of Venice, described in the New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man,” sets the tone for the voyage to come with its singular setting, architecture and artwork. Arriving at the Dalmatian coast, the ship stops in three Croatian ports: the bustling fishing town of Rovinj, located on the western coast of the Istrian Peninsula; the historic city of Trogir, whose Romanesque architecture, flower-filled courtyards and religious relics have earned it a spot on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites; and Dubrovnik, an architecturally rich city of palaces, monuments and white stone churches. L’Austral then visits three countries in three days, starting with Kotor, a secluded port in Montenegro encircled by an impressive city wall, then on to Otranto, an Italian port nestled in the curve of a natural bay of crystal clear water, and finally, Parga, a quaint Greek town popular for its beaches and cultural offerings. Returning to Croatia, guests enjoy another day in Dubrovnik before arriving in the largest of the Dalmatian islands, Korčula, where they are free to explore the town’s impressive series of alleyways, squares and palaces. After visiting the rugged coastline of Šibenik, L’Austral returns to Venice. Guests can add a pre- or post-cruise program tour of St. Mark’s Square.
The 466-foot L’Austral mega-yacht instills a feeling of sailing on a private yacht while also providing guests all of the comforts of a true vacation. It boasts two restaurants with delicious cuisine – both haute and country French, several spacious lounges, theater, kid’s game area, two bars, a swimming pool, library, fitness area, expansive sun decks, and comprehensive spa in partnership with Paris’s Sothys. The 132 well-appointed staterooms and suite, 124 with private balconies, have king size or twin beds, desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers, L’Occitane products and all the latest technology, including flat screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi. The “Cleanship” rating is given to vessels that exceed the MARPOL convention for waste treatment, antifouling or propulsion systems, a very select group.
Included in all sailings are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda; Captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.
Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.
Compagnie du Ponant’s North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131. For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.comor go to en.ponant.com.
If you enjoyed this story, you might also enjoy:
• Other stories by Newbern and Fletcher
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• Stories by Kathy M. Newbern, Luxury Travel Examiner
• @FletcherNewbern
• @YourNovelcom
International Travel Examiners J.S. Fletcher and spouse, Kathy M. Newbern, report on luxury destinations, spas and cruising around the globe. They are award-winning members of the Society of American Travel Writers and created YourSpaReport.com and YourNovel.com, their personalized romance novel business.
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