PONANT recently announced the latest addition to its fleet: Spirit of Ponant, measuring 24 meters and boasting six staterooms. The catamaran was built in France and sets sail in July 2024 before heading to the Seychelles for the winter. Travelers can privately charter Spirit of Ponant for week-long voyages and on a per-cabin basis for select itineraries, with rates starting at $8,250 per person (based on double occupancy for a single cabin booking in Corsica).

Spirit of Ponant sleeps up to 12 guests and four crew, including a personal chef; spacious staterooms; and activities like paddleboarding, wakeboarding and snorkeling.

© Nicolas Claris

“The Spirit of Ponant is a new expression of our pioneering spirit, as the travel format is a first in the luxury cruise sector,” explained Hervé Gastinel, CEO, PONANT. “Our guests will experience what it is really like to be a sailor, including interacting with the captain to create a voyage that meets their desires and expectations. They will benefit from hidden away anchorages in magical places, while enjoying the high-end services for which PONANT is renowned.”

The catamaran first sets sail from Corsica, round-trip from Bonifacio, on seven-night voyages customizable based on traveler interest. Each journey is co-created with the captain’s recommendations. In the Seychelles for the winter 2024 season, Spirit of Ponant circumnavigates Mahé.

© Nicolas Claris

“The concept and design of this Lagoon Seventy 7 yacht has been praised by everyone in the industry, won over by the spacious interior and exterior areas,” said Guillaume Le Brec, the experienced skipper in charge of this project at PONANT. “Guests will really appreciate the high-end finishings as much as her exceptional sailing qualities.”