PONANT has officially named its latest vessel from its explorer series.
Le Jacques-Cartier received a traditional blessing ceremony in Nice, France on 28 October during a port of call.
The ceremony was attended by the ship’s godmother, Franka Holtmann, General Manager of Hôtel Le Meurice and a member of PONANT’S Supervisory Board.
Also present were PONANT’s CEO Hervé Gastinel, alongside Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi and the ship’s captains, Christophe Dupuy and Sylvain Lenormand.
Two internationally renowned artists, soprano Alexandra Marcellier and pianist Antoine Palloc concluded the ceremony in fine musical style.
PONANT’s CEO Hervé Gastinel, said: “We are honoured to have this opportunity to pay tribute in Nice, in the presence of Christian Estrosi, to Jacques Cartier, who was a great explorer and mariner.
“Delivered in 2020, the last ship in this series illustrates to perfection the qualities of PONANT’s fleet of small-capacity ships, run by sailors who are passionate about adventure and the discoveries they love sharing with others.
“With her crew, this ship also reflects a French tradition, that of refined cruising. The ship’s godmother, Franka Holtmann, embodies this more than anyone.”
Franka Holtmann, General Manager of Hôtel Le Meurice, said: “PONANT has created a new genre of tourism, one that is more sustainable and responsible through voyages of exploration that awaken guests’ curiosity by offering journeys that have meaning.
“Being able to experience such intense moments at sea is an incredible source of inspiration and awareness of the world.”
A small ship with a capacity for only 184 guests, Le Jacques-Cartier offers a unique travel experience exploring the most remote areas of the planet with a much-reduced impact.
CLEANSHIP certified like the entire PONANT fleet, the PONANT EXPLORERS series is part of the company’s CSR “Blue Horizon” roadmap towards more responsible tourism and travel with a purpose.
The vessel is equipped with the latest environmentally friendly technologies including an innovative SCR filter system that eliminates fine particles and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%.
Waste is sorted for recycling and the latest generation wastewater treatment facility. In 2023, the ship will also be equipped with a shore connection system to hook into the electricity network.
Nice’s Mayor Christian Estrosi said: “I would like to thank PONANT for choosing Nice for this exceptional gathering, giving us a glimpse of the best in maritime navigation in our country.
“Like Nice City Council, PONANT has embarked on a major initiative in favour of an ecological transition. This echoes the environmental approach we want to take for the Port of Nice over the next three years, with a greening and pedestrianisation programme and a new seawall.
“A redevelopment of the Port will enable us to host new boats: pleasure boats, small, medium, and large, but also French excellence. PONANT, therefore, has its place in the Port of Nice.”
Le Jacques-Cartier is now heading to Seychelles for Winter 2022-2023 after a season spent in the Mediterranean.
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