KE It's always the little moments that make a trip truly special, and my first cruise was full of them. Having never been on a cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect, but PONANT set the tone before we'd even left the harbour. As the boat began to pull away, live performers emerged - including a phenomenal opera singer who serenaded us. It was utterly amazing; sailing out of the dock with that breathtaking performance in the background was an unforgettable experience. It just showed that they thought of everything, right down to setting that incredible atmosphere from the get-go.
KE So PONANT are all about the destinations, that's kind of their point - they're more of a luxury yachting experience with excursions bringing you closer to each place you visit. We did so many amazing excursions, it's so hard to pick just one. We did a walking tour of Ajaccio in Corsica, taking us through the streets of the city's charming old town, seeing picturesque sites like Austerlitz Square, narrow streets with pastel buildings, and the unique Eglise Saint Erasme maritime chapel, which was full of models of boats and had a distinct nautical theme. This is where our tour ended and we were surprised by a live performance of some traditional Corsican songs. It was a really special moment and felt super intimate, definitely an experience you wouldn't get just meandering around - a real one-of-a-kind experience! Our tour guide took us a little further and we were greeted by more live music before walking through to a big courtyard where they'd put out drinks and antipasti nibbles. You had the choice to go back to the boat or sit and enjoy the sunshine - it was really cute and felt almost like a private picnic as everyone in the courtyard was from Le Lapérouse.
KE While the food on the ship was incredibly fresh and delicious, the meal I truly fell in love with was actually part of an excursion. It's funny because though I'm not usually a huge fan of lemons, I found myself on a lemon tour in Menton. We hiked up to the lemon groves, and seeing the trees was absolutely beautiful. We then walked back down into Menton to try limoncello and were taken to a local restaurant, La Trattoria, where we were treated to a lemon-inspired lunch which was not only visually beautiful, but tasted amazing too! For my starter, I enjoyed tender octopus on a bed of potatoes and salad, with smoked salmon and prawns all dressed in a bright, lemony sauce-it reminded me of a delightful Mediterranean meze. My main course was pork chops accompanied by a creamy lemon risotto, and to finish, a classic lemon meringue.
KE For a smaller ship, I was absolutely blown away by how much space I had in my room. We all got a veranda with amazing ocean views, but the room itself was incredibly generous and had everything I could need. I had a chic bathroom, a sofa, my own lovely balcony, a really comfortable double bed, and even my own walk-in wardrobe! After a day of exploring, it was so nice to come back to such a comfortable and well-appointed space- it felt luxurious and incredibly private, even on a ship with two hundred people on. I loved the full length mirror and snapped a picture every time I went down for dinner to show my family. It was a little ritual I really enjoyed. The cabin truly felt like a home away from home, and having that much space and comfort made a huge difference to my overall enjoyment of the trip.
KE Every evening on the ship brought something new to do, from captivating performances to insightful talks - truly something for everyone. I loved being able to let loose and dance the night away after a relaxed dinner - it was such a blast and a great way to make friends onboard! Or sometimes, I'd just grab a drink of the free flowing champagne and head up to the observation lounge for a more relaxed evening, watching the stars and chatting with other passengers. There was always a great atmosphere, whatever you chose to do.
KE This PONANT cruise on Le Lapérouse was truly unlike any other trip I've taken. It's not just about sailing; it's about deeply experiencing each destination in a luxurious, intimate way. From the moment we pulled away from Nice with the opera singer serenading us, to the unique Corsican performances and the incredible lemon-inspired lunch in Menton, every detail was carefully crafted and I can't recommend it enough. If you're looking for a sophisticated, enriching travel experience that blends exploration with unparalleled comfort and attention to detail, then a PONANT cruise is an absolute must-do.