It is now official –French cruise line La Compagnie des Iles du Ponant is to expand. Since its purchase by shipping giant CMA-CGM, we have been awaiting a firm commitment, and the line’s parent has now confirmed the build programme. The low profile CIP currently operates three vessels. The little 64 passenger sail-assisted Ponant winters in the Indian Ocean and returns to the Mediterranean in the summer. Sleek and elegant, the 90 passenger Levant joined her in 1997, and operates in the Caribbean and Europe. The much loved Song of Flower, once owned by Seven Seas Cruise Line and s u b s e q u e n t l y Radisson Seven Seas, was acquired by CIP in a joint venture with Tapis Rouge in 2005, and now operates as Le Diamant in Antarctic and the Chilean Fjords, the Caribbean and Europe.

The ships are often chartered (you see them cruising for American tour companies such as Tauck Tours and Zegrahm Expeditions), and therefore the opportunities to enjoy them are limited, but those who have had the rare experience are captivated by their relaxed French style. In February 2008 a memorandum of understanding was signed with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyards for two new ships (an interesting development, given that France is well equipped with its own yards, and Le Levant was built by Alsthom in St Malo).

The two new vessels will be 140 metres long and offer 130 seaview cabins and suites, 75% of which will feature balconies. They will be delivered in the second quarter of 2010 and will sail under the French flag. This new tonnage will open up new cruising areas for CIP. One ship will sail to Asia to cruise in China, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia, positioning it perfectly for a summer season in Alaska, and to visit Polynesia and Oceania. The second will take in South America, the Mediterranean, Baltic, Greenland, Canada and the Great Lakes (returning to an area plied by Levant in her early days).