Latest news with #Ponant
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Should you boycott the US? The 20 biggest questions in travel right now
Hauf says the best practice is for carbon emissions to be removed or reduced where they are generated, if possible. If we must fly, 'carbon removal through carbon-offset projects is a crucial part of the global emissions reduction journey, not least because for some industries, like aviation, the technologies to get to zero emissions do not yet exist commercially'. However, she believes it's essential to have 'a robust and transparent national carbon accounting system'. It's worth checking your airline's carbon offset program to see where your money is going and whether it aligns with your values. I love cruising but realise it's another form of travel with a big environmental footprint. How do I choose the right cruise line and what can I possibly do to help the planet while I'm on board and on shore? Natalie Cherry, owner of Queensland's Noosa Cruise & Travel, a member of the Virtuoso ( group of luxury travel advisers, says today's concerned cruisers have the option of choosing a cruise line based on how proactive it is in reducing its impact on the environment. 'You could look to see [the nature of] their investment and implementation of sustainable practices. Consider choosing a smaller vessel both for the environment and to reduce the over-tourism in ports. Ideally, a ship that uses LNG and battery power in places like Antarctica and the Arctic.' It's not just engine power that travellers should consider. It's the kind of basic things nowadays such as food waste management and whether single-use plastics have been eliminated. Does the company partner with local suppliers to support local economies? How does it manage its excursions so as not to disrupt host communities? Does it give back to communities and climate science through foundations it has initiated, such as those run by upscale cruise lines Ponant and Hurtigruten? On shore, passengers should aim to spend generously in local communities and avoid tours herded in large groups. While the ship itself may not tread lightly, you still can. Everyone says travelling by train is the way to go to help save the planet, but how clean is rail really? Aren't plenty of trains around the world propelled by diesel rather than electricity? 'Rail travel has a much lower fuel consumption and emissions profile than other modes of transport,' says Liam Davies, associate director of the Melbourne-based Institute for Sensible Transport. 'While electric trains can be zero emission, when run on renewables, diesel trains do have an emissions impact. However, this is much lower than planes. The single biggest thing we can do to reduce our emissions when travelling is to use trains wherever possible. Trains have a small fraction of the emissions profile of planes; in France, high-speed trains emit just 2 per cent of the CO2 of a plane travelling the same route.' Even though Australians wishing to see the world have no option but to fly overseas, once there, 'popular destinations like Europe, Japan and China all have great rail networks, with many high-speed rail options, and some incredibly scenic regular-speed rail too. Taking the train sometimes takes a little bit longer, but you can sit back and enjoy the view, knowing you are reducing your personal emissions by travelling in a lower impact way'. I'm considering a visit to Saudi Arabia. Should I go? 'Everywhere we travel comes with risks and considerations,' says Sean Martin, managing director of Australia, Asia and New Zealand at G Adventures. 'Saudi Arabia is open to tourism, but I'd encourage each traveller to make an informed decision for themselves before going. If you do choose to go, there are so many incredible female-owned businesses there that you can choose to support, and you can put your tourism dollar into businesses and communities that are marginalised. We shouldn't underestimate the force for good that tourism presents. We have the opportunity to distribute wealth through travel and to empower communities that need it the most.' And what about Antarctica? Denise Sablone, executive vice-president of tour development at US-based escorted journeys operator Collette, advises travellers worried about their personal impact on the White Continent to choose companies regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). 'A less harmful way to visit the most precious and important places on our planet includes small ships with teams of naturalists and scientists on board that can positively educate and influence their guests,' says G Adventures' Martin. Expedition cruise ships can play a crucial role in monitoring the fragile ecosystems of the polar regions. 'We see our travellers as ambassadors, who we know will come back with even more respect and interest in caring for the planet than what they left with.' US President Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement for a second time. Does it mean I shouldn't visit the US? As of early January, only three countries had not ratified the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change – Iran, Libya and Yemen. However, Trump withdrew the US from the agreement soon after inauguration, meaning the US is no longer required to provide annual updates on its greenhouse gas emissions. But is the only ethical path for the environmentally conscious traveller to boycott the country? We note the US government doesn't necessarily reflect the feelings of its people on this issue. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have come out in recent times to protest the present administration on many grounds, from tariffs to immigration and environmental policies. The issue for travellers now is also one of personal safety and stringent border control. Are we welcome as visitors to the US? This is a yardstick the thinking traveller should apply to every country they wish to visit. Tipping has become a big issue, even for some Americans. If I do visit the States, should I resist tipping? Isn't it just another kind of tariff? 'When visiting any destination, we know we should be mindful and considerate of the local norms and ways of life,' says Roland Howlett, owner of Virtuoso member travel agency Frontier Travel. 'Tipping in the US is no different. It is deeply embedded in the culture and is a critical part of how many service workers earn their income. Embrace it, and you'll find you enjoy travelling around the US a lot more.' Noosa Cruise & Travel's Natalie Cherry says travellers should always check their bills first as there may already be a tip included. 'Be mindful that their wages are incredibly low, so they rely on a service fee. In general, because of this, they do give exceptional service, so be kind and grateful for this and show your appreciation.' Are there any truly ethical hotel brands I can choose? And how do we know the difference? What do we look for? 'When it comes to ethics, the best thing to look for is always a business that really invests in its people, and the local community,' says sustainable luxury travel expert Juliet Kinsman. 'For me, economic sustainability is what's key. Seek out an independent hotel where the owners have a meaningful connection to that place and are quite literally invested; you know your cash is more likely contributing to them looking after all that's on their doorstep.' Kinsman recommends resources such as The Long Run, Regenerative Travel as well as her own list, Bouteco Loves. Does replacing small plastic water bottles and straws in hotels really make much difference? 'The collective impact of the movement away from single-use plastic in hotels is really powerful and does make a difference,' says Elissa Keenan, chief executive of Ecotourism Australia. 'If people don't think small changes make a difference, I challenge their thinking.' As she points out, one of the single biggest risks to the three species of turtles listed as endangered and three species listed as vulnerable in Australia is plastic pollution. 'Plastic pollution is deadly to sea turtles through ingestion leading to starvation, internal injuries or entanglement resulting in life-threatening injuries. For anyone who has snorkelled or swum with these majestic creatures, or who has dreams of doing so, making small changes cannot be undervalued.' How much so-called greenwashing is really going on, and how can we call it out? 'Yes, there's impact-washing galore,' Kinsman says. 'But dig a little deeper, or to really do your due diligence, give the hotel a call (when did anyone last do that?) and you'll soon get a sense of whether their good work is the real deal or if their virtue signalling is a load of blarney.' She's all for calling out 'greenshifting' (when a hotel doesn't take responsibility for its failings, such as plastic water bottles, and they shift the blame, saying guests insist on single use) and 'greenrinsing' (when they keep changing their targets before achieving them, such as declaring net zero by 2025 but still running on diesel generators). But she's also supportive of 'greenlighting', which she defines as spotlighting the good of an operator, even if it's not 'eco through and through'. Do hotels that want you to keep the white towels and not change the sheets really want to help save the world or just their own bottom line? 'What we definitely need is fewer expressions of being conscious or sustainable without substantiated facts,' says luxury travel expert Kinsman. If a hotel is going to claim a 'nature positive' or 'ocean-friendly' label, they need to back it up with hard evidence. 'Considering laundry gobbles up a huge part of their energy and water budgets, I don't care if they're cutting their turnover for economic benefits, as long as the end result is that they can actually reduce the amount of towels and sheets and all the detergents they use and the fibres they release into our waterways.' How do you know the money you donate to a social enterprise is really going to the right cause? Collette's Sablone says social enterprises typically measure their impact through monitoring and evaluation, tracking the outcomes of their activities to confirm they are making a positive difference in their communities. Resources such as annual reports and partnership pages can be utilised to verify that donations are being used correctly. Transparency and trust are key when supporting social enterprises. 'Don't be afraid to ask many questions and to demand the details, and to see accountability being practised,' says G Adventures' Martin. 'Overtourism occurs when too many visitors flock to a destination, exceeding the local capacity to manage them sustainably,' says Mat Woods, chief executive of New Zealand's Destination Queenstown. 'This can lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation, strained infrastructure, reduced quality of life for residents and a diminished visitor experience.' But places can have both healthy tourist numbers and a happy community if tourism is managed correctly. Queenstown, says Woods, is a good example due to its destination management plan, which outlines a vision for regenerative tourism, with local community input to ensure the region thrives not just economically, but also socially, culturally and environmentally. 'A great place to holiday is a great place to live, so balance is the key,' Keenan adds. What can I do personally to help combat overtourism? Should I just skip places such as Paris, Rome and Venice? When people think of overtourism, they instantly think of 'bucket-list' hotspots such as Paris and Venice, G Adventures' Martin says. 'But what many don't think about is the idea that overtourism can affect small, remote communities as well. Travel should be seen as a force for good, and we shouldn't react to overtourism by turning our back on any one place, city or town. You don't need to rule out a tourist favourite to combat overtourism; you just need to be mindful and conscious about the best way and time to see it.' You can help ease the pressure on a destination by travelling more mindfully, staying longer, travelling off-peak and exploring alternative destinations and second cities. Consider holidaying at home as well, says Keenan, of Ecotourism Australia. 'We are so lucky in Australia to have so many incredible places to go with virtually no crowds. Travellers are increasingly looking for immersive and untouched experiences – we have these in spades right here.' How can I tell if a destination really is doing the right thing? Look closely at its marketing and storytelling, and how it engages with local communities and the environment, says Destination Queenstown's Woods. 'Look for initiatives that both strengthen the economic resilience of the destination and foster connections between visitors, community and those which protect the environment.' I know you shouldn't ride elephants, so is it still OK to ride other animals like camels? 'Whatever the activity, ensure the animal's mental as well as physical needs are provided for,' says John Roberts, group director of sustainability and conservation at the Minor Hotels group. The most important message is to look for science-based welfare certification from any animal excursion, no matter the species, to guarantee the best of care. Is there any way I can pack for a trip that's better for the planet? Packing light reduces your carbon footprint and makes it easier to use trains and buses and not rely on less environmentally forgiving private transportation, says Ecotourism Australia's Keenan. 'Consider whether you really need to buy certain items before you go. If you really want to [do so], purchase them from small businesses or markets in your destination, helping the money stay in that local community.' Loading What's the feeling these days about visiting and supporting zoos around the world? There's still a place for zoos, says Minor Hotels' Roberts, since it's still not possible for everyone to travel to view creatures in the wild and to be inspired to care for the natural world. A licensed and well-regulated zoo, for instance a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria, will be providing the best possible care and, most importantly, will be prevented from being part of the illegal wildlife trade and other anti-conservation measures.' How can I choose an ethical safari, as wild animals can be crowded on some tours? Travel with a company that plays a part in conservation or pays extra for exclusivity, ideally with a local community as benefactors, says Roberts. 'Certainly, it's better for the animals' wellbeing not to be overcrowded, and for conservation in general, but it does come at a price point that excludes the vast majority of people. But overcrowding problems come when the experience is too convenient and cheap.' PLEASE EXPLAIN: WHAT IT ALL MEANS Sustainability Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Greenwashing The act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice. Carbon offsets A system of credits used by a company or organisation to compensate for what they are emitting, thereby decreasing their net emissions. Loading Single-use plastic Items such as cling-wrap and plastic straws that are designed for one use only before being discarded. Social enterprise A business designed to achieve specific social objectives as its primary purpose, benefiting marginalised or economically disadvantaged groups by permanently improving their socioeconomic conditions. Regenerative tourism Leaving places you visit in a better state than you found them. Paris Agreement A legally binding international treaty, entered into force in November 2016, with the goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and hold global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The Age
6 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Should you boycott the US? The 20 biggest questions in travel right now
Hauf says the best practice is for carbon emissions to be removed or reduced where they are generated, if possible. If we must fly, 'carbon removal through carbon-offset projects is a crucial part of the global emissions reduction journey, not least because for some industries, like aviation, the technologies to get to zero emissions do not yet exist commercially'. However, she believes it's essential to have 'a robust and transparent national carbon accounting system'. It's worth checking your airline's carbon offset program to see where your money is going and whether it aligns with your values. I love cruising but realise it's another form of travel with a big environmental footprint. How do I choose the right cruise line and what can I possibly do to help the planet while I'm on board and on shore? Natalie Cherry, owner of Queensland's Noosa Cruise & Travel, a member of the Virtuoso ( group of luxury travel advisers, says today's concerned cruisers have the option of choosing a cruise line based on how proactive it is in reducing its impact on the environment. 'You could look to see [the nature of] their investment and implementation of sustainable practices. Consider choosing a smaller vessel both for the environment and to reduce the over-tourism in ports. Ideally, a ship that uses LNG and battery power in places like Antarctica and the Arctic.' It's not just engine power that travellers should consider. It's the kind of basic things nowadays such as food waste management and whether single-use plastics have been eliminated. Does the company partner with local suppliers to support local economies? How does it manage its excursions so as not to disrupt host communities? Does it give back to communities and climate science through foundations it has initiated, such as those run by upscale cruise lines Ponant and Hurtigruten? On shore, passengers should aim to spend generously in local communities and avoid tours herded in large groups. While the ship itself may not tread lightly, you still can. Everyone says travelling by train is the way to go to help save the planet, but how clean is rail really? Aren't plenty of trains around the world propelled by diesel rather than electricity? 'Rail travel has a much lower fuel consumption and emissions profile than other modes of transport,' says Liam Davies, associate director of the Melbourne-based Institute for Sensible Transport. 'While electric trains can be zero emission, when run on renewables, diesel trains do have an emissions impact. However, this is much lower than planes. The single biggest thing we can do to reduce our emissions when travelling is to use trains wherever possible. Trains have a small fraction of the emissions profile of planes; in France, high-speed trains emit just 2 per cent of the CO2 of a plane travelling the same route.' Even though Australians wishing to see the world have no option but to fly overseas, once there, 'popular destinations like Europe, Japan and China all have great rail networks, with many high-speed rail options, and some incredibly scenic regular-speed rail too. Taking the train sometimes takes a little bit longer, but you can sit back and enjoy the view, knowing you are reducing your personal emissions by travelling in a lower impact way'. I'm considering a visit to Saudi Arabia. Should I go? 'Everywhere we travel comes with risks and considerations,' says Sean Martin, managing director of Australia, Asia and New Zealand at G Adventures. 'Saudi Arabia is open to tourism, but I'd encourage each traveller to make an informed decision for themselves before going. If you do choose to go, there are so many incredible female-owned businesses there that you can choose to support, and you can put your tourism dollar into businesses and communities that are marginalised. We shouldn't underestimate the force for good that tourism presents. We have the opportunity to distribute wealth through travel and to empower communities that need it the most.' And what about Antarctica? Denise Sablone, executive vice-president of tour development at US-based escorted journeys operator Collette, advises travellers worried about their personal impact on the White Continent to choose companies regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). 'A less harmful way to visit the most precious and important places on our planet includes small ships with teams of naturalists and scientists on board that can positively educate and influence their guests,' says G Adventures' Martin. Expedition cruise ships can play a crucial role in monitoring the fragile ecosystems of the polar regions. 'We see our travellers as ambassadors, who we know will come back with even more respect and interest in caring for the planet than what they left with.' US President Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement for a second time. Does it mean I shouldn't visit the US? As of early January, only three countries had not ratified the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change – Iran, Libya and Yemen. However, Trump withdrew the US from the agreement soon after inauguration, meaning the US is no longer required to provide annual updates on its greenhouse gas emissions. But is the only ethical path for the environmentally conscious traveller to boycott the country? We note the US government doesn't necessarily reflect the feelings of its people on this issue. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have come out in recent times to protest the present administration on many grounds, from tariffs to immigration and environmental policies. The issue for travellers now is also one of personal safety and stringent border control. Are we welcome as visitors to the US? This is a yardstick the thinking traveller should apply to every country they wish to visit. Tipping has become a big issue, even for some Americans. If I do visit the States, should I resist tipping? Isn't it just another kind of tariff? 'When visiting any destination, we know we should be mindful and considerate of the local norms and ways of life,' says Roland Howlett, owner of Virtuoso member travel agency Frontier Travel. 'Tipping in the US is no different. It is deeply embedded in the culture and is a critical part of how many service workers earn their income. Embrace it, and you'll find you enjoy travelling around the US a lot more.' Noosa Cruise & Travel's Natalie Cherry says travellers should always check their bills first as there may already be a tip included. 'Be mindful that their wages are incredibly low, so they rely on a service fee. In general, because of this, they do give exceptional service, so be kind and grateful for this and show your appreciation.' Are there any truly ethical hotel brands I can choose? And how do we know the difference? What do we look for? 'When it comes to ethics, the best thing to look for is always a business that really invests in its people, and the local community,' says sustainable luxury travel expert Juliet Kinsman. 'For me, economic sustainability is what's key. Seek out an independent hotel where the owners have a meaningful connection to that place and are quite literally invested; you know your cash is more likely contributing to them looking after all that's on their doorstep.' Kinsman recommends resources such as The Long Run, Regenerative Travel as well as her own list, Bouteco Loves. Does replacing small plastic water bottles and straws in hotels really make much difference? 'The collective impact of the movement away from single-use plastic in hotels is really powerful and does make a difference,' says Elissa Keenan, chief executive of Ecotourism Australia. 'If people don't think small changes make a difference, I challenge their thinking.' As she points out, one of the single biggest risks to the three species of turtles listed as endangered and three species listed as vulnerable in Australia is plastic pollution. 'Plastic pollution is deadly to sea turtles through ingestion leading to starvation, internal injuries or entanglement resulting in life-threatening injuries. For anyone who has snorkelled or swum with these majestic creatures, or who has dreams of doing so, making small changes cannot be undervalued.' How much so-called greenwashing is really going on, and how can we call it out? 'Yes, there's impact-washing galore,' Kinsman says. 'But dig a little deeper, or to really do your due diligence, give the hotel a call (when did anyone last do that?) and you'll soon get a sense of whether their good work is the real deal or if their virtue signalling is a load of blarney.' She's all for calling out 'greenshifting' (when a hotel doesn't take responsibility for its failings, such as plastic water bottles, and they shift the blame, saying guests insist on single use) and 'greenrinsing' (when they keep changing their targets before achieving them, such as declaring net zero by 2025 but still running on diesel generators). But she's also supportive of 'greenlighting', which she defines as spotlighting the good of an operator, even if it's not 'eco through and through'. Do hotels that want you to keep the white towels and not change the sheets really want to help save the world or just their own bottom line? 'What we definitely need is fewer expressions of being conscious or sustainable without substantiated facts,' says luxury travel expert Kinsman. If a hotel is going to claim a 'nature positive' or 'ocean-friendly' label, they need to back it up with hard evidence. 'Considering laundry gobbles up a huge part of their energy and water budgets, I don't care if they're cutting their turnover for economic benefits, as long as the end result is that they can actually reduce the amount of towels and sheets and all the detergents they use and the fibres they release into our waterways.' How do you know the money you donate to a social enterprise is really going to the right cause? Collette's Sablone says social enterprises typically measure their impact through monitoring and evaluation, tracking the outcomes of their activities to confirm they are making a positive difference in their communities. Resources such as annual reports and partnership pages can be utilised to verify that donations are being used correctly. Transparency and trust are key when supporting social enterprises. 'Don't be afraid to ask many questions and to demand the details, and to see accountability being practised,' says G Adventures' Martin. 'Overtourism occurs when too many visitors flock to a destination, exceeding the local capacity to manage them sustainably,' says Mat Woods, chief executive of New Zealand's Destination Queenstown. 'This can lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation, strained infrastructure, reduced quality of life for residents and a diminished visitor experience.' But places can have both healthy tourist numbers and a happy community if tourism is managed correctly. Queenstown, says Woods, is a good example due to its destination management plan, which outlines a vision for regenerative tourism, with local community input to ensure the region thrives not just economically, but also socially, culturally and environmentally. 'A great place to holiday is a great place to live, so balance is the key,' Keenan adds. What can I do personally to help combat overtourism? Should I just skip places such as Paris, Rome and Venice? When people think of overtourism, they instantly think of 'bucket-list' hotspots such as Paris and Venice, G Adventures' Martin says. 'But what many don't think about is the idea that overtourism can affect small, remote communities as well. Travel should be seen as a force for good, and we shouldn't react to overtourism by turning our back on any one place, city or town. You don't need to rule out a tourist favourite to combat overtourism; you just need to be mindful and conscious about the best way and time to see it.' You can help ease the pressure on a destination by travelling more mindfully, staying longer, travelling off-peak and exploring alternative destinations and second cities. Consider holidaying at home as well, says Keenan, of Ecotourism Australia. 'We are so lucky in Australia to have so many incredible places to go with virtually no crowds. Travellers are increasingly looking for immersive and untouched experiences – we have these in spades right here.' How can I tell if a destination really is doing the right thing? Look closely at its marketing and storytelling, and how it engages with local communities and the environment, says Destination Queenstown's Woods. 'Look for initiatives that both strengthen the economic resilience of the destination and foster connections between visitors, community and those which protect the environment.' I know you shouldn't ride elephants, so is it still OK to ride other animals like camels? 'Whatever the activity, ensure the animal's mental as well as physical needs are provided for,' says John Roberts, group director of sustainability and conservation at the Minor Hotels group. The most important message is to look for science-based welfare certification from any animal excursion, no matter the species, to guarantee the best of care. Is there any way I can pack for a trip that's better for the planet? Packing light reduces your carbon footprint and makes it easier to use trains and buses and not rely on less environmentally forgiving private transportation, says Ecotourism Australia's Keenan. 'Consider whether you really need to buy certain items before you go. If you really want to [do so], purchase them from small businesses or markets in your destination, helping the money stay in that local community.' Loading What's the feeling these days about visiting and supporting zoos around the world? There's still a place for zoos, says Minor Hotels' Roberts, since it's still not possible for everyone to travel to view creatures in the wild and to be inspired to care for the natural world. A licensed and well-regulated zoo, for instance a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria, will be providing the best possible care and, most importantly, will be prevented from being part of the illegal wildlife trade and other anti-conservation measures.' How can I choose an ethical safari, as wild animals can be crowded on some tours? Travel with a company that plays a part in conservation or pays extra for exclusivity, ideally with a local community as benefactors, says Roberts. 'Certainly, it's better for the animals' wellbeing not to be overcrowded, and for conservation in general, but it does come at a price point that excludes the vast majority of people. But overcrowding problems come when the experience is too convenient and cheap.' PLEASE EXPLAIN: WHAT IT ALL MEANS Sustainability Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Greenwashing The act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice. Carbon offsets A system of credits used by a company or organisation to compensate for what they are emitting, thereby decreasing their net emissions. Loading Single-use plastic Items such as cling-wrap and plastic straws that are designed for one use only before being discarded. Social enterprise A business designed to achieve specific social objectives as its primary purpose, benefiting marginalised or economically disadvantaged groups by permanently improving their socioeconomic conditions. Regenerative tourism Leaving places you visit in a better state than you found them. Paris Agreement A legally binding international treaty, entered into force in November 2016, with the goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and hold global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
This New 10-Night Luxury Cruise Spotlights Mexico's Baja California Peninsula
Ponant wants to help you see Mexico in a whole new way. The French cruise line has just announced it will be taking seafarers to Baja California in the winter of 2027. The new 10-night itinerary, aptly named Exploration in the Heart of Baja California, aims to spotlight the best of this ecologically rich region. More from Robb Report Bethenny Frankel Sold Her Her Historic Greenwich Estate in a Clandestine $7.8 Million Deal The Architects Behind the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakesh Designed This $6.7 Million London Flat This Ultra-Limited Bourbon Is an Ode to One of Kentucky's Most Legendary Distilleries Throughout the first three months of 2027, the 430-foot Le Bellot will carry out four round-trip journeys around the famous peninsula. Departing from Cano San Lucas, the upscale cruise ship will take up to 184 guests on each adventure. All 92 staterooms and suites onboard the liner feature private balconies or terraces. Seafarers can also expect Ponant's signature French touch and attentive service. Developed over three years with the help of local communities, the curated itineraries will spotlight natural wonders, including the coral reefs and marine animals that abound in the UNESCO-designated Gulf of California. Guests may see gray, blue, and humpback whales or a bottlenose dolphin, for instance. Shore landings will also allow travelers to explore coastal towns like Loreto. 'From awe-inspiring wildlife encounters with whales and sea lions to the rugged beauty of desert canyons and the charm of small coastal towns, our new Baja California itinerary is shaped by respect—both for the environment and the local communities who helped bring it to life,' Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, said in a statement. One voyage will be operated in partnership with frequent Ponant collaborator Smithsonian Journeys. Departing on February 10, 2027, this trip includes an onboard lecture series that will provide seafarers with insight into the region's history, culture, environment, and wildlife. Two Smithsonian Journeys experts will be on hand to answer any burning questions and provide valuable intel about each destination. Designed to suit both leisure and adventure travelers, the itinerary includes optional snorkeling, scuba diving, and canyon hiking. It also offers a curated excursion and/or activity at each port of call. To top it off, Ponant says guests will be able to partake in 'a high-impact whale experience that no other cruise line operates.' Given the proximity of Baja California to the U.S., Ponant's new itinerary is a great choice for stateside travelers looking for a quick and easy escape. Departures for the 2027 Baja California itinerary include: January 31, February 10, February 20, and March 2. Contact Ponant for more information. Best of Robb Report The Ultimate Miami Spa Guide: 15 Luxurious Places to Treat Yourself The 7 Most Insanely Luxurious Spas in the World, From Tokyo to Iceland 17 Reasons the Caribbean Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Itinerary Click here to read the full article.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- West Australian
Ponant releases rare opportunity to explore Baja California, Mexico marine wilderness
The coastline off Baja California in Mexico has been referred to as 'the world's largest aquarium'. And wildlife seekers will have a priceless opportunity to get up close with ocean giants on a rare voyage with Ponant Explorations. Setting sail in early 2027, the adventure has been three years in the making after an extensive reconnaissance mission undertaken by Ponant's research team. The Baja California peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and is maritime sanctuary for many species of whales, dolphins, rays and sea lions, who seek refuge in the sheltered wilderness to reproduce in the northern hemisphere winter. Ponant's team of expert naturalists will guide guests on an 11-day exploration aboard luxury cruise ship Le Bellot, navigating the unspoilt coastline, marvelling over the wildlife, hiking through majestic canyons and visiting small Mexican towns including charming Loreto. The itinerary has been co-developed with local communities and conservation stewards, which Ponant's Jose Sarica, who directed the research and development scouting mission, says aligns with the operator's ethos of responsible tourism. 'Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for me,' Sarica says. 'We have a huge responsibility to share this exceptional environment, to pass it on to future generations, and to show that we are worthy of the trust placed in us by the people who live there. 'What I experienced there compares to no other experience: it's the powerful feeling of being truly alive, connected to nature, and that's what our guests will discover.' + Exploration in the Heart of Baja California departs from Cabo San Lucas on three dates in 2027: January 31, February 20 and March 2. + Packages start at $10,950 per person. Price is subject to change without notice at any time. + For more information, visit
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Cruise ships will sail from the Port of Dover this summer – with sailings to Norway, Malta, Portugal and more
Carnival Miracle is among cruise ships that have made inaugural calls in Kent this month as the Port of Dover prepares for its high season. Southampton may be the main UK port for cruises but Dover will have hosted four inaugural calls for ships during May and has five regular brands departing from its terminal, providing another departure option for UK passengers. Windstar's Star Pride and Ponant's Le Laperouse and Le Bellot ships stopped at the port for the first time this month, meaning more than 3,000 new guests have travelled into the region in May. The Port of Dover expanded its mooring facilities earlier this year to make room for larger ships and can now host three vessels at once. Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, said: 'We are thrilled to launch our 2025 season with Carnival and their guests, and to see another member of their fleet begin her set of nine turnaround calls this year. 'We also had the pleasure of welcoming both Star Pride and Le Laperouse for their debut calls. 'It was wonderful seeing these two unique ships moored alongside each other in front of the White Cliffs and making use of our wide-ranging facilities catering for different ship sizes and styles.' The Windstar and Ponant ships were only in port for a visit during longer sailings but there are a range of cruise brands departing from Dover in the coming months. Carnival Miracle The 2,670-capacity Carnival Miracle made its debut in Dover this month. The vessel is hosting British Isles sailings from the port after just coming out of drydock following a refresh that includes a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge and Cloud 9 Spa. Passengers can also enjoy the ship's refreshed mini-golf course and eat at a new chef's table experience. Carnival Miracle will homeport in Dover until early August for a series of nine and 12-day itineraries across the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltics and northern Europe. Prices start from £747 per person for a nine-day Spain, Portugal and France cruise that departs on 30 May. Saga Cruises Over-50s brand Saga Cruises has regular departures from Dover aboard both Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Itineraries include sailings around Britain and Norway, including a seven-night Norwegian fjords summertime cruise departing on 15 August from £2,822 per person. Fred Olsen's 1,360-capacity Borealis is departing from Dover throughout the summer. Passengers can enjoy sailings to the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Azores region in Portugal Other highlights include its 11-night Malta and Scenic Sights of Croatia sailing, departing on 5 June from £1,299 per person. Seabourn Sojourn Luxury cruise brand Seabourn has six sailings from Dover until early August aboard its Sojourn ship, which caters for 458 passengers. Itineraries include sailings to Iceland and Norway as well as a seven-day Castles, Lochs and Scottish Highlands cruise departing on 2 August from £4,164 per person. Holland America Nieuw Statendam Holland America's Nieuw Statendam ship has several sailings from Dover until September. It marks Holland America Line's first UK season in 10 years, with the 2,666-guest ship.
