The world’s only French-flagged cruise company wants North Americans to sail with the line this year.  With a fleet of three distinctive yachts and ships and a fourth ship debuting in May, Compagnie du Ponant is betting that the time is right to promote it’s cruises directly to the U.S. market. Terri A. Haas, formally with Celebrity Cruises has been named Chief Commercial Officer. Haas says that in addition to expanding reservation capabilities, a field sales team, and preferred supplier relationships with the various agency consortia that travel agents can also expect increased product training through seminars and webinars in the future.

Through past programs offered through A&K and Tauck and other select operators and sailings on the Song of Flower travel agents and some American travelers are already familiar with Compagnie du Ponant’s fleet.  The three-masted Le Ponant, the Le Levant yacht and the ice-class expedition ship Le Diamant all sail to ports in Europe and the Caribbean as well as to some of the more remote and unspoiled areas of the globe including Greenland, Antarctica and the Maldives.  The line’s newest vessel, the 466-foot mega-yacht Le Boréal, will be christened in May and its sister ship, L’Austral will debut in May 2011. Haas says that the ships sizes and leading technical capabilities will be ideal for Compagnie du Ponant to increase its pressence in the Antarctica market.

Ponant’s philosophy – to offer small ship cruising with a bit of French flavor subtly blending a stylish, yet comfortable ambiance with discreet and welcoming service – is very much aligned with the aspirations of today’s travelers.  “Our guests will enjoy the best that France offers in cuisine, wines and service in an elegant and relaxing atmosphere,” says, Terri Haas, Compagnie du Ponant’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Guests tell us they feel like they are on their own private yacht. The captain and crew get to know all their guests.  And our yachts explore ports larger ships simply can’t visit,” says Haas. 
Compagnie du Ponant is a division of CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping group.  On the French-flagged cruise line, all the captains and officers are French and all speak fluent English, as does the rest of the crew. Travel agent commissions range from 10-15%.

Compagnie du Ponant, 888-400-1082, USreservations@ponant.com, www.ponant.com