Travelers with a taste for adventure have always sought the extraordinary. Ponant is partnering with the legendary pearling company Paspaley Pearls to create transformative voyages designed for adventure. Each expedition has luxury at its heart while remaining in harmony with nature.
When PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT launches next year, it will be a boutique expeditionary cruise ship unlike any other. The vessel is designed for just 30 guests and is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant
The inaugural 10-night expedition on January 10, 2025, sets sail from Dili in East Timor to Bali and promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Encounter whale sharks, Komodo dragons and unique Indonesian cultures along the way.
On board
The boutique expedition motor yacht will sail year-round to some of the world’s most exceptional destinations with diverse itineraries spanning the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North (including Arnhem Land and Cape York), East Indonesia (including Raja Ampat & Spice Islands) and Papua New Guinea (including the Sepik River and New Britain Island)..
Each expedition will take a different course, from exclusive locations on the rugged Kimberley Coast to the wilds of Australia’s Far North. East Indonesia’s lesser-known destinations and Papua New Guinea’s unique remoteness are all on show. Each journey will feature soul-stirring wildlife encounters in seldom-experienced destinations, sustainably harnessing hospitality.
The newly launched Paspaley Pearl by Ponant website allows guests to craft a personalized adventure. Dedicated Yacht Concierges are ready to assist with everything from private air charters to pre and post-expedition arrangements, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned for cruising.
Expedition Experts
“After many months of meticulous preparations behind the scenes, we stand on the threshold of a significant milestone as we proudly announce the official launch of Paspaley Pearl by Ponant,” says Sarina Bratton AM – Ponant Global Senior Strategic Advisor and Honorary Chairwoman APAC. “Our vision is to create and deliver bespoke, boutique expedition experiences for few guests in a safe, comfortable, environmentally sustainable and inspiring environment, allowing our naturalists to showcase the wildlife and cultures in many untapped, remote destinations in and around Australia.”
“Sharing the routes that my crew and I pioneered in the 1970s onboard our pearl luggers will provide wonderful opportunities for guests,” says Nicholas Paspaley AC, Paspaley Executive Chairman. “An in-depth immersion into and understanding of the pearling industry will enrich many.”
Menus are designed by the acclaimed Serge Dansereau (formally of Bathers Pavilion) and are influenced by the daily catch of wild fish, ensuring a diverse culinary experience that also showcases premium Australian meats. Delicacies such as pearl meat, northern prawns, barramundi, and French cheese will also feature.
Explore
Glide across crystal-clear waters, flanked by the Kimberley’s deep red gorges. Explore the pristine 12,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 2,500 islands that comprise the Kimberley Coast. Gain insider access to one of Paspaley’s operational pearl farms. The region is a national biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
Sip cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon in Raja Ampat, the sky lit by millions of stars. Explore the dramatic Karst landscape of ‘the thousand temples’ in Misool and hike to spectacular viewpoints in Raja Ampat.
Snorkel and swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, on a Bali to Dali 11-day and 10-night expeditionary cruise. Visit the remote Lemabata Island and discover ancient traditions and the Buffalo races of Sumbawa Besar.
Emerging as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies, the ship is equipped with industry-benchmarked technology for navigation, safety, and environmentally sensitive operations. Paspaley Pearl features 15 meticulously crafted staterooms and suites.
