CHARLOTTE – Ponant visits most navigable parts of the world including Africa, Alaska, Scandinavia, and the Artic. They are one of the few lines with a contract with the Smithsonian Institute. This allows them to have Educators on board some cruises for a first-class experience. They currently have 1 ship in operation. Oceania Cruise is a specialty cruise line that offers a luxury cruise on ships with 625 to 1200 passengers. They currently operate 6 ships on over 300 itineraries during the 2022 year and worldwide. Each ship purports to offer the ultimate in fine dining, mostly in a single main dining room and an Italian restaurant, plus a Waves Grill. Advertised as the best cuisine at sea along with Ultimate Luxury, they price above the mainstream, but below Ultra Luxury. Last in the specialty line up is Paul Guaquin Cruises.

With only one ship, they ply the wonderful waters of Tahiti. That probably makes them one-of-a-kind because Tahiti is a very special place and is usually on the top of the Honeymoon Destination list for most Brides. A combination of a very limited itinerary, a 630-passenger ship, and limited airlift from the East and central USA, they just do not get the recognition here that they deserve. Again with the main dining room and 2 smaller venues, French Cuisine tops the charts. Think Romance Forever.

Phil and Barbara own Leisure Travel Experts here in Mint Hill and are proud members of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce.