Le Bougainville Review

Very disappointing, not the normal Ponant standard

Review for the Middle East Cruise on Le Bougainville
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R1Ha
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Dec 2019

It has been our 4th cruise with Ponant. We like the concept of "Expedition-cruises". This cruise through the Seychelles-islands was very different. We have spoken to other travellers and the general feedback was as follows: Ponant repeaters clearly stated that this was the worst cruise they have done. From "newcomers" we have heard "never again Ponant". Remembering the other excellent cruises with Ponant we felt sorry to listen to these statements. We have been even more disappointed as we convinced some friends to join us on their "first cruise ever".....

The ship is great, the cabins clean, the entire staff absolutely charming and helpful. The food (as usual on Ponant) better than on comparable ships. Someone gets used to the chaotic administration before the cruise (documents arrive one day before departure despite several requests, no answers to mails, etc). But usually the organisation on board is excellent and does not reflect the low performance of the headquarter.

Not this time: Obviously the cruise director could not cope with the job: unprofessional announcements...if any.., (although we are French speaking we felt sorry for the English speaking passengers: the badly to understand announcements lead to a number of misunderstandings and frustrations among the passengers.) Further she seemed to be completely lost in unexpected situations. Even he highlight "Visit to La Digue" had been messed up. Due to weather and sea conditions the ship had to anchor in front of Praslin instead of La Digue. Instead of organising one of the frequent fast ferries from the pier to La Digue where the program had been organised and booked already, passengers had been offered to visit an unattractive beach on Praslin. Improvisation had always been the strength of Ponant. Not this time!

Cabin Review

Cabin very good although small. Lots of room in cupboard and drawers. Fantastic staff!

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