French cruise line PONANT has developed a “Covid-safe” protocol to ensure safe travel on board its mega-yachts. The main goal of the company is to preserve the health of passengers and provide the best service.
The small size of mega-yachts, with an average capacity of 170 passengers, and the vast experience in organizing luxury cruises around the world allow the cruise line to quickly implement and strictly follow the new rules.
Before the start of the cruise, each passenger is required to pass a Covid test; each time they board, their body temperature will be measured and disinfection will be carried out.
All PONANT mega-yachts are equipped with a medical center with all the necessary equipment to provide medical care. A doctor and nurse are available 24 hours a day and are currently undergoing training on Covid-19 and screening. Medical staff will be monitoring the condition of all passengers on board daily.
To maintain social distancing on board, the number of passengers in the theater, restaurant or gym at one time will be reduced by 50%. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer is required when moving through public areas of the vessel.
The new rules will also affect catering. Restaurants will be redesigned to accommodate social distancing requirements, printed menus will no longer be provided for ordering food, and all menu information will be available on your smartphone in a dedicated app. Distribution of food is carried out exclusively a la carte; the buffet will no longer be available.
The standards for cleaning premises, as well as the disinfectants used, are also subject to changes. And a new air conditioning system will eliminate air recirculation and deliver only fresh air to the cabins.
Shore landings will be carried out only in regions with a calm epidemiological situation, avoiding densely populated areas. Local tour operators will also have to strictly adhere to the new measures. During expedition cruises, the number of passengers per Zodiac will not exceed 6 people.
In order to resume operations as quickly as possible, Ponant plans to offer new routes in the coming weeks. The company is developing new cruises both in Europe and only in France. The new cruises will be more affordable, allowing new customers to discover Ponant and its luxury mega-yachts.
One of Ponant’s stated goals is to restore passenger confidence and bring back the taste of travel.
