The luxury expedition cruise line Ponant will voluntarily suspend the cruise operations across the entire fleet as their ships are not able to continue sailing in the right conditions. Following this difficult decision the company sent a letter to all the crew members saying that a significant financial effort will be made out of solidarity to support disembarked crews.

“As you know, the company's priority is to ensure the security and safety of PONANT ships and M/S Paul Gauguin guests and crews, as well as the local people we meet during our ports of call.

Therefore, in agreement with our shareholder, and with the international situation becoming more complex by the hour, we have made the decision, with heavy heart, to take our entire fleet out of operation as our ships were not able to continue sailing in the right conditions. We have also decided that a significant effort will be made financial and out of solidarity to support disembarked crews. We hope as soon as conditions permit, to re-embark all crew members as soon as possible.

We are about to go through an unprecedented and difficult period. Given the situation, I wat to reassure you that we have the support of our shareholder François Pinault, at our side as we face this global crisis. Obviously I am aware of the difficulties but remain confident in our capacity to overcome them. We are financially sound, our guests have confidence in us as evidenced by the fact they continue to book cruises for the future despite the events, and above all I know I can count on the commitment and efficiency of all of you, both aboard and ashore.” said Ponant.