Royal Caribbea
n's Navigator
of the Seas
docked at T
enerife in the
Canary Island
s.
in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Although
among the more-costly, almost everything,
including fine French wines, is included in the
fare. We travelled from Cape Town to Durban
on Ponant’s Le Lyrial. The eight-day experience
started with two nights on board in Cape Town
itself and then a leisurely trip to Port Elizabeth,
Richard’s Bay and finally Durban. There are
always acclaimed guest speakers on board
who offer lectures in French and in English.
When you think refined French hospitality
you are thinking about a Ponant experience.
The experience is luxurious in every detail but
not at all stuffy. Veuve Cliquot Champagne is
standard as are the most acclaimed French
cheese and chocolates. And, did I mention
the Laduree macarons in your room or the
Hermes bathroom amenities? You get the
picture. Although it would be hard to imagine
more luxury, the real appeal is that these ships
and French crews are built to explore regions
- like the polar ice caps and the smaller ports
most other ships are simply too large or ill
equipped to navigate.
In South Africa Cruises International books
Royal Caribbean 011 327 0327, Monica
Ferreira of Cruisemasters on 011 234 3134
represents Holland American Lines and
Ponant by Natalia Ross or Development
Promotions 011 463 1170.
See BrianBerkman.com for more.
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