Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Compagnie du Ponant Offers Jazz at Sea Featuring Christian Morin

Compagnie du Ponant L'Austral - Jazz Cruise
Luxury yacht company Compagnie du Ponant is creating its own live soundtrack for a fall Mediterranean cruise, coupling distinctive ports of call with special performances by guest jazz musician Christian Morin.  The eight-day “Jazz at Sea” itinerary departs Nice, France on Oct. 27 and ends in Las Palmas, Spain on Nov. 3.  Along the way, the luxury mega-yacht L’Austral visits ports in Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands, as Morin performs private concerts for passengers.  Fares range from $2,621 to $6,547 per person, double.  These fares represent a 20% savings from brochure rates via the Ponant Bonus program, which rewards guests the further in advance they book their cruise.

Onboard, Morin will entertain passengers at two separate concerts.  An accomplished designer, actor and television personality in addition to being a musician, Morin hosts a weekday show on Radio Classique in France and has appeared in films, television and theater.  He’s a clarinetist who has performed in notable Paris jazz clubs, including Le Petit Journal, the Jazz-Club at the Méridien and Le Caveau de la Huchette.  Audiences love his unique style, which he’s now sharing with American jazz enthusiasts through this partnership with Compagnie du Ponant.

Compagnie du Ponant’s ships give their passengers opportunities to explore areas that larger ships simply can’t access.  On this sailing, guests will stop in Barcelona and Malaga, Spain; Casablanca and Essaouira, Morroco; and the Canary Islands.  Malaga, one of the oldest cities in the world, was the birthplace of Pablo Piccaso.  Casablanca is the economic capital of Morroco, while Essaouira is noted for its wood crafts.  Arrecife Lanzarote was named for its black volcanic reefs, and Las Palmas is a cultural center that’s home to museums and theaters.  Optional excursions on this cruise provide opportunities to see mosques, participate in tea ceremonies, hike volcanoes, and take camel excursions.

The 264-passenger mega-yacht L’Austral  is now in its second year of sailing.  It boasts two restaurants specializing in both haute and country French cuisine, an open-air bar, spacious lounges, a library, a theater, a fully equipped spa in partnership with Sothys, a fitness area, a swimming pool, a games area, and a crew of 139.  Its 132 cabins – most with private balconies – have king-size or twin beds, a desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers, and L’Occitane bath products.  Guests will also find all the latest technology in these cabins, including flat-screen satellite televisions, iPod docking stations and Wi-Fi.

Included in the pricing are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda (at lunch and dinner); a welcome-aboard cocktail party; 24-hour room service; all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary; and porterage from quayside to the ship and vice versa.  Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators).  All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments, and local flora and fauna.

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