We have traveled to several continents, sometimes with major tour operators like Tauck and NatGeo, but more frequently on our own. This was our first cruise and overall Ponant was very good. The ship, cabin, staff, food, and locations were all wonderful. The presenters and guides were consistently good, and measured up to that I would expect from the Smithsonian. The logistical execution was flawless, especially with getting passengers onto shore and back again. Onboard announcements and information was timely and accurate. My criticism focuses on the communications between Ponant and guests leading up to the cruise, which were in a deluge of emails. One email arrived June 23rd requesting a response by June 19th. A series of emails confused me on what I should wear for "dinner", "galas", "black and white theme" etc. Some information was found online but most was not. Other emails were imprecise, to be kind. For example, passengers should not select excursions based on a code like HRPLE02. These ought not be passenger facing, and caused us to miss a much anticipated excursion to Mostar. Again, all of this was done via back-and-forth email, often with different people. All of this should be online in a passenger portal. Despite all the positives, the miscommunications would dissuade us from traveling Ponant again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Well executed, efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The range of food options was very good. Everything was fresh and well prepared. The staff was eager to please and were very attentive.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The Smithsonian experts were informative and entertaining. We attended talks by the special presenters were fantastic!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The onboard entertainment was quite good for a small ship. It was tasteful and well done.
Children's Programs
The theme was not intended for children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff was excellent across the range of activities.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Well designed and easy to navigate. Comfortable public spaces both indoors and out. Stairs and elevators available. Very comfortable. Easy to get passengers onshore and back for our excursions.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The design is intelligent and surprisingly roomy. We especially enjoyed our balcony to enjoy the ports at sunrise or sunset. Very clean and well attended.
Butrint was educational, but one must love history and ancient ruins to appreciate it. I wished we had more time in Sarande. Our guide marched us back to the ship by 1:00 when in fact we could have stayed ashore longer because the ship did not leave until 5:00. This was owing to (another) miscommunication.
Ploce is an industrial port, but is the best location for an excursion to Mostar or to Ston. Ston is a lovely town and we should have spent the day there instead of the winery.
Excursions in Venice were not organized by the ship, but we did several things on our own: canal tour and St. Marc's Campanile. Venice is unique in the world.
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