THE Southern Hemisphere’s cruise facilities are holding the region back, according to one of Ponant Explorations’ most experienced leaders. Captain Etienne Garcia (pictured), who helms the cruise line’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot (pictured), said facilities in the south, particularly the region’s energy capabilities, cannot compare to what is on offer...
THE Southern Hemisphere’s cruise facilities are holding the region back, according to one of Ponant Explorations’ most experienced leaders.
Captain Etienne Garcia (pictured), who helms the cruise line’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot (pictured), said facilities in the south, particularly the region’s energy capabilities, cannot compare to what is on offer in the north.
This may impact the south’s ability to attract newer vessels, with Garcia particularly noting fuel supply issues.
“We cannot bunker energy everywhere, for example, in the Northern Hemisphere, almost everywhere, but in the Southern Hemisphere, in Ushuaia, you don’t, so I think it’s still a challenge,” he explained.
“They want us to go ahead, but we don’t have the facilities.”
Bringing vessels south may prove increasingly challenging, as cruise lines more greatly consider their environmental impact.
Garcia, in Australia last week to speak at Ponant’s Discovery Sessions (CW 21 Oct), also discussed balancing the cruise line’s need to expand while maintaining the unique personality its guests appreciate.
“We have to continue to find new itineraries, but we have to not be tempted by the growth capacity, to remain human-size, with around 200 guests maximum,” he said.
Other brand pillars Ponant must continue to observe, Garcia added, include itinerary specificity, continuing to highlight its French style, and the relationship between its crews and its passengers. MS
