As culinary experiences become increasingly important for guests on cruises, Ponant and Relais & Châteaux announce their exciting foodie partnership for 2020.

Ponant, the luxury French-owned cruise line, and Relais & Châteaux, the five-star hotel group, have collaborated to create three gourmet cruises for 2020, with more to follow in 2021. Three new itineraries are already on sale and available to book.

With their shared values and commitment to excellence and luxury, the partnership between the two companies is a match made in heaven according to Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO and co-founder of Ponant.

“Showcasing French excellence on the seven seas… This philosophy, which has driven Ponant for 30 years, finds its full meaning in the exclusive partnership that we have developed with Relais & Châteaux,” he comments.

“Our shared values in the protection of the environment, a thrive for excellence in service and gastronomy, the concept of ‘boutique hotel’ that echoes the intimate size of our ships… we have a lot in common enabling us to provide our guests with a unique and refined experience.”

Philippe Gombert, CEO of Relais & Châteaux, adds:

“Through this partnership, we are delighted to offer a unique stay and the best of the French cuisine at sea to our guests. Ponant’s ships boast exceptional accommodation making every cruise an unforgettable experience.”

The Relais & Châteaux chefs, who will be on board the Ponant ships throughout the cruises, will coordinate two gala dinners, and create two new dishes specially for the occasion. Guests will also be able to attend a culinary demonstration, cookery classes and lectures.

Depending on the itineraries, the chef may also be able to invite a few guests to accompany him to the markets and meet local producers.

The three culinary cruises include:

Treasures of Brittany
On 20 September 2020, the two Michelin-star Relais & Châteaux’s Chef Mathieu Guibert (Chef of the restaurant Anne de Bretagne, la Plaines-sur-Mer) will be on board Le Jacques Cartier for a week-long cruise along the Breton coastline. Guests will sail along the beautiful Breton region discovering its many sites, including the Ponant Islands, the Gulf of Morbihan, Port-Navalo, Houat, Hoëdic, Ouessant and Belle-Île-en-Mer.
7-night Treasures of Brittany cruise, aboard Le Jacques-Cartier, from 20 to 27 September 2020, from £4,067

Canary Islands & Cape Verde
Guests will set sail from Portugal to Senegal with Relais & Châteaux’s Chef, Federico López Arcay (Chef at A Quinta da Augg, Santiago de Compostela). After Lisbon, the ship will head to the historic city of Funchal in Madeira, before heading to the Atlantic Islands, with ports of call including Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Other highlights include Tenerife, Mindelo and Santiago, before concluding in historic Dakar.
10-night Canary Islands and Cape Verde, aboard Le Dumont-D’Urville, from 11 to 21 October 2020, from £3,888

China and Vietnam
Guests will embark on Le Lapérouse in the vibrant megalopolis of Shanghai, for a 10-night Asian cruise that will take them all the way to Halong Bay. Passengers will discover fascinating cities and explore natural treasures classified as World Heritage by Unesco.
10-night China and Vietnam, aboard Le Lapérouse, from 28 October to 7 November 2020, from £4,067