Fincantieri to Build Fourth Ponant Cruise Ship

French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant has contracted with Fincantieri to build a twin to "Le Soleal", the mini-cruise ship delivered last month, following three others.

Like the previous three ships, the new ship will also be assigned to Ancona shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2015. It will fly the French flag and will be approximately 11,000 gross tons, about 142 metres long, 18 metres wide and will have a cruise speed of 16 knots.

The new ship will be able to accommodate more than 264 passengers in 132 cabins and suites, all with a sea view, 95% of which have a private balcony, and a crew of 140.

She will be built using the very latest in environmentally friendly technology, while her small size means that she will be able to reach ports and destinations inaccessible to larger vessels. Indeed this ship will cruise in Alaska during the summer, and in Australia and New Zealand during the winter.