Cruising in Style - A Bon Voyage from Panama to Peru
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Cruising in style where first-class adventure tourism and Michelin-starred cuisine are an ideal pairing. “Bonjour, this is your captain speaking. L’attention starboard, we are nearing a grand pod of dolphins.” The announcement flowed between French and English, enlivening my joie de vivre. As the ship slowed, so did time. From my balcony—every cabin had one—I watched hundreds of playful creatures spinning through the sea. This was just one moment among ten days of pure sophistication cruising the Pacific Coast from Panama to Peru.
Launched by French Naval officers in 1988, Ponant’s intimate yachts (with as few as 16 cabins and no more than 132) sail to ethereal destinations on every continent, reaching small ports where mega-ships cannot venture. Sleek design spans bow to stern. Italian masters from Fincantieri craft vessels with impeccable style and innovative environmental technologies. As a sustainable company, Ponant pledges responsible tourism, ecosystem restoration, and purposeful exploration. These admirable commitments made exploring our miraculous planet a profound joy.
On a pre-cruise tour, I marveled at the Panama Canal and Frank Gehry Biomuseo before sailing away at sunset. Day one at sea was a splashy initiation. Zodiacs whisked us to a private beach in the Pearl Islands where umbrellas awaited the leisurely and activities for the interested: kayaking, snorkeling, yoga. Bow-tied waiters served top shelf Champagne in crystal stemware to sunbathers on the sand and swimmers in the gentle surf. Absolute luxury.
The following day we anchored at Darién National Park, Panama’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pristine beaches, rocky coastlines, and lush rainforests were a photographer’s paradise. The native Emberá community greeted us in vibrant, beaded garb and warmhearted smiles. For generations, they’ve lived in harmony with nature and we were mesmerized by their traditional dances, folklore, and exquisitely woven baskets.
Our itinerary included a side trip to Ecuador’s capital city, where opulent colonial architecture surrounds lively plazas and zestful markets. I explored Quito with verve, learning about religious entanglements and peaceful protests. The world’s second-highest capital is also a captivating base for trekking the Andes or jetting to the Galápagos Islands. Ecuadorian artisans take pride in centuries-old crafts; this is where the ‘Panama’ hat originated and genuine Montecristi chapeaus are fine mementos.
If you revere sensational sightseeing, refined elegance, and lavish food and wine, this is the expedition cruise line for you. Ponant’s gastronomy, overseen by legendary chef Alain Ducasse, offers ambrosial choices for any dietary desire. Whether you crave it rich or raw, delicate or bold, the culinary experience is unparalleled.
My voyage was crowned by three-star Michelin chef Christian Le Squer from Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. Christian is gregarious, passionate about the palate, and “likes to evoke emotion in people,” he told me with a sparkle in his eyes.
He also savors authenticity. Mid-Pacific Ocean, spotting local fishermen, Christian convinced our captain to stop our ship. He took a dinghy to their boat and bartered for the catch du jour. The anglers asked for payment in chicken versus cash, and an old-fashioned trade was made. That evening, buttery grilled corvina was served topped with watercress and pickled pear, perfectly paired with a crisp Saumur Blanc from the Loire Valley. Each taste was sublime.
French savoir faire infuses every detail. Veuve Clicquot flows on sun decks, Hermès toiletries grace marble bathrooms, partnerships with Relais & Châteaux and Ladurée create haute couture on board. And experts from Smithsonian Journeys, Explorers Club, and Women of the Poles bring journeys to life with immersive cultural depth.
As a first-time cruiser, I discovered unexpected connections with people and passages. The abundance of amenities delighted: shows curated by Cirque du Soleil, luxe Sothys spa treatments, a heated seawater pool, Pilates classes, ornate carvings with fruit purchased at harbor, a charismatic Equator-crossing ceremony. Everything outlined in a daily journal delivered to my door.
Craving space? Plan a personalized day trip or stay on the boat when others do not. Primo vistas and VIP dining tables await near the open-air bar. The panoramic lounge is a refuge for reading, playing games, listening to live music, and thanking your lucky stars.
Nautical connoisseurs will treasure the navigation room which is always accessible to view the crew charting course. Here I first laid eyes on Callao, Peru and witnessed a kiss landing before embarking on a post-cruise excursion to majestic Machu Picchu.
For ultimate indulgence, book a suite with 24/7 butler service, exclusive cocktail soirees, and priority boarding/departure. C’est magnifique!
Written by Danica Farley
