Secretary of State for Tourism Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne indicated ocean cruises from France may be able to resume but with significantly reduced capacity.
Lemoyne said officials were talking with cruise operators about a capacity restriction. In a recent meeting, a 500-person (passengers and crew) limitation was discussed, however this has not been decided.
Ponant’s plan ‘very interesting’
Ponant’s proposal to operate cruises along the French coasts using six of its vessels was considered ‘very interesting’ by the minister.
Ponant’s new Explorers series ships carry 184 passengers and 112 crew, while its earlier expedition vessels carry up to 264 passengers and 140 crew.
France’s discussion about allowing cruises continues and this topic could advance next week.
