Compagnie du Ponant is highly recognized as a leading luxury yacht cruise provider. In 2010, Compagnie du Ponant introduced the yacht Le Boréal and in 2011 L’Austral was launched.

Similar to the elegant contours as her two sister ships, Le Soléal follows in their luxury ship footsteps, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to enhance guest comfort, top service, highly-regarded food and a private yacht feel – the embodiment of Compagnie du Ponant’s ‘Yacht cruises’ concept.

Scheduled to launch in July, 2013 – Le Soléal yacht will feature five-star accommodations in each of the luxury boat’s 132 staterooms and suites. The cruise yacht’s sophisticated design will allow its passengers access to the most outstanding sites around the globe, where larger ships can’t even get close.

For her inaugural season Le Soléal will be taking guests to a new and exciting, but rarely visited destination: the Arctic.

From the legendary North West Passage (which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) to the Bering Strait, from ice floe to tundra, these unusual itineraries will offer the chance to discover hidden gems way beyond the Arctic Circle. Le Soléal’s 264 guests will be able to follow the paths of the great explorers, take in Inuit villages and view extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, brown bears, wolves, puffins, walrus and beluga whales. Excursions in zodiacs, hiking and helicopter tours will also be available for the most adventurous guests.

Le Soléal by Compagnie du Ponant offers a leisurely cruise that combines intimacy, authenticity and elegance, as only the French know how. The company offers luxury cruises to the six continents including Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Europe and Australia/Oceania.

Included in the new all-inclusive pricing of sailings are all meals,, open bar, stocked mini-bar, a welcome-aboard cocktail party, 24-hour room service, all entertainment as indicated within the itinerary, gratuities, and port charges and fees. Air, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

For cruise reservations and additional information about Compagnie du Ponant, please visit: http://en.ponant.com

Nero

Founded in 1975 with ten international offices, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts of over 130-feet. Burgess leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including yacht sale and purchase, technical consultancy services, charter and operational management.

Superyachts are a window into the lifestyle of the wealthiest people on the planet. While the owners of these beautiful boats are often confidential, they vary from captains of industry, hedge-fund titans and internet entrepreneurs to rock stars, celebrities and Hollywood elite.

As the global superyacht leader, Burgess offers its clients a large fleet of the most luxurious yachts. By visiting their website, take a look at the teak decks scattered with comfy sunbeds and Jacuzzi pools to the lavishly outfitted interiors replete with cinemas, gyms, spas, libraries and more all served by impeccable crews.

As summer nears, the boating season is ramping up and you can plan your boating adventure by taking a look at some of the amazing Superyachts that will be sailing into the French Riviera’s chicest spots.

At 295-ft NERO (shown above) is one of the largest yachts on the market today and was designed to emulate the ‘Corsair’ series of yachts owned in the early part of the last century by the financier J.P.Morgan.  She has authentic, old-world charm and elegance of the 1920s, coupled with modern state-of-the-art technology and can accommodate 12 guests in 6 plush staterooms, including a vast duplex master suite with its own lounge, sundeck and pool.  Charter rates begin at about $505,000 a week, excluding operating expenses. NERO is also offered for sale.

Who wouldn’t want an onboard pool on their own superyacht?  The incredible 16-ton scallop-shaped pool on the 216.6-ft NATITA is flanked by four wide steps in an overflow allowing guests to cool down simply by taking a seat in the shallows and is fitted with jets to create a Jacuzzi or current for lap swimming.

One of the most sought after yachts available for charter today, the 200.8-ft MAJESTIC offers classic luxury and modern amenities. With vast outdoor areas guests may choose a private retreat or gather for relaxation. Charter rates for MAJESTIC start at about $496,000a week, excluding operating expenses.

The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service.

For additional information on Burgess, please visit www.burgessyachts.com

Energy Team AC45 sponsored by Corum – Venice, Italy

Between May 15th and 20th, the next stage of the America’s Cup World Series is taking place in romantic Venice, Italy in front of the magnificent St. Mark’s Square.

Luxury watchmaker Corum is a sponsor of the Energy Team. For this segment of America’s Cup World Series there will be a change as  Loïck Peyron replaces Yann Guichard and takes the helm of the French one-design boat – Energy Team AC45.

Corum brand joined France’s “AC45 Energy Team” to be its Official Timekeeper. The sponsorship by Corum reinforces the fine watchmaker’s full support of the Peyron brothers’ drive to win the next America’s Cup.

During a recent interview, Loïck Peyron was asked if there have been some changes to the programme in particular with the match race event.
He replied, “Yes, the rules have changed and that’s a good thing. In Naples for example, it was all very sudden with elimination after just one duel. That gave rise to some strange results, with Spithill finishing seventh, for example. In Venice, from the quarter finals, it will be the best of three or in other words two wins if you prefer. To sum up, we shall be sailing much more. Another change is that the fleet race on Super Sunday now has a weighting of three instead of five. That means that the other races during the week will count more. This need for consistency is something that suits us.”

Peyron answered the question, what are the characteristics of the sailing area in Venice?
“In Venice, anything can happen. I know a little about the waters here having raced aboard Oman Sail in an Extreme 40 event and because it was here that the Round Europe races started, when I raced on Fuji. These waters are extremely tricky, as there are so many different parameters and local effects. You really have to grab every opportunity. During the first two days, we’ll be racing outside off the Lido, but for the final three days and Sunday’s big race, we shall be inside just off St. Mark’s Square. This is going to be truly magnificent, even if we know that the race area is going to be complicated to deal with, as it is not very big at all. On an Extreme 40, the race area was already quite small, so on an AC45… But I enjoy this sort of challenge and in this legendary setting, it’s going to be a marvelous experience. Usually, the winds are quite light there and we may well have to fit the wing extensions.”

Corum Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph

In support of the America’s Cup World Series, Corum introduced the Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph watch. This luxury sports watch is incredibly stylish. The Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph provides a historical heritage, a pure design plus for the first time in this legend line, a more classical aspiration expressed through a cosc-certified chronograph movement.

The Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph watch by Corum reflects a number of the signature codes of the original Admiral’s Cup, united in an harmonious blend of sportiness and elegance.

UltraLuxum CXL Trimaran

UltraLuxum Yachting launches a new “silver” version of the UltraLuxum CXL luxury trimaran.

ULTRALUXUM CXL is a “futuristic and realistic vision of architecture, comfort, energy saving and performances, through a variable-geometry luxury Sailing Yacht”.Conceptulised by Jean-François Ruchonnet, the Ultraluxum CXL is a 48-metre fast cruising sailing trimaran, which is set to start construction soon at the TAMSEN MARITIM SHIPYARD in Rostock, Germany.

The technical specifications and the general design of the new “silver” version of the UltraLuxum CXL luxury trimaran remain the same.

The Ultraluxum CX  measure more than 48 metres of carbon fiber. This ultra-performing trimaran is based on advanced naval architectural research and the use of high-end technologies.

The CXL is the first sailing trimaran of this size to be equipped with folding hull beams; the overall width is going from 23m in sailing configuration to 11m in harbour configuration. Design took a number of factors into consideration, as hydro and aerodynamic research, speed performance, ergonomics and layout.

UltraLuxum CXL Trimaran

Exterior and naval architecture by Coste Design & Partners let guests enjoy a shaded lounging area towards the aft, which is connected to the interior salon via a sliding door, the opportunity to sunbath on either side of a Jacuzzi and to dine amidships. The Trimaran also includes scuba diving equipment and other water toys, which are stored in Lazarette compartments towards the transom.

The interior, which is the result of a collaboration between Coste Design & Partners and UltraLuxum owner Jessica Sbaraglia, offers an en suite owners cabin, two guest cabins with en suite and a crew cabin. The three deck sloop rigged trimaran will be constructed using a sandwich Epoxy resin and carbon/PU foam using an under vacuum infusion process.

The main sail is 360msq when fully battened, and thanks to an optional hybrid system with electric engines, a maximum speed of 15 knots can be achieved when not under sail. The yacht will be built following the requirements of the WoodForever foundation under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

For additional information on buying, selling, leasing, chartering or renting a luxury boat or yacht, please email us at: sales@thelifeofluxury.com

Compagnie du Ponant

For golf and travel enthusiasts who are looking to combine their two passions, Compagnie du Ponant invites has just the package for you.

Compagnie du Ponant introduced its nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five stunning courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.

The 290-foot Le Ponant is a luxurious 64-passenger yacht that cruises the Mediterranean Sea. The yacht features intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities that are sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.

During port stops, golf lovers can play rounds at popular courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest.

If golf is not your game, you are in luck. Enjoy stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering three differenet “Nice-Nice” Golf Themed Cruises, departuring May 6, 17 and 25.

These luxury golf themed cruises are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales.

Cruise fares are priced from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double occupancy. Golfers pay an additional $760 per person for golf course fees.

· Acquabona Golf Club – set in hilly countryside bordered by oak pines and eucalyptus trees, this nine-hole course with double starting ground challenges guests with uphill and downhill shots complicated by crosswinds from the sea. Situated on the Island of Elba, halfway between Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, the course offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf and inland landscape.

· Le Pavoniere – the former playground of Lorenzo de’Medici, this relatively flat course in the old Tavola Farmhouse Estate Park is surrounded by holm-oak woods, cluster pines and Tuscan cypresses. Designed in 1986 by Arnold Palmer, the course suits golfers of all skill levels.

· Pevero – a creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is renowned for the beauty of its tree-covered hills and rocky coastline and has been ranked in the top 50 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The innovative layout incorporates the natural challenges in the landscape, from the Mistral – the northern wind that shaped the rocks in the area – to vegetation, lakes and 70 bunkers that dot the 6,688-yard course.

· Sperone Golf Club – comprised partly of rocky scrubland and partly linked, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces – and is ranked 6th in all of France. The course offers three signature holes: the 10th, where your drive must carry the water; the 15th, which has a cliff-top green; and the 16th, named one of the world’s most stunning Par 5 holes by Golf Magazine.

· Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins – nestled within the heart of the Valmasque Forest and traversed by the Boullide River, this 6,906 yard, 18-hole course offers a round that is as breathtaking as it is complex. Founded in 1923, the course was rebuilt in 1977 by golf architects Peter Allis and Dave Thomas and has since organized the Cannes Open, serving as a highlight on the European Tour.

All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact us at:

AmaWaterways is proud to announce a variety of luxury Rhone wine cruises onboard the AmaDagio, which is one of AmaWaterways owned and operated ships.

Beginning March 25, the new wine cruise will travel through captivating Provencal Wine Country on the Rhone River.

To celebrate the debut of the AmaDagio on its first cruise on the Rhone, AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst will host a President’s Wine Cruise on the maiden wine cruise.

Schreiner was quoted, “The Rhone wine cruises feature the world’s most popular regions and wine makers in Europe. Guests have the opportunity to celebrate wine culture in a unique and enriching way.”

The cruise will also feature renowned wine hosts Carissa Chappellet, Owner and Managing Director of Chappellet Winery and Archie McLaren, Founder and Chairman of Central Coast Wine Classic.

Each wine cruise features:
· Excursions to historic vineyards and cellars to learn firsthand about the “Old World” wine traditions of each region
· Complimentary wine lectures with renowned host(s)
· Wine tastings and the opportunity to sample award-winning vintages both onboard and on shore
· Fine dining with special wine pairings

This 7-night “In Celebration of Wine” cruise is part of AmaWaterways’ 15-day Provence and Spain itinerary.  Begin with 3 nights in Paris, prior to embarking your cruise in Lyon.  The excursions include the Beaujolais wine region; tours of Roman ruins and stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Avignon and Arles, where many artists spent much of their life, including Vincent Van Gogh.  After the 7-night cruise, guests will visit the medieval town of Perpignan, France before ending their voyage in Barcelona.

Including the new Rhone destination, AmaWaterways offers eight customized “In Celebration of Wine” themed cruises that also showcase wine regions along the Rhine and the Danube Rivers. These special sailings feature exclusive wine-themed excursions, such as a traditional “Heuriger” tasting of new wine in the villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna; an introduction to Alsatian wines at the “Wunsch et Mann” winery in Wettolsheim and an unforgettable “Oktoberfest” in the village of Vilshofen created specifically for the guests.

The “In Celebration of Wine” program selected dates and itineraries are as follows:
· PROVENCE AND SPAIN – 3 nights in Paris, 7-night cruise & 3 nights in Barcelona (or reverse.) USA/CANADA departs: Mar. 25, Nov. 4 & 11, 2012
· THE ROMANTIC DANUBE – 7-night Danube cruise & 3 nights in Prague (or reverse) USA/CANADA departs: Nov. 3 & 13, 2012
· THE LEGENDARY DANUBE – 3 nights in Prague & 7-night Nuremberg – Budapest cruise. USA/CANADA departs: Oct. 31, 2012
· THE ENCHANTING RHINE – 7-night Rhine cruise, 2 nights Lucerne & 2 nights in Zurich (or reverse.) USA/CANADA departs: Nov. 7 & 10, 2012

To take advantage of one of these great wine themed voyages or receive additional information about AmaWaterways, please contact a local travel agent or visit www.amawaterways.com.

Ribbon 45 SC Yachts

Ribbon Yachts is a maritime design and manufacture company based in the Netherlands and has collaborated with Vripack to develop a luxury yacht named the Ribbon 45 SC.

The Ribbon 45 SC is a planing, high speed cruiser that’s been  designed for every day use. The luxury baot’s characteristic lines and innovative design makes this spacious 45 footer and also gives her a modern look.

This lightweight structured Ribbon 45 SC cruiser offers many special features and was carefully built with Dutch ingenuity and craftsmanship of Ribbon Yachts.

Aircraft-style
Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential.  Each element is created exactly according to its function.  Ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Ribbon. Alon with  Ribbon, the Vripack designers have coherently developed this  philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, that gives the luxury yacht incredible movement.

Interior and exterior
Like these planes the Ribbon 45 SC has a fully equipped helm and navigation cockpit which is   located   in the middle of the yacht. The station is fitted out with three Recaro sport bucket seats providing exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made of lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber to guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving   situations.   The luxuryRibbon 45 SC boat’s cockpit is completely sheltered by the huge windscreen around the entire cockpit area, so that the guests can safely relax and sun-bathe during navigating. The cabin provides unparalleled leg room, huge overhead lockers and a private toilet and shower area.

Rolls-Royce
The twin Rolls-Royce water jets powered by Cummins engines are controlled by the vector stick  control   system providing in state-of-the-art easy docking and maneuverability with very tight turning circles and super fine control in fine quarters.

Voringsfoss waterfall

The world is full of wondrous, unusual places, shaped by the elements of nature and left untouched by humankind. Instead of heading for somewhere popular and more famous, try looking for those amazing sites that lie waiting for discovery.

The west coast of Norway is such a destination: formed by ancient glaciers, the coastline is something of a tribute to the terrestrial phenomenon of fjords. Narrow inlets characterized by sheer cliffs and awe-inspiring watercliffs, Norwegian fjords are jaw-dropping in scale and power, and the best way to see them is by taking one of the available ocean cruises.

Cruises leave regularly from Southampton and last about nine days or so. The itinerary includes stopovers at historical towns such as Bergen, Flam and Eidfjord, where excursions out to see other sites of interest can be arranged. This means there’s the opportunity to see the world famous Flam railway, renowned for being one of the steepest railway lines in the world, and to experience Voringsfoss, which at 600 feet is Norway’s most visited waterfall.

The towns themselves are quaint and well worth the visit. Flam has stunning views of the Norwegian wild and an excellent museum dedicated to its railway. Eidfjord is home to a power plant built into the side of a mountain and to Voringsfoss. Olden is one of the tiniest villages you could ever hope to see, but it’s a very popular tourist destination due to the magnificent Briksdalsbreen glacier.

Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, a cultural and commercial hub that’s perfect for stretching those sea legs and picking up some interesting memorabilia. Passengers get close and personal with all aspects of Norway on this cruise and the opportunity to see some of the most gorgeous untouched nature in the world is one not to be missed.

Of course, the majority of time will be spent on board the cruise ship. Nine days can seem like a long time spent on a boat on paper, but in reality the days fly by. The ship has enough facilities to keep the fussiest of passengers occupied for the duration of the ocean cruise, with restaurants and bars offering a variety of food and drink in both formal and informal settings, a casino, swimming pools, spa services, a lido lounge and more.

The service on board harks back to the great British tradition of cruise ships, with a stylish interior, excellent customer service, and comfortable settings no matter what grade of cabin chosen. A tip for those on a budget: The cheapest times of year for travelling is May, but always make sure to book well ahead for the best price.

An ocean cruise like this is unique and unusual; definitely off the typical tourist radar and worth doing. The ship provides a safe and comfortable temporary home during travel, the Norwegian locals are friendly and helpful, and the sheer beauty of the scenery cannot be emphasised enough. Go on this trip, and you’ll have memories that will last you a lifetime.

There are holidays that are taken for a nice getaway, to refresh and recharge the batteries quickly and with minimal fuss. While they have a place in today’s modern work schedules, they sometimes don’t quite fit the bill.

That’s when really special holidays need to be arranged, holidays that prove to be memorable experiences that can’t be repeated anywhere else in the world. Taking river cruises along the length of the River Nile in glorious Egypt is such a holiday, and is truly an unmissable experience.

Cruises vary in length and price, of course, but the deciding factor is when and length of time. A week-long river cruise is ideal, and takes in an abundance of exciting historical sites. Packages on offer include transport from home to London Heathrow or Gatwick airports, as well as direct return flights from the UK to Luxor.

A typical 8-day package will start from the day of flying and boarding the ship at Luxor. Day two would offer a riverside view of Luxor, site of the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamen’s tomb. Travellers have the opportunity to visit these famous archaeological sites before setting sail along the Nile. The afternoon will see the ship pass through Esna and pause at Edfu for the night.

Day three has a stopover at Kom Ombo, a historical agricultural town that is noted for its famous temple, then the journey continues to Aswan. Day four allows a trip into Aswan to peruse its bazaars and museums, or alternatively to take an excursion to Abu Simbel. The rest of the journey back upriver stops at different sites of interest along the downriver route.

Marvel at the huge High Dam near Edfu, and explore the second-largest temple in Egypt, the Temple of Horus, at leisure. Do remember to relax on the ship whilst sailing! Once the ship docks again at Luxor, travellers are treated to one last sumptuous dinner on board and can make the most of their final evening in Egypt. Finally, travellers travel home, with every step of the way taken care of.

Ship facilities and staff are second to none, promising satisfaction on every count. Egyptian service is regarded very highly, and with good reason: Egyptian standards are extremely high. While the highlights of the river cruise are the sites visited, the comfort and style of the journey will provide the best possible setting for sailing through Egypt.

There is no better way to experience the delights of the Nile and also see some of the cultural treasures of Egypt. A river cruise is a slightly different way of exploring another country, but perfect for the traveller needing to relax, to be pampered and to really drink in the sights.

As well as being looked after from leaving the front door at home to returning to it, travelling by river always brings social opportunities resorts don’t. Have a real holiday and see what the longest river in the world has to offer you.

The new NISI 2400 yacht recently was awarded the “Best Design under 24 Meters” 2011 World Yacht Trophy.

In addition, the luxury NISI 2400 yacht was a finalist in the “Most Innovative” category in the sub-24m sports yacht grouping.

NISI Yachts seamlessly combine casual opulence along with legendary styling and advanced naval architecture by the Setzer Design Group. The luxurious NISI 2400 yacht is the first and only luxury yacht in the world under 100 feet to be certified Commercial RINA + MCA.

The World Yacht Trophy is the most prestigious award of its kind and is awarded annually to select yachts by the World Yacht Trophies Committee.

Making her European debut at the 2011 Cannes International Boat Show, NISI’s groundbreaking design infuses casual opulence, legendary styling and unsurpassed engineering in a 78-foot megayacht.

The NISI yacht collection ranges from 22 to 26 meters in length, with custom builds available from 30 to 45 meters.

The luxury SeaFair mega-yacht spent this past summer in New England and this incredible yacht will heading back to Florida for the winter holiday season.

SeaFair is the world’s first mobile megayacht venue plus it’s one of the largest private yachts in the United States. The SeaFair is clearly groundbreaking in scale, ingenuity and style, the innovative exhibition facility – which remains dockside during each event – pairs international fine art, jewelry and collectibles with harbor view dining and special events in cities along the eastern seaboard.

The $40M purpose built exhibition SeaFair yacht, was designed by internationally acclaimed yacht designer Luiz de Basto. SeaFair is 228 feet and 2,800 international tons, and one of the largest ships ever built for commercial operation in the Intracoastal Waterway. SeaFair requires a minimal draft of only 6.5 feet, which allows this luxury megayacht to dock at yacht facilities in central city locations instead of using commercial ports.

The SeaFair megayacht will be part of two upcoming fairs during the holiday season, in Tampa and Sarasota, Florida.

SeaFair is owned and operated by Expoships, LLLP. The luxury ship boasts three decks of international galleries, two outdoor bars, an international coffee bar, as well as a glass-walled Collector’s Lounge and an open-air bistro on the Sky Deck.

SeaFair’s 2011 schedule commenced in Sarasota in March with a highly successful Art Sarasota that welcomed a record 18,000 attendees during its five-day stay. After its summer season in New England, the megayacht will end the year with Art Tampa Holiday Fair, December 8th-12th at the Tampa Convention Center Marina and Art Sarasota Holiday Fair December 15th-19th, returning to Marina Jack’s. Convenient valet and self-parking will be available to guests of the fairs.

Both fairs will feature an array of affordable international contemporary art and jewelry generally ranging between $500 -$50,000. The collections on display will include photography, painting, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, objet d’art and fine art glass.

In addition to artwork onboard, the fair will offer an extensive schedule of events including a special holiday ceremony on the Sky Deck opening night and an informative lecture series. The ship will also serve as a spectacular platform for a number of private corporate and holiday parties and events.