CMA CGM Group orders two new luxury cruise liners

CMA CGM has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy? Fincantieri shipyards, the world? leading cruise ship builder, for the construction of two luxuriously intimate cruise ships to be operated by the Group? subsidiary Compagnie des Iles du Ponant (Ponant Cruises) specializing in cultural enrichment and discovery cruises.

These elegantly trim vessels are mega-yachts (140 meters long) that accommodate a limited number of guests (130 all-outside cabins and suites including 75% with balconies). They will be delivered in second quarter 2010 and are to be French flagged. The vessels will be equipped with the latest advances designed to protect the environment including a dynamic positioning system that enables them to avoid damaging the sea floor during mooring.

As new additions to the current fleet (including Le Ponant, Le Levant, and Le Diamant), these ships will offer a unique cruise experience and first-class quality service sailing to uncommon destinations. Guests will take advantage of theme cruises as well as adventure itineraries in a highly personal setting designed to pamper passengers.

Both vessels will be operating mainly in new geographic areas. The first will sail to Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia), Alaska, Polynesia and Oceania, with the second traveling to South America (including Antarctica) and the Mediterranean. Both ships will be able to visit quaint harbors and destinations that remain inaccessible to most larger cruise ships.