Compagnie du Ponant controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
COVID-19 refund criticism
During the COVID-19 shutdown, Ponant was criticized for refusing or delaying cash refunds for some canceled cruises. The dispute formed part of a wider cruise-industry controversy over vouchers, cancellation policies and customer protection during the pandemic.
2020
COVID-19 case aboard Paul Gauguin
A COVID-19 infection was detected aboard Paul Gauguin while the ship was in Papeete, Tahiti. Passengers were required to remain in their cabins, highlighting the operational risks of restarting cruise operations during the pandemic.
2008
Le Ponant piracy hostage incident
Pirates seized Le Ponant in the Gulf of Aden on April 4, 2008. The vessel was carrying no passengers, but all 30 crew members were taken hostage. They were released on April 12, after which French forces pursued and captured six suspected pirates. The incident raised serious maritime-security concerns but ended without reported harm to the hostages.