The recent full charter by Ponders Cruise & Travel of APT’s Lady Eleganza yacht marked a significant milestone.
- Owners Clare Dudley and Paul Adams hosted an exclusive eight-night luxury Croatian cruise.
- Despite concerns, the 18-cabin yacht was fully booked, showcasing a successful venture.
- The positive experience has paved the way for future charters and opened the door for similar opportunities.
- The agency’s team played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Ponders Cruise & Travel has made history by becoming the first travel agency to fully charter APT’s Lady Eleganza yacht. This ambitious venture saw owners Clare Dudley and Paul Adams accompanying clients on an exclusive eight-night luxury cruise through the Croatian islands. The trip, which was highly anticipated, included a diverse itinerary featuring historical sites such as Marco Polo’s birthplace on Korčula and the scenic Krka National Park waterfalls. Importantly, it featured six swim stops, adding to the appeal of the voyage.
The decision to commit to chartering the 18-cabin vessel was reportedly a daunting one. Dudley expressed initial apprehension due to the need to fill the yacht to make the project viable. However, thanks to the unwavering support of her dedicated team, Dudley was able to overcome these uncertainties. Remarkably, the majority of bookings were secured well in advance, with the remaining cabins selling out three months before departure. Such demand highlights the continued interest in unique, luxury travel experiences.
According to Brad Bennetts, APT & Travelmarvel’s head of sales and business development, the idea originated from a meeting with Dudley at the Clia Winter Ball in 2022, following the introduction of the company’s inaugural small-ship sailing initiative. Dudley’s subsequent visit to the Lady Eleganza in Dubrovnik culminated in the confirmation of the charter, which was hailed as a resounding success, prompting plans for a second charter in 2025.
The successful execution of this charter has already generated numerous inquiries for similar ventures, including potential charters on the new luxury river ship in Asia, the Mekong Serenity. This indicates a growing interest and confidence in bespoke charter experiences offered by travel agencies. Dudley, reflecting on the trip, noted the exclusivity felt by clients, many of whom are eager to participate in future charters.
The cruise entailed not only a comprehensive itinerary but also organised onboard activities such as quiz nights, enhancing the sense of camaraderie amongst guests. Dudley has also extended support to other agents contemplating similar ventures, acknowledging the indispensable encouragement of her team in realising this project. She emphasised her readiness to advise others in the travel industry seeking to undertake comparable initiatives.
The overwhelming success of Ponders’ inaugural full yacht charter foreshadows a promising future for similar luxury travel ventures.
