Le Lapérouse | PONANT

The dawning of a new era in exploration

Launched in 2018, PONANT EXPLORERS Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain will navigate Northern Europe, Iceland, the Mediterranean, South America, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville will join the fleet summer 2019, with expedition cruises to Asia, Australia’s Kimberley & Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Panama, Cape Verde, Bissago Island, the Great Lakes, the Seychelles and beyond. Finally, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier will enter service in 2020, sailing the exquisite ports of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, and the Baltics.

This new series of luxury expedition ships combine limited capacity, exceptional design, cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment. Each vessel bears the name of a French explorer who set off on adventures beyond the boundaries of the known world in search of new lands.
A Luxurious, Intimate and Refined Atmosphere

Measuring 420 feet long with just 88 cabins (each with a private balcony) and four suites (each with a plate-glass window and private terrace), the smaller capacity of the new PONANT EXPLORERS offers an intimate atmosphere, while the 110 crew members provide professional and attentive service.

Our new yachts meet the same demanding international criteria of environmental protections, equipment and safety as our original fleet.
Exceptional Comfort in Remote Regions

The PONANT EXPLORERS are innovative, designed for polar and tropical expeditions and easy to maneuver. All EXPLORERS are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a movable marina platform.

Modular Marina (Transforms to Three Positions)

1. Sun deck (when sailing)
2. Immersed connector port for disembarkation into Zodiacs, SCUBA diving, or deep-sea fishing
3. Sea level for water sports including kayaking, water skiing and standup paddle boarding
Blue Eye, The Multi-Sensory Underwater Space

In keeping with its pioneering spirit, PONANT launched a world first: each of the PONANT EXPLORERS is equipped with an underwater lounge, the Blue Eye, located within the hull, beneath the water line and accessible to all guests. The design was entrusted to Jacques Rougerie, an architect and academic who is deeply passionate about the sea. This major innovation focuses on three concepts:

Biomimetic

Rougerie drew inspiration from his observation of nature to determine the design of the underwater lounge. All focus is drawn toward two portholes, shaped like the eye of a cetacean, that look out to the subaquatic world. Integrated digital screens project the images filmed live by three underwater cameras.

Innovative Underwater Vision

The non-intrusive underwater projectors developed expressly for the Blue Eye allow for the observation of the seabed and photoluminescent organisms, from under water as well as from the outside decks, balconies and the marina—without any risk to the marine biosphere.

Global Listening

Comfortably ensconced, guests can listen to the underwater world thanks to hydrophones. An immersive sound experience that can be felt in the Body Listening sofas, discreetly vibrating in unison while offering unique sensory listening through corporal resonance.
Accommodations

Amenities

The cabin amenities on all PONANT ships are the same as covered in lesson three.
Respect for the Environment

The environmental commitment continues with our PONANT EXPLORERS:
A wastewater processing and recycling system in compliance with the most exacting standards.
A catalytic filter on exhaust gases enabling NOX (nitrogen oxides) reduction.
The GREENPILOT system: an extremely precise fuel-measuring and -monitoring system enabling better energy management and savings

Your clients are invited to enrich their mind and awaken their sense of wonder.


At PONANT we believe that travel is by its very nature a form of discovery and transformation. With this belief as our guiding principle, we’ve embarked on a new chapter in our voyages of discovery: The Quintessential Collection.


The Quintessential Collection is a selection of themed voyages that immerse likeminded guests in a specific topic of interest including fine art, music, gastronomy, and history, to name a few. These special cruises include activities related to the theme both on board and ashore such as excursions, lectures and enrichment, and even cuisine.


For no additional fees, your clients’ total cruise package will include a pre- or post-cruise stay with excursions relevant to the theme, as well as lectures and performances aboard ship by world class experts and musicians. Plus, one or two exceptional activities ashore that encourage guests to embrace the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of the local culture. In 2020, pre- or post-cruise stays are optional which will decrease the cruise cost in some cases.
Program Inclusions
Airport/hotel/pier transfers and handling of luggage
Cruise aboard one of PONANT’s deluxe ships
Roundtrip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on Antarctica & Climate Change sailings
Lectures, discussions and performances by featured guests; shore excursions
All meals aboard ship, including 24-hour room service
French-inspired gourmet cuisine, with menu creation and chef training by Ducasse Conseil
Complimentary open bar aboard ship, including select wines and spirits
Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
Complimentary unlimited WiFi on board
Gratuities to shipboard personnel, porters, guides and drivers
Port taxes and charges and pre-departure materials


Not Included: Airfare (other than specified above); airport taxes; passport and visa fees and/or immigration reciprocity taxes (if applicable); transfers other than stated above; luggage handling; trip cancellation and baggage insurance; medical and repatriation insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; optional excursions; overland excursions; personal expenses (such as telephone, laundry service, hair salon services, à la carte spa treatments, etc.).
Distinguished Guests


Whether they hail from the worlds of theater, literature, cinema or music, our speakers all share their passions through workshops, conferences or shows.WHY PONANT?
Rated among "The World's Best Cruise Lines – Small Ships”—Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2018 and more than 97% of our clients said they would recommend us.

Source: Ponant Academy 

Inquire with Global Tours for your next cruise and expeditions.