Ponant Debuts Le Lapérouse, the First of Its Explorer Ships

French luxury cruise line Ponant has recently added a new vessel to its fleet, Le Lapérouse, the first of six Explorer ships. 
Ponant Debuts Le Lapérouse, the First of Its Explorer Ships
Ponant's newest vessel, Le Lapérouse. (Philip Plisson)
Channaly Philipp
8/10/2018
Updated:
8/10/2018

French luxury cruise line Ponant has recently added a new vessel to its fleet, Le Lapérouse, the first of six Explorer ships. Named after French explorer and naval officer Jean-François de Galaup, Count of La Pérouse, it is the first ship in the cruise industry to feature the Blue Eye, a multi-sensory underwater lounge. The Blue Eye immerses guests in the sights, sounds, and vibrations from the ocean, and according to architect Jacques Rougerie, its aim is to “let guests become modern-day explorers, following in the wake of Jules Verne, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and the great adventurers.”

Two eye-shaped portholes provide a look underwater while three cameras channel views of the ocean bed into the lounge. Sound expert Michel Redolfi has developed hydrophones to transmit the ocean’s sounds, while “body listening sofas” discreetly vibrate in unison with the sound of the ocean.

The Blue Eye, a multi-sensory underwater lounge. (Courtesy of Ponant)
The Blue Eye, a multi-sensory underwater lounge. (Courtesy of Ponant)

Le Lapérouse has 92 staterooms and suites, each featuring their own private balcony or terrace. It also offers two dining options, a library, and a wellbeing center.

Ponant has plans to increase its fleet to 12 ships, with 2,000 crew members and 460 departures by 2021. The next ships, Le Bellot and Le Surville, will be out in 2020; 2021 will also be a big year for Ponant, as it will launch the industry’s first electric hybrid cruise icebreaker, powered by liquified natural gas. It will also be the first luxury ship to sail to the true geographic North Pole.

A Prestige cabin. (Courtesy of Ponant)
A Prestige cabin. (Courtesy of Ponant)

Fares for Le Lapérouse begin at $3,900 based on double occupancy. Upcoming expeditions include “Chopin and the Music of Spain” (Oct. 26–Nov. 2), sailing along the coast of Spain via Corsica and the Balearic Islands, in partnership with Radio Classique, with special guest Alain Duault. Stops include Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and Marina di Carrara (home to the famed quarries from which David was hewed).

Another expedition will take guests to the Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, exploring underwater wildlife (Dec. 11–21), with opportunities along the way to visit the colorful markets of the Seychelles, discover the Baa atoll (a UNESCO biosphere reserve), see the old town of Galle in Sri Lanka, and to dive and snorkel.

Ponant.com

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