Ponant launches its first Explorer

PONANT this week celebrated the inauguration of Le Laperouse, the first vessel in its “Ponant Explorers” series.

The gala event took place in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, with the 92-cabin all-suite, all-balcony ship said to combine “exceptional comfort, a sleek line and state-ofthe-art technology”.

Le Laperouse is the first of six vessels in the Explorers series, and will be followed later this year by Le Champlain, and in 2019 by Le Bouganville and Le Dumont d’Urville.

In 2020 the fleet will further increase with the launch of

Le Bellot and Le Surville, with the rapid expansion set to see Ponant offer a growing range of destinations, the company said.

Tue’s Le Laperouse debut also saw the unveiling of the world first “Blue Eye” underwater passenger lounge ( CW 01 Jun 2017), with two large portholes allowing guests to comfortably view the sub-aquatic world.

Integrated digital screens also project images filmed live by three underwater cameras positioned strategically around the vessel, and passengers are also able to listen to the ocean via specially developed hydrophones integrated into the keel.

The “natural symphony of the oceanic world” can also be felt through “Body Listening” sofas.

Ponant still has space available for 2018/19 & 2019/20 Antarctic sailings, as well as limited Kimberley staterooms for 2019, with 5% bonus commission plus a $500 consultant incentive for new bookings deposited before 31 Jul - for more info call 1300 737 178.