Le Laperouse

Le Laperouse is the lead ship of the Ponant Explorers class, operated by Ponant. She entered service in 2018 and carries 184 passengers, making her a small ship built for those after a more intimate voyage. Named after naval officer Jean Francois de Galaup, comte de Laperouse, her exterior was designed by Stirling Design International, with interiors by Jean Philippe Nuel.

At around 10,000 gross tonnes, she measures 131 metres in length with an 18 metre beam. What truly sets her apart is the Blue Eye, an underwater lounge sitting 2 to 3 metres below sea level within the hull, fitted with giant curved portholes shaped like cetacean eyes. Hydrophones capture sound within a 5 kilometre radius and transmit it to body listening sofas that vibrate to ocean rhythms, creating a genuinely distinctive space for watching marine life unfold in near silence.

All 92 staterooms, spread across 4 decks, come with private balconies, and the ship features an aft Sundeck with pool and a retractable Marina Platform for watersports and Zodiac launches. She carries her own fleet of Zodiacs for landings in remote areas.

Le Laperouse is built firmly for expedition cruising, and her shallow draught allows her to reach places larger ships simply cannot. Dining options span both indoor and outdoor restaurants, complemented by four lounges and bars, a wellness complex with beauty salon and spa, and a fitness centre. She was christened by Maryvonne Pinault, wife of French billionaire businessman Francois Pinault, at a ceremony in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, on 10 July 2018.

Le Laperouse suits explorers, couples, and small group travellers after an all-inclusive, French flavoured small ship voyage to remote corners of the world.

Cruised aboard this French expedition gem? Log your Le Laperouse voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the precise route that your specific cruise took!