ocean Ship
Le Laperouse
by Ponant
Built in
2018
Capacity
184
By
Ponant
Le Lapérouse is the inaugural vessel in Ponant’s Explorer-class series, designed to offer a refined, small-ship cruising experience focused on cultural discovery, environmental responsibility, and modern French elegance. Named after 18th-century French naval officer and explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, the ship carries just 184 guests and is purpose-built to access smaller ports and pristine regions that larger vessels cannot reach.
The ship’s interiors reflect a clean, contemporary aesthetic, with soft, ocean-inspired tones, natural materials, and panoramic windows that create an open, light-filled atmosphere. Guests can relax in a variety of inviting spaces including the panoramic lounge, full-service spa, infinity pool deck, fitness center, and a 188-seat theater hosting enrichment lectures and cultural performances. A signature feature of Le Lapérouse is the Blue Eye Lounge—an underwater observation salon located below the waterline that allows guests to see and hear marine life in real time, creating a rare multisensory experience at sea.
All staterooms and suites aboard are ocean-facing, with most offering private balconies. Designed for comfort and simplicity, accommodations feature fine linens, rainfall showers, espresso machines, and modern entertainment systems. Larger suites offer enhanced space and amenities, providing an elegant retreat after a day of exploration.
Dining includes two venues: a main restaurant serving sophisticated French and international cuisine, and a more casual grill near the pool offering relaxed, al fresco dining. Menus are thoughtfully curated to reflect regional flavors and are paired with wines selected by Ponant’s sommeliers.
Equipped with advanced environmental technology—including dynamic positioning, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction measures—Le Lapérouse embodies Ponant’s strong commitment to responsible travel. On expedition itineraries, a team of naturalists and experts lead Zodiac outings and cultural excursions, offering deeper insights into each destination. Whether sailing through Arctic fjords, Mediterranean coastlines, or remote tropical isles, Le Lapérouse offers a sophisticated and immersive journey with a strong connection to place.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on Le Laperouse, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
484 sq. feet
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484 sq. feet
-484 sq. feet
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344 sq. feet
-344 sq. feet
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409 sq. feet
-409 sq. feet
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290 sq. feet
-290 sq. feet
-290 sq. feet
-290 sq. feet
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205 sq. feet
-205 sq. feet
-205 sq. feet
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204 sq. feet
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Ponant is a French luxury cruise line known for intimate, small-ship voyages that pair refined French hospitality with real exploration. Founded in 1988, Ponant runs tailor-made voyages to some of the world's most remote and culturally rich destinations. A long-standing focus on sustainability and ship design shapes trips that combine adventure with comfort and a light environmental footprint.
Ponant's fleet of yachts and expedition ships is built for a boutique-style cruise experience. Each ship offers polished accommodations, accomplished dining, and a relaxed but elegant atmosphere, which keeps the voyage intimate even on its larger vessels.
One of Ponant's most significant ships is Le Commandant Charcot. It is the world's first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG, a cleaner-burning marine fuel than heavy fuel oil). The ship lets travelers reach deeper into polar regions with less environmental impact, and reflects how Ponant approaches sustainable cruising across the fleet.
Ponant sails across the globe, from the ice of Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the islands of the South Pacific, and the cultures of Asia and Africa. Each itinerary is built thoughtfully, mixing wildlife, culture, and landscape, with Ponant's French signature carried through the gourmet cuisine and the onboard service.
Ponant has pushed sustainable cruising for years, adding cleaner technologies and conservation work to its operations. It was the first international cruise line to join Green Marine, the maritime environmental certification program, reaching the program's top leadership level on most indicators in 2020. The line works to cut its carbon footprint, remove single-use plastics, and support scientific research in the places it visits.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the best small-ship cruise experiences, holding each one to our standards for luxury, authenticity, and sustainability. After a close look, we include Ponant in our collection for its refined approach to adventure, its environmental record, and its service.
Through our work with Ponant, we offer strong access, personalized itinerary planning, and well-coordinated travel arrangements, so your voyage runs smoothly from the first booking to the final day.
Booking with Small Ship Travel gives you expert recommendations, customized itineraries, and concierge-level service to round out your Ponant voyage. From pre and post-cruise stays to private shore excursions and travel arrangements, we plan every part of the trip with you.
Sail the world in style with Ponant and Small Ship Travel, where luxury meets exploration in some of the most remarkable destinations on the map. Contact us to start planning your next voyage.
consultation
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