Early booking offer
No single supplement on all ships (limited cabins). Ask for more details.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
PONANT EXPLORATIONS – FOR WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLER?
Those seeking a unique and exclusive voyage
- Ultra-modern, intimate ships
- Luxury comfort and discrete, attentive service (butler for some suites)
- 1 crew member for every 2 guests on PONANT EXPLORATIONS and 1 crew member for every guest on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Tailor-made assistance before, during, and after the itinerary (flights, transfers, private excursions, hotel accommodations)
Those seeking a “French Touch”
- The only French cruise company with an international crew, ensuring a truly bilingual experience on board.
- The expertise of Ducasse Conseil for gastronomy worthy of the finest restaurants, and accompanied by fine wines. On board Le Commandant Charcot, Le Nuna: the first Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea
- Exclusive partners: Pierre Hermé, Veuve Clicquot, Hermès, Bordier, Diptyque and Fragonard
Those passionate about exploring the world, seeking adventure, and expedition
- The exploration of countless natural and cultural treasures on every itinerary.
- A wide choice of excursions (secret coves, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites, polar treks, etc.)
- Exceptional experts and guests on board (artists, historians, researchers, naturalist guides).
- Zodiac outings and landings accompanied by an expedition team.
- Close encounters with local populations
- Meaningful travel around four themes: Planet, Culture, Lifestyle, and Geopolitics.
Those in search of relaxation and well-being
- Dedicated areas on every ship: spas, fitness rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hair salons
- An outdoor swimming pool on all ships (except Le Ponant, La Désirade and Le Spirit of Ponant), and an indoor pool on Le Commandant Charcot.
- Destination-specific treatments (snow cabin on Le Commandant Charcot, heated seawater pool on all ships – except Le Ponant, Le Spirit of Ponant and La Désirade).
Le Lapérouse
First in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Lapérouse takes you in comfort and style to the most remote destinations on the globe.
Life on Board
Gastronomy
An essential part of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
The Nautilus – Gourmet Restaurant
At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine.
Le Nemo – Grill Restaurant
In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.
Lounges and Bars
The ship’s three lounges and bars create a cosy yet sophisticated ambiance—ideal for socialising, relaxing, or simply enjoying the moment. Amongst these lounges we have the main lounge which will host live music on some evenings.
Well-Being
In partnership with SOTHYS™ and KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.
Swimming Pool
With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.
Theatre
Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.
Your Cabin
The Deluxe Staterooms on Le Lapérouse offer a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Each features a private balcony, king size bed, elegant bathroom, and modern amenities. With refined décor, warm tones, and thoughtful details, these staterooms provide guests with a relaxing retreat and panoramic ocean views throughout their voyage.
Upgrades to prestige staterooms and suites available – ask for more details.
Ship Facts
- Passenger Capacity of 184
- 118 Crew members
- 92 staterooms and suites
- 1 Swimming pool
- 2 Restaurants
- 3 Bars/lounges
- Theatre
- Spa
- Gym
- Cabin with king/twin beds for sole occupancy
- En-suite with shower and W/C
- All cabins are outside cabins with balcony
- Air-conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Minibar
- Safe
- Free WiFi
Cruises
First in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Lapérouse takes you in comfort and style to the most remote destinations on the globe. — find our upcoming voyages aboard below:
From the Irish sea to Bay of Biscay: Glasgow, Scotland to Bordeaux, France
Embarkation date: 24.09.26
Duration: 8 nights
This captivating journey begins in Glasgow, Scotland (24/09/2026), a dynamic city where Victorian grandeur meets artistic vibrancy, offering cultural gems like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and a lively urban atmosphere against the backdrop of the wild Clyde Valley. From there, the voyage continues to Portrush (25/09/2026), a seaside resort in Northern Ireland renowned for its beaches, golf heritage, and proximity to the dramatic Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. The ship then sails into Warrenpoint (26/09/2026), nestled on Carlingford Lough, where sweeping views of the Mourne and Cooley mountains make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and hikers. Next, in Cobh (27/09/2026), gateway to historic Cork, guests can explore Viking roots, discover Blarney Castle, and perhaps kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence. The adventure continues to Fowey, Cornwall (28/09/2026), a picturesque harbor town of coastal trails, lush valleys, and literary history. Crossing into France, Roscoff (29/09/2026) reveals granite mansions, Gothic churches, and a storied maritime past, while Quiberon (30/09/2026) enchants with wild Atlantic cliffs and serene bay waters. In Pauillac (01/10/2026), the heart of Médoc’s vineyards, visitors enjoy fine wines, historic châteaux, and cultural treasures. The voyage concludes in elegant Bordeaux (02/10/2026), world capital of wine and a UNESCO World Heritage city of stunning classical architecture.
The Canaries, lands of contrast: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Embarkation date: 25.10.26
Duration: 7 nights
This unforgettable Canary Islands journey begins in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (25/10/2026), where golden beaches, palm-lined squares, and the historic Vegueta district with its cathedral and Casa de Colón set the tone for exploration. The adventure continues in Arrecife, Lanzarote (26/10/2026), a coastal city of cliffs, calm lagoons, and cultural landmarks such as San Gabriel Castle. In Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura (27/10/2026), the charm lies in its whitewashed houses, lively waterfront, and Atlantic views. The ship then sails to Los Cristianos, Tenerife (28/10/2026), a former fishing village now known for sandy beaches, water sports, and hiking trails around Mount Chayofita and Mount Guaza. By nightfall, travelers reach Santa Cruz de la Palma (29/10/2026), a colonial gem with cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and historic sites like Santa Catalina Castle. The following stop, La Estaca, El Hierro (30/10/2026), offers serene volcanic landscapes, forests, cliffs, and marine wonders in the Punta de La Restinga Reserve. The voyage continues to San Sebastián de La Gomera (31/10/2026), home to dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches, and the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, where the rare laurel forest thrives alongside the island’s unique whistled language, Silbo. The cruise concludes back in Las Palmas (01/11/2026), bringing the journey full circle.
Volcanic islands and historic cities of the North Atlantic: Santa Cruz, Tenerife to Lisbon, Portugal
Embarkation date: 13.04.27
Duration: 9 nights
This remarkable voyage begins in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (13/04/2027), where cultural landmarks such as Plaza de España, the Guimerá Theatre, and the Casa de la Concepción showcase the island’s heritage. Sailing on, Arrecife, Lanzarote (14/04/2027) offers rugged coastlines, a tranquil lagoon, and the historic San Gabriel Castle. In San Sebastián de La Gomera (15/04/2027), volcanic cliffs and black-sand beaches frame the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, a laurel forest with prehistoric roots, while the island’s whistled language, Silbo, echoes its unique traditions. The journey continues to Santa Cruz de la Palma (16/04/2027), famed for colonial architecture, colorful balconies, and the protective Santa Catalina Castle. Funchal, Madeira (17–18/04/2027) enchants with azulejo-lined streets, vibrant markets, cable cars to Monte, and botanical gardens overlooking the city. A day at sea (19/04/2027) invites rest, enrichment, and ocean vistas before reaching Casablanca, Morocco (20/04/2027), where the striking Hassan II Mosque, the old Medina, and the lively Ain Diab Corniche reveal the city’s blend of tradition and modernity. The cruise then calls at Portimão, Algarve (21/04/2027), gateway to Silves’ Moorish castle, Monchique’s mountain charm, and Portugal’s authentic countryside. The voyage concludes in Lisbon (22/04/2027), where UNESCO monuments, Alfama’s fado rhythms, and Chiado’s elegance bring the journey to a fitting finale.
The Iberian Peninsula and Fortified cities of the Atlantic: Lisbon, Portugal to Honfleur, France
Embarkation date: 22.04.27
Duration: 10 nights
This exceptional voyage begins in Lisbon (22/04/2027), Portugal’s vibrant capital, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic. Here, history and culture converge in UNESCO landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, while Alfama’s Moorish streets and fado music echo the city’s soul, and Chiado’s elegant avenues invite luxury shopping. Sailing north, the ship calls at Leixões–Porto (23/04/2027), gateway to Porto’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, Baroque churches, azulejo-covered São Bento station, and iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. The next day, Vigo (24/04/2027) reveals Galicia’s charm, from the old town of O Berbés to the stunning Cíes Islands, while nearby Santiago de Compostela welcomes pilgrims to its historic cathedral. A relaxing day at sea (25/04/2027) precedes Santander (26/04/2027), framed by mountains and bay, home to the Cave of Altamira, maritime heritage, and elegant Belle Époque architecture. In Bordeaux (27–28/04/2027), the “world capital of wine,” the Port de la Lune and Place de la Bourse reflect centuries of grandeur. Belle-Île-en-Mer (29/04/2027) enchants with wild coasts and hidden coves, while Saint-Malo (30/04/2027) immerses travelers in privateer legends and French literary history. The journey continues to Guernsey (01/05/2027), rich in natural beauty and Victor Hugo’s legacy, before concluding in picturesque Honfleur (02/05/2027), a Norman gem of timber houses, historic quays, and artistic inspiration.
Summer Escapes, From the North Sea to the Iberian Peninsula : Oslo, Norway to Lisbon, Portugal
Embarkation date: 19.07.27
Duration: 12 nights
This captivating Scandinavian and Iberian voyage begins in Oslo (19/07/2027), Norway’s green capital, where Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Munch Museum, Akershus Fortress, and Holmenkollen Ski Museum reveal the city’s artistic and historical richness. The journey continues to Mandal (20/07/2027), a tranquil southern coastal town with sandy beaches and the birthplace of sculptor Gustav Vigeland, offering a peaceful blend of nature and culture. A day at sea (21/07/2027) allows for relaxation, spa treatments, and panoramic ocean views. The ship then calls at Ostend, Belgium (22/07/2027), renowned for its Belle Époque facades, fine beaches, and the Kunstmuseum aan Zee. Another day at sea (23/07/2027) prepares passengers for Brest, France (24/07/2027), where maritime history, Oceanopolis, and Château de Brest highlight the city’s naval heritage. In Royan (25/07/2027), visitors enjoy wide beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and access to Oléron Island and La Rochelle. Santander (26/07/2027) offers UNESCO World Heritage sites, beaches, and maritime museums. Further north, Avilés (27/07/2027) charms with historic streets, palaces, and cobbled squares, while La Coruña (28/07/2027) showcases the Castillo de San Antón, Hercules Tower, and vibrant waterfronts. Vigo and Santiago de Compostela (29/07/2027) reveal Galician history, the Cíes Islands, and pilgrimage heritage. Figueira da Foz (30/07/2027) offers golden beaches and a seaside resort atmosphere before the voyage concludes in Lisbon (31/07/2027), with UNESCO monuments, Alfama’s fado streets, and Chiado’s elegant shopping.
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