The new yacht-cruise ship from this exquisite French shipping company has been one of the year's most anticipated launches, and the Dumont d'Urville will soon join its fleet. Ponant's significant expansion directly capitalizes on the boom in expedition travel and the rise of contemporary luxury.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 50 – September 2019
Last year, Ponant celebrated its 30th anniversary – and 30 years of sailing – with a future more promising than ever, judging by its list of short-term projects. Starting with the recent launch of a little gem, Le Bougainville, which has debuted to enormous demand.
For this small shipping company, founded by French merchant marine officers Philippe Videau and Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée (now CEO), the arrival of the Artémis Group was providential. Artémis acquired the company in 2015 from Bridgepoint Capital (which had owned it since 2012). This move marked a giant leap for Ponant, as the holding company owned by billionaire magnate François-Henri Pinault has solidified its position in the competitive luxury cruise sector with a massive financial injection. This is the only way to understand Ponant's order of four ships at once, and how in the last two years it has continued to secure ambitious orders, such as the one that will serve the Arctic region.
A Growing Fleet
To understand the origins of Le Bougainville, a brief overview of its history is in order. The fleet began with the brand-new sailing ship Le Ponant, followed by another vessel later sold to Paul Gauguin. Its definitive boost came from the gradual addition, between 2010 and 2015, of its four sister ships: Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soleal, and Le Lyrial. These ships offer a contemporary and chic luxury, full of thoughtful details yet unpretentious, complemented by exceptional cuisine. With a maximum of 132 cabins, their aim was to enhance the pleasure of cruising, with the privacy and advantages of a yacht. This objective has been achieved, as evidenced by the loyalty of their international clientele and the passion of French travelers for this type of experience. Belgians, Swiss, and increasingly, Germans, Australians, and Americans are also increasingly drawn to this concept.
Le Bougainville is one of the prodigal sons of the new generation of ships – the third of the Explorers class – which takes a further step towards modern elitism plus the criteria of sustainability and connection with the environment, in this case the marine universe.
Cruises News had the opportunity to see it during a recent visit to the port of Barcelona, from where it has several Mediterranean departures this year. Its small size, with only 92 cabins and suites, makes it ideal for calling at smaller ports. In the case of the Catalan capital, it docks at the World Trade Center pier, allowing passengers to disembark directly in the heart of the city.
At Le Bougainville everything is harmonious, from the natural tones and materials to the integration of the different spaces with the sea through glass walls.
These 184 passengers enjoy personalized service from a crew of 110 professionals, in a space where life on board is easy, comfortable, and exquisite. Where everything is within easy reach. The first thing that strikes you about this ship is the light and warmth of its spaces. Light woods and numerous windows provide that connection with the surroundings sought by sea travelers who prefer a more intimate setting.
Like its sister ships in the exploration series, Le Laperouse and Le Champlain (and soon to be followed by Le Dumont d'Urbille – this year –, Le Bellot, and Le Jacques Cartier), one of this ship's highlights is undoubtedly the innovative Blue Eye Lounge, a marvelous space inspired by Jacques Cousteau's Nautilus, opening a vast subterranean eye – like that of a whale – onto the seabed. Its cetacean-inspired architecture is one of the most breathtaking features one can find on a cruise ship today, even surpassing the elaborate designs of mega-ships for 5,000 passengers.
A Sensory Experience:
From this all-seeing vantage point, one not only glimpses the seabed—breathtaking in some regions—but also enters a sensory experience. Although the entrance staircase to this space is reminiscent of a nightclub, what awaits the traveler is a blend of views into the heart of the marine world, along with a stimulating lighting design and sound effects that induce peace and meditation. Aurélien Soler, Sales Developer for Ponant in Spain and Portugal, explains that many passengers visit shortly before going to sleep to achieve deep and rapid relaxation. This space is currently open from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with bar service, where the bartender is so discreet as not to break the spell that he is barely audible throughout the entire service. This fabulous corner has a capacity for 40 people, a quarter of the passengers, but visits are by reservation only to avoid overcrowding that would spoil the enchantment. Some guests use it to disconnect for extended periods and meditate. But its design itself, by Jacques Rougerie, is worth a visit, as it includes screens that project underwater images captured by three cameras.
Gastronomy is another reason to embark on a Ponant cruise, and on this series of ships, expectations are quickly met with the panoramic restaurant on deck 4. Capable of serving all passengers in a single service, it includes a salad and dessert buffet area, complemented by a lovely outdoor terrace. Those who prefer casual al fresco dining will also enjoy the grill located on deck 3, next to the forward pool. This central deck houses the reception desks, concierge, sales and excursions, and tourist information, as well as a shopping area and, forward, an elegant 188-seat theater offering a variety of entertainment, from live music to dance performances, complete with numerous light and sound effects. Also located on this deck is the main lounge, a pleasant space for meeting during the day, reading, or enjoying a drink.
Deck five, in addition to cabins, features a bridge room; while deck six, home to the art gallery that hosts various artist exhibitions and the photography department, also has a small area with video game consoles for those traveling with children, although this is not common. This level is notable for its Panoramic Lounge at the bow, a meeting point for enjoying the view and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, which can also host events and social gatherings. Deck seven, smaller in size, boasts a sun deck and the ship's well-appointed spa, which includes a hair salon with sea views, as well as a sauna and a small gym.
Le Bougainville can be explored and mastered in no time. But more than its beautiful form, with modern lines yet personality, and its sophisticated exterior with a dark hull and balanced profile, what makes it unique is what it contains.
Because it holds many added ingredients. Like its partnership with National Geographic to bring in experts and photographers who will enlighten travelers about the wonders they'll discover. Or the collaboration with Relais & Châteaux, which symbolizes gastronomic excellence, to offer, starting next year, gala dinners and new dishes inspired by the destinations, with chefs from this prestigious brand on board this and its sister ships.
The French influence is evident in the cuisine of this ship and the rest of the fleet, but the effort to also embrace local gastronomy stands out, offering local products and recipes suited to the route.
As on a yacht, onboard luxury coexists with the ease of stopping in small or exotic ports and being able to carry out water activities.
Cabin life is also essential for those who appreciate luxury at sea. On the new ship, as expected, there are different levels of accommodation, but even in the deluxe category with a balcony, the accommodation (19 square meters) is full of thoughtful details. The most striking feature, at first glance, is the glass partition separating the washbasin and shower area from the cabin, allowing natural light while the traveler enjoys a sea view during a shower. The toilet area is separate.
Exclusive mattresses and comfort are essential, as are soft, natural tones, to enhance the sense of peace that envelops them. The larger suites (45 square meters, and in some cases with 30-square-meter terraces) feature bathtubs and dressing rooms of understated European luxury, ideal for extended stays for those who combine multiple itineraries. And, of course, butler service is included in these suites.
Ponant
's routes include exotic destinations and small ports, which hints at the enjoyment of the surroundings. Therefore, the new ship is equipped with water toys, such as jet skis, and features a hydraulic platform that greatly facilitates boarding and access to Zodiacs in some destinations, as well as jumping into the sea for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding, among other sports, with a three-position marina. Those who prefer can swim in its infinity pool, which also offers a counter-current swimming experience.
This generation of state-of-the-art expedition ships, with their 131-meter length and powerful stabilizers, allows access to remote destinations, both polar and tropical, while maintaining the highest level of service. This connection to fascinating corners of the planet has meant that the ship's engineering, and that of the entire series (named after French explorers who made history), has prioritized environmental considerations. It is a 'clean ship,' with minimal environmental impact and the latest technologies in waste and water treatment.
As for routes, in the coming months Le Bougainville will primarily travel the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. It will also explore smaller Greek islands, as well as the Dalmatian and Turkish coasts. At the end of the year, it will set sail for the Seychelles and Mauritius, where it will spend the winter—which will be anything but winter for its passengers…
However, those seeking a real winter can now book with the future Le Commandant Charcot, its first luxury polar exploration vessel with hybrid propulsion (using liquefied natural gas), which Ponant will launch in 2021, with unique itineraries of two to almost four weeks through the North Pole and Greenland, among others.
At Le Bougainville everything is harmonious, from the natural tones and materials to the integration of the different spaces with the sea through glass walls.
As on a yacht, onboard luxury coexists with the ease of stopping in small or exotic ports and being able to carry out water activities.
