More akin to an exploration yacht than a traditional cruise ship, Le Bougainville sails to shores and ports often inaccessible to larger vessels.
1-The Ship
Le Bougainville was built between 2018 and 2019 at Vard shipyards. It is the third ship in the Explorers series, operated by Ponant, a French company specializing in luxury cruises.
This next-generation ship measures 430 feet in length and 59 feet in width, with a gross tonnage of 9,976. It houses 92 staterooms and accommodates 184 guests. Thanks to its size and limited guest capacity, Ponant is able to offer far-flung and unique exploration itineraries.
With 118 crew members, Le Bougainville maintains an exceptional 1.5 guest-to-crew ratio. The luxury of its public spaces, the level of onboard service, and 24/7 staff availability place it firmly in the 5-star category.
2-Activities and Entertainment
Le Buugainville offers Mediterranean cruises, the Indian Ocean, and cruises to Dubai and the Emirates, among many other destinations.
Onboard, Ponant hosts renowned guest lecturers who share in-depth knowledge of the regions visited. Naturalist guides organize Zodiac®, kayak, and paddleboard excursions for up-close encounters with local wildlife and ecosystems.
A cruise aboard Le Bougainville also means rest, entertainment, and sometimes celebration. Facilities include a spa, hammam, hair salon, fitness room, art gallery, kids’ club, theater, swimming pool, panoramic lounge, and boutique—all enhancing the relaxation aspect of your journey.
3-Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges
Le Bougainville features two restaurants. On Deck 4, the gourmet restaurant offers the best of French and international cuisine with refined menus and a notably extensive wine list.
Weather permitting, the terrace of the main lounge transforms into a grill restaurant. Cold starters, cheeses, and desserts are available buffet-style, while hot dishes are prepared to order by the outdoor kitchen.
Guests can unwind with a drink at one of three bars. The main lounge features a dance floor and terrace for festive evenings during the cruise.
Next to the pool, the outdoor bar is perfect for enjoying your favorite drink while relaxing in the sun.
The third bar stands out for its originality. Designed by renowned academic architect Jacques Rougerie, the Blue Eye lounge—located below the waterline—features whale eye–shaped portholes for viewing marine life. Its blue lighting, ambient music by Michel Redolfi, and underwater audio sensors create a truly unique multisensory experience.
4-Accommodations
The 92 staterooms and suites aboard Le Bougainville are spread across 4 of its 7 decks. Each one includes a balcony or private terrace. Cabins offer 205 square feet of private space, while suites range from 290 to 484 square feet. There are four categories: Deluxe, Prestige, Privilege, and the Owner’s Suites, all designed to accommodate a couple with one child.
All rooms include individual climate control, satellite TV, minibar, desk, vanity, safe, satellite phone, 220V outlets, and unlimited Wi-Fi. The toilet and bathroom are separate. In the bathroom, guests enjoy a selection of Hermès bath and beauty products, along with a hairdryer.
5-Environmental Protection
Committed to protecting the ecosystems its ships explore, Ponant equips its vessels with the most advanced green technologies. Like the rest of the Ponant Explorers series, Le Bougainville has earned the “Cleanship” label from Bureau Veritas.