Le Bellot is a luxury small-ship expedition vessel operated by PONANT. Entering service in 2020, the ship was created for travellers who enjoy discovering destinations from a smaller, more intimate vessel. It belongs to PONANT's EXPLORERS collection, alongside Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville and Le Jacques Cartier.
With accommodation for up to 184 guests in 92 staterooms and suites, Le Bellot has a noticeably more intimate atmosphere than a large ocean liner. Its smaller dimensions also support itineraries that include ports and coastal areas where larger cruise ships may not be able to call.
The Le Bellot cruise ship measures approximately 131.5 metres in length and has around 9,976 GT. Its facilities include restaurants, bars, lounges, a theatre, swimming pool, spa, fitness room and boutique. A particularly distinctive feature is the Blue Eye, an underwater observation lounge that offers passengers a different way to experience the marine environment.
Dining on Le Bellot reflects PONANT's French background while incorporating a range of international flavours. Rather than offering a long list of speciality restaurants, the ship concentrates on a smaller selection of venues designed for different occasions.
The principal restaurant provides the main dining experience on board. Meals combine French culinary influences with international dishes, giving passengers variety throughout their voyage.
The setting is designed to feel elegant without being overly formal, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions during the cruise.
The Grill Restaurant provides a more relaxed dining alternative. Its informal approach makes it convenient for passengers who would rather enjoy a casual meal before or after an excursion.
The venue complements the main restaurant by giving guests another atmosphere in which to dine without adding the scale of a large cruise ship's extensive restaurant complex.
Several lounges and bar areas provide spaces for passengers to meet, enjoy a drink or unwind at the end of the day.
The ship's panoramic areas are particularly suited to scenic cruising. Guests can settle down with a drink while watching coastlines, islands and changing seascapes pass by.
Entertainment on Le Bellot is closely connected to its expedition concept. Instead of concentrating on large productions and amusement facilities, the ship offers activities that complement the destinations on each itinerary.
The onboard theatre can host talks, presentations, performances and other scheduled events. Specialist members of the expedition team may also share information about local history, wildlife, geography and culture.
For a quieter experience, passengers can use the lounges, swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities. The ship's observation spaces are another popular option for travellers who simply want to watch the scenery from the comfort of the vessel.
One of Le Bellot's most distinctive attractions is the Blue Eye underwater lounge. Positioned beneath the sea's surface, it gives passengers an unusual view of the underwater surroundings.
The space combines underwater viewing with technology that allows guests to hear sounds from beneath the vessel. It is a feature particularly suited to a ship designed around exploration and discovery.
Depending on the itinerary, the experience can continue beyond the ship through shore visits, Zodiac outings and other expedition activities.
How many rooms are available on Le Bellot?
Le Bellot has 92 staterooms and suites, accommodating a maximum of 184 passengers. A large proportion of the accommodation includes private balconies, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and destination views without leaving their room.
The standard balcony staterooms provide approximately 204 sq ft of space and are designed for up to two guests.
They offer a practical combination of sleeping and living space, together with a private balcony that can be especially appealing on scenic voyages.
Deluxe Suites provide approximately 290 sq ft of accommodation and can sleep up to three guests.
The additional interior space makes these suites suitable for passengers who prefer a larger private environment during their cruise.
With approximately 409 sq ft, Prestige Suites provide considerably more room than the standard stateroom categories. They can accommodate up to four guests.
Privilege Suites offer around 344 sq ft of space and can accommodate up to three passengers. They provide another option for travellers seeking more room while retaining the benefits of suite accommodation.
The Grand Suite and Owner's Suite are among the most spacious accommodation choices on the ship, with approximately 484 sq ft.
These larger suites are intended for passengers who place a premium on additional living space during their voyage.
There is no single price for a Le Bellot cruise. Fares vary according to the itinerary, sailing date, duration, accommodation type and availability.
PONANT focuses on small-ship luxury and expedition travel, offering voyages where the destination and onboard service are central to the experience. Le Bellot's passenger capacity makes it particularly suited to travellers who prefer a quieter environment to that of a large cruise liner.
Here at SixStarCruises, we have expert cruise concierges available to
The ship operates itineraries across several regions, with voyages potentially covering destinations in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Iceland, Norway, North America and the Caribbean. Routes and departure schedules vary by season.
