Le Champlain is a compact luxury cruise ship created for travellers who prefer a more personal style of cruising. Operated by PONANT, this Explorer-class vessel combines contemporary interiors with facilities designed around discovery, relaxation and life at sea. With space for up to 184 guests, 92 staterooms and suites, and a crew of 118, the ship offers a more intimate setting than a conventional large cruise liner.
Delivered in 2018, the Le Champlain ship was the second vessel in PONANT's Explorer series. Its sister ships include Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier. The ship is approximately 131.5 metres long and has a gross tonnage of 9,976. It underwent renovation in 2023, helping maintain its contemporary onboard environment.
One of its most distinctive features is the Blue Eye underwater lounge, which gives passengers an unusual perspective of the marine environment from below the waterline. Other notable facilities include a marina platform for water activities, an outdoor swimming pool, theatre, spa, fitness facilities, lounges and dining areas.
Dining on Le Champlain is designed to suit the relaxed atmosphere of a small luxury ship. Instead of a large collection of restaurants, the vessel offers carefully designed venues for formal meals, casual dining and socialising over drinks.
The main restaurant onboard provides an elegant setting for meals, with large windows allowing guests to appreciate the surrounding scenery as they dine. The Grill Restaurant offers a more relaxed alternative, making it suitable for casual meals throughout the day.
Several onboard venues are also available for drinks and conversation. The Main Lounge provides a comfortable space for socialising, while the Panoramic Lounge offers a quieter environment for reading, relaxing and enjoying the views. Guests can also head to the Outdoor Bar beside the pool for refreshments in the open air.
The focus is on creating an intimate dining experience where guests can enjoy quality food and drinks without the busy atmosphere often associated with larger cruise ships.
Entertainment aboard Le Champlain is closely connected to the destinations visited during each voyage. The ship's theatre provides a venue for presentations, lectures and performances, giving passengers opportunities to learn about the history, culture and natural environment of the places on their itinerary.
The Blue Eye underwater lounge is among the ship's most unusual attractions. Located below the waterline, the space incorporates underwater viewing and sound technology to provide passengers with a closer connection to the marine environment.
Guests can also spend their free time beside the swimming pool, visit the spa or fitness room, relax in one of the lounges or browse the library. The marina platform provides access to the sea and can support activities such as kayaking, swimming and paddleboarding when weather and local conditions allow.
Accommodation aboard Le Champlain is designed for guests who appreciate privacy, comfort and views of the sea. The ship has 92 staterooms and suites, providing a choice of accommodation categories to suit different preferences and budgets.
Balcony staterooms offer approximately 19 square metres of interior space, with private outdoor areas where guests can enjoy fresh air and views during their voyage.
Travellers seeking more space can choose from several suite categories, including the Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Privilege Suite, Grand Suite and Owner's Suite. Larger suites provide additional living space and can accommodate more guests, depending on the category selected.
The relatively small number of accommodations contributes to the quieter atmosphere of the Le Champlain ship, making it an appealing option for travellers who prefer a more intimate cruise experience.
A cruise aboard Le Champlain combines luxury accommodation with the advantages of small-ship travel. Its size allows it to access ports and destinations that may be unsuitable for some larger cruise vessels, while its onboard facilities provide plenty of opportunities to unwind between excursions.
Here at SixStarCruises we specialise in helping travellers find suitable Le Champlain luxury cruise holidays by comparing itineraries, sailing dates and accommodation categories. We are have a wide range of Ponant Explorations 2027 sailings and 2028 sailings for the best price guaranteed.
