Le Lapérouse is a boutique expedition yacht for travellers who want to discover remarkable destinations without sacrificing the comfort and elegance of luxury cruising. Operated by PONANT, the ship joined the fleet in 2018 as the first vessel in the cruise line's Explorer-class series.
Named after French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse, the ship measures around 131 metres and accommodates approximately 184 guests across 92 staterooms and suites. Its compact size allows it to visit smaller ports and less accessible destinations that are often beyond the reach of larger cruise ships.
The Le Lapérouse cruise ship is also equipped for expedition-style travel. Among its notable features are a marina for water-based activities, a swimming pool, theatre, spa, fitness centre and the innovative Blue Eye underwater lounge. The latter is located beneath the waterline and gives passengers an unusual perspective of the marine world around the ship.
Le Lapérouse forms part of PONANT's Explorer series alongside Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier. These sister ships share a similar intimate design, with facilities developed specifically for smaller-scale luxury exploration. Le Lapérouse was also refurbished in 2023, helping to maintain its contemporary feel.
Dining on Le Lapérouse focuses on quality ingredients, French culinary influences and relaxed surroundings rather than the numerous restaurants found on much larger cruise ships. Guests can choose between two principal dining venues, each offering a different setting.
Le Nautilus is the ship's main panoramic restaurant and provides an elegant setting for meals with views of the sea. The restaurant brings guests together in a spacious dining room, with a combination of buffet selections and dishes served at the table.
Fresh salads, cheeses and desserts are available alongside hot dishes, while the wine cellar adds a distinctly French touch to the dining experience. Large windows also allow guests to remain connected with the destination while dining.
For a more laid-back meal, the Grill Restaurant offers an informal alternative beside the pool. The menu focuses on grilled specialities, salads and desserts, making it a natural choice for an easy-going lunch.
The outdoor atmosphere is particularly appealing when the weather is warm, allowing guests to dine while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Food and drink are an important part of the PONANT experience, with the cruise line emphasizing French gastronomy. The culinary programme has also benefited from collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, bringing an additional focus on French culinary traditions.
Life aboard Le Lapérouse is centred more on discovery and relaxation than the extensive entertainment programmes associated with mega-ships. Its smaller scale creates a quieter atmosphere, with plenty of spaces where guests can unwind between excursions.
The onboard theatre hosts performances, presentations and talks, giving passengers opportunities to learn more about the destinations they are visiting. The ship's lounges provide additional places to meet fellow travellers, enjoy a drink or simply watch the scenery pass by.
One of the most distinctive features is the Blue Eye underwater lounge. Situated below sea level, this unusual space uses underwater windows and specially designed hydrophones to bring guests closer to the surrounding marine environment. Rather than simply looking out at the sea, passengers can experience the sights and sounds beneath it.
Other leisure facilities include a swimming pool, solarium, spa and fitness area. The ship's marina also makes it possible to take part in selected water-based activities during suitable itineraries.
With only 92 staterooms and suites, Le Lapérouse offers a more private atmosphere than many contemporary cruise ships. The limited number of guests also supports PONANT's emphasis on personal service throughout the voyage.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable ocean-view staterooms to larger suites. Several categories include private balconies, giving passengers their own outdoor space for enjoying coastal views, remote landscapes and changing scenery throughout the voyage.
Inside, accommodation is designed around understated contemporary styling rather than overly elaborate decoration. Depending on the category, facilities can include individually controlled air conditioning, a television, a safe, a minibar, a hairdryer and configurable twin or double beds.
Suites provide additional living space for passengers who prefer a little more room during their cruise. For many guests, however, one of the biggest advantages of the accommodation is the opportunity to return to a comfortable private space after a day spent exploring ashore.
A Le Lapérouse cruise combines small-ship exploration with the service and atmosphere expected from a luxury French cruise line. PONANT specialises in expedition voyages to destinations where a smaller vessel can make a significant difference, from remote coastlines and polar regions to culturally rich ports and scenic islands.
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