Ship is the fourth Ponant Explorer and will begin sailing the Baltic region in early August 2019
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of Italian shipyard Fincantieri, delivered Ponant’s fourth Ponant Explorers ship, Le Dumont-d’Urville, on 14 June.
Le Dumont-d’Urville features 92 rooms and suites, all with balconies or private terraces. Like her sister ships in the Ponant Explorers series, she features the latest technology to enhance the onboard experience and reduce her impact on the environment.
One highlight includes Blue Eye, Ponant’s multi-sensory lounge which allows guests to enjoy underwater experiences from the safety of the ship. Two large windows look out onto the seabed, while non-intrusive underwater spotlights reveal the views and hydrophones built into the keel carry the underwater noises. ‘Body Listening’ sofas also add to the experience, vibrating in unison with the sounds.
“Such a delivery rate is a first in the history of the French merchant navy: this is the fourth ship in the Ponant Explorers series delivered in the last 12 months,” said Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant. “The substantial expansion of our fleet allows us to offer our guests an increasing number of destinations, exceptional voyages and high-quality services. Market feedback is excellent with very high levels of bookings.”
Le Dumont-d’Urville will begin sailing the Baltic region in early August 2019. On her maiden cruise in summer, Le Dumont-d’Urville will visit Saint-Petersburg, Russia and the Baltic capitals. She will then head for the French coasts and the Mediterranean.
The next three ships in the series (Le Bellot, Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Commandant-Charcot) are all scheduled for delivery before May 2021.