Names Of Four New Ponant Ships Announced

​The luxury cruise line Ponant has announced the names of their four new expedition ships which are launching in 2018 and 2019.
 
The new 10,000 gross tonne ships will be named Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville and Le Kerguelen. All four names pay tribute to great French explorers.

​The first two ships, Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain will launch in 2018, whilst Le Bougainville and Le Kerguelen will enter service in 2019. Each of the four ships will carry 110 crew members and less than 200 passengers.
 
The four ships will have an overall length of 127 metres. Their unique size will allow them to cruise to places larger ships cannot. All passenger accommodation on board the ships will offer spacious balconies, including four 42 square metre suites.
 
At the stern the ships will feature an infinity pool and mouldable marina, with three different uses; a sundeck whilst cruising, an immersed connector port for disembarkation or a sea level platform for water sports, such as water-skiing or kayaking.
 
Ponant is the only cruise line which operates flying the French flag.