Signature highlights
Third ship in PONANT’s six-vessel Explorers series, with a marina platform, Blue Eye underwater lounge, outdoor pool, open-air spaces, and an intimate 184-guest scale.
Le Bougainville
Live Position ● 1 hour ago
Heading to: HRPMNCurrently on: Natural wonders and cultural jewels of Dalmatia (7 nights) — En route to Dubrovnik (Croatia) — last stop Venice (Italy)
0.1 knots
At Anchor
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville is an intimate PONANT expedition yacht designed for small-group exploration in coastal and remote destinations. The 184-guest ship combines French-inspired hospitality with open-air observation areas, a marina platform for water activities, an infinity-style pool, and the Blue Eye underwater lounge. Its 92 staterooms and suites are ocean-facing, with private balconies, while onboard programming includes destination lectures, naturalist presentations, live performances, and relaxed dining in a compact, elegant setting.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- PONANT
- Builder / shipyard
- VARD Tulcea, Romania (hull); VARD Søviknes, Ålesund, Norway (outfitting)
- Registry / flag
- Mata Utu, Wallis and Futuna; French flag
- Call sign
- FLDT
- IMO number
- 9814040
- MMSI
- 578001300
- Draft
- 4.6 m
Onboard Experience
Dining
French-inspired gastronomy is served in the main restaurant, with a more casual grill-style option available in an open-air setting.
Entertainment
The theatre hosts lectures, naturalist and destination presentations, concerts, live shows, and other performances; lounges and panoramic outdoor areas provide quieter alternatives.
Staterooms & suites
All 92 staterooms and suites are ocean-facing and include private balconies. Categories range from balcony staterooms to Deluxe, Prestige, Privilege, Grand and Owner’s suites.
Pools, spa & wellness
The ship offers a spa with treatments, a hammam, hairdressing services, and a fitness room, plus an outdoor pool and sun deck.
Accessibility
The builder lists two fully ADA-accessible cabins.
Environmental features
The ship was designed with environmental technologies and holds Bureau Veritas CLEANSHIP-related certification within PONANT’s modern fleet; the operator states that environmental performance is periodically improved.
Explore This Ship
Jump from Le Bougainville sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
8 Nights
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Venice to Athens – with Smithsonian Journeys
7 Nights
Cruising the Mediterranean: Sicily, Sardinia, and Mallorca – with Smithsonian Journeys
Ports of Call
Next: Aug 14, 2028
1 upcoming departure
7 Nights
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys