Signature highlights
An intimate expedition ship with 184 guests, nine Zodiacs, a reinforced hull, five guest decks and PONANT’s underwater Blue Eye lounge. The ship is suited to scenic coastal exploration and remote-destination cruising.
Le Laperouse
Live Position ● 2 hours ago
Heading to: GBLER
13.8 knots
Under Way Using Engine
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About Le Laperouse
Le Lapérouse is the lead ship of PONANT’s Ponant Explorers series, combining a compact expedition-yacht layout with upscale French hospitality. The 184-guest vessel is designed for small-ship exploration, with 92 balcony staterooms and suites, multiple lounges, restaurants, a theater, pool and wellness facilities. Its reinforced hull, nine Zodiacs and relatively shallow draft support access to ports and coastal areas unavailable to larger cruise ships.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- PONANT
- Builder / shipyard
- VARD Tulcea, Romania, with outfitting at Vard Søviknes, Norway
- Registry / flag
- France; maritime tracking databases currently list Wallis and Futuna Islands
- Call sign
- FLBD
- IMO number
- 9814026
- MMSI
- 578000900
- Draft
- 4.6 m
Onboard Experience
Dining
French-influenced cuisine is served in a main restaurant, while a more casual outdoor dining venue provides an alternative setting. Menus emphasize regional ingredients and destination-inspired dishes.
Entertainment
Public spaces include a theater for lectures, performances and expedition presentations, plus lounges and bars for socializing. The ship also offers a boutique and outdoor observation areas.
Staterooms & suites
Le Lapérouse has 92 staterooms and suites, all designed around balcony access; categories range from balcony staterooms to larger deluxe, prestige, grand and owner’s suites. Selected accessible staterooms are available.
For families
The ship’s compact scale, casual expedition atmosphere and Zodiac excursions can work well for families with older children, although its programming and facilities are primarily designed for adults.
Pools, spa & wellness
Wellness facilities include a fitness area, spa treatments, sauna and an outdoor swimming pool with a counter-current system. The ship also provides quiet observation and relaxation spaces.
Accessibility
The ship has an elevator and two ADA staterooms, with accessible facilities identified by PONANT. Passengers should confirm mobility requirements and excursion suitability before booking.
Environmental features
Le Lapérouse incorporates environmental measures associated with the Ponant Explorers design, including energy-efficient systems and reduced-impact expedition operations. PONANT describes the vessel as incorporating green technology and continues to improve its environmental performance.
Explore This Ship
Jump from Le Laperouse sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
7 Nights
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow
Next: May 11, 2027
2 upcoming departures
7 Nights
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow
Next: Aug 28, 2026
4 upcoming departures
Next: Jun 14, 2027
5 upcoming departures
7 Nights
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Next: Jan 22, 2027
4 upcoming departures