They're due for delivery in summer 2018 and summer 2019. Each of the 131-meter ships has 92 cabins.
The four yachts will be fitted with a multi-sensorial underwater lounge, an exclusive, world-first design to be revealed in May. The lounge is designed in conjunction with architect Jacques Rougerie, member of the Institut de France.
The first block of Le Lapérouse was laid on Feb. 22 when the hull was formed from blocks weighing 60 tons and 29 tons. Meanwhile, the first steel was cut for Le Champlain on March 1, in the presence of Ponant's Hughes Decamus, newbuilding chief engineer.
These ships will enter service in 2018, while their sisters, Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville, will arrive for the summer 2019 season.
This new generation of ships flying the French flag will be fitted with the latest technology and certified 1C (ice class). They're designed to meet the Cleanship standards of Bureau Veritas.
The ships' inaugural seasons are set for the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but their itineraries will also take them to the tropical and sub-tropical regions.
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