Vard hands over fourth ship in Ponant's Explorers class

The ship was delivered June 14, on schedule, and left Søvik in Norway for Bergen, ready to begin its maiden cruise in early August. It closely follows Le Bougainville, handed over April 5.

Fourth newbuild in 12 months

'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,' Ponant CEO Jean Emmanuel Sauvée said. '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 indeed excellent with very high levels of bookings.'

Ponant said it is delighted with its ongoing collaboration with Vard and the design, construction and prompt delivery of the newbuilds.

Le Dumont-d’Urville has 92 staterooms and suites, all with balconies or private terraces. Elegant interiors and sleek exterior lines, along with the underwater, multi-sensory lounge Blue Eye, distinguish the Explorers series.

The ship's maiden season begins with cruises to the Baltic capitals and St. Petersburg. Sailings along the coasts of France and in the Mediterranean follow. Theme cruises will highlight fine dining, wine tasting, music and other topics.

Next ship deliveries

Ponant's next newbuild, Le Bellot, is scheduled for April 2020 delivery, followed by Le Jacques-Cartier in July 2020, rounding out the Explorers series. The one-of-a-kind icebreaker Le Commandant-Charcot is scheduled for May 2021.