New PONANT ship christened in Iceland

New PONANT ship christened in Iceland

Earlier this week, PONANT’s newest vessel, Le Lapérouse, was christened in a celtic-style ceremony in Iceland, and boy are the photos stunning.

CR6A6208R @Studio Ponant L.Patricot

Le Lapérouse was christened by the godmother, François Pinault, in the presence of prominent political and cultural figures, international media and key partners.

During a vibrant Breton-inspired ceremony – a nod to the origins of PONANT which, BTW, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – the Lann Bihoué Bagad’s bagpipes, Breton oboes and drums were played alongside singer Bleuwenn Mevel, who gave an emotional acapella rendition of the Breton anthem.

Screen Shot 2018-07-13 at 11.06.44 am

As Le Lapérouse was sailing away, the ship was greeted from Hafnarfjörður by Le Soléal, another PONANT ship also positioned in Icelandic waters.

Le Lapérouse PONANT EXPLORERS ©PONANT-Philip.Plisson

Guests on board Le Lapérouse also got to discover the Blue Eye, a multi-sensorial underwater lounge located below sea level, designed in collaboration with Jacques Rougerie, an architect and member of the prestigious Académie Française.

8X8A1127-R_Laperouse_Blue-Eye©PONANT-Christophe Dugied

In this exceptional space, through the two portholes made in the shape of a cetacean eye, the passengers watched French freediving champion Aurore Asso’s aquatic ballet.

DSC_3097 @Studio Ponant L.Patricot

With integrated digital screens projecting the live images captured by three underwater cameras, entirely non-intrusive underwater projectors allowing the observation of the sea world without any risk for the ocean life, the Blue Eye also offers a unique sound experience.

Captured by hydrophones, the natural symphony of the oceanic world is piped into the lounge and can be felt through the “Body Listening” sofas that vibrates discreetly by corporal resonance.

Basically, we can’t wait to go on this new ship!

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]