
Introduction
Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms∘ and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.
As the third ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise∘ line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.
Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.
Experience a luxurious setting where the accent∘ is on authenticity and passion for travel.
All passengers must either be fully mobile or must be accompanied by a travelling companion fit and able to provide all necessary assistance during the voyage. Please note that animals (including service and/or comfort animals) are not permitted aboard. Persons who are not fully mobile, with physical disabilities or other handicaps requiring special treatment or assistance, including persons who use a wheelchair, must advise PONANT in writing of the nature of such conditions when making a reservation∘ request and by all means before the signature of booking form. PONANT reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify them of such limited mobility, disabilities∘ or need of assistance, whose medical conditions is not compatible with security rules and requirements specific to the navigation area, or who, in the PONANT’s opinion is unfit for travel. Please note that landings are done using zodiacs∘ making them very difficult or even impossible for passengers with limited mobility. Each landing will be subject to Captain and Expedition Leader approval.
Please contact the Maitre d' onboard regarding any special dietary needs.
Children under 3 years of age and women who are over 6 months pregnant are not authorised to sail. Children between 3 and 8 years old are accepted subject to agreement at the time of booking. If accepted, a liability waiver will have to be completed and returned to PONANT to validate∘ your booking. On expedition cruises, children must be able to disembark/embark by zodiac without assistance and be able to understand and follow safety instructions. Therefore disembarkation is submitted to Captain’s and Expedition∘ Leader’s decision depending on weather conditions and landing sites. In all cases, children and young adults, once on board, are the entire and total responsibility of their parents or guardians.
Children from 8 to 11 years old sharing with 2 adults and Teenagers from 12 to 17 years old, sharing with 1 or 2 adults benefit from special discounts on cruise-only fares; please contact PONANT for more details.
All PONANT vessels are non-smoking with the exception of designated areas on outside decks.
Drinks are included in the price of the cruise. From the moment you board and throughout your cruise, enjoy unlimited drinks at any time of the day.
The Open Bar includes a large selection of beverages (mineral waters, cold drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).
Does not include à la carte premium alcoholic drinks.
During the day, casual attire is recommended. For the excursions, bring practical clothes and comfortable shoes. Evening attire is at your discretion.
State-of-the-art technologies aboard the ships, improved waste and waste water treatment, raising the awareness of travellers, future plans that are increasingly innovative in terms of sustainable development...
Every day, PONANT is committed to protecting the environment.
We go above and beyond environmental regulations in force (for example, the MARPOL convention for the prevention∘ of pollution from ships and the Polar Code) by studying ways to help us minimise our impact on the places∘ we visit and of our obligations both towards them and towards the people who live there. Thanks to our efforts, all PONANT ships have been awarded the international “Clean Ship” label, which certifies that we have reduced our environmental impact.
A vigorous policy of drastic reduction in the use of fuel oil for ship operations - Our Objective by 2021 is to use 100% MDO & GNL
The technology at the heart of PONANT ship designs
PONANT is designing a luxury cruise polar exploration ship. Completed in 2021, it will be fitted with the latest sustainable development technologies and will surpass the requirements of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) 2020 regulation.
The Icebreaker features perfected “Clean Ship” fittings that go beyond the current industry-standard environmental regulations:
Energy management
Water Treatment
All types of “water” generated aboard our ships are treated to prevent the potential risk of polluting aquatic environments.
Blackwater
is filtered, treated, and reused. At the end of the process, solid waste is stored and unloaded on land, in accordance with standard regulatory procedures.
Greywater
(bath, shower, kitchen, laundry) is recycled and reused to wash external decks.
Bilge water
is treated using ceramic membrane filtration systems∘ to obtain an extremely low content of hydrocarbons: less than 5ppm instead of 15ppm.
Ballast water
is subject to biodecontamination.
Filtered and/or retreated bilge water and ballast water are stored on board, awaiting unloading on land.
During PONANT cruises, the water consumption by passenger is 5 times less than the average consumption of water per person on land.
100% of waste is separated and sorted on board
(solids – liquids – glass – cardboard – food – medicines)
The most modern methods
pulpers / crushers / compactors
Recycling on board
is 60% more effective than on land
At the end of sorting 700g is the average volume of non-recyclable waste, generated by every guest during a cruise. By comparison, the same person∘ would have produced 2.3 kg of waste on land.
On expedition cruises, PONANT takes its passengers to some of the most remote and wild places on the planet. We are very conscious of our status as privileged guests at the sites we visit, and of our obligations both towards these places∘ and the people who live there.
Additionally, an environmental impact study is carried out before the conception of each new itinerary to ensure that the impact of every landing is only temporary and transitory. We make a biodiversity inventory∘ (fauna, flora, geology) of the places where we plan to disembark. We also prepare access routes that do not impinge on the areas to be preserved. Consequently, we work together with several organisations, such as the TAAF (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises, French Southern and Antarctic Lands), the Seychelles Foundation, the Aldabra Foundation and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation.
MINIMIZING
At sea, we sail at a reduced speed (between 12 and 13.5 knots) to create the least waves possible so as to avoid disturbing marine mammals. When approaching shores, we reduce our speed.
REDUCING NOISE POLLUTION
We limit all the noise made by the ship (airborne and underwater, whether audible to the human ear or not) that may confuse marine species and disturb local populations. We limit announcements aboard the ship and do not allow them outside in case there is fauna nearby.
REDUCING LIGHT POLLUTION
We reduce light produced on board to prevent sea birds∘ from being grounded on the ship. At night, we keep navigation lights to the minimum and we close the curtains in the staterooms.
RESPECTING LOCAL RESOURCES
When appropriate we buy food directly in places where we dock. At ports of call where provisions are limited, we leave the resources for the local populations.
ZERO IMPACT LANDINGS
Every landing is subject to a protocol. This approach mobilises a dedicated team, which makes sure not to have any impact on the ecosystem∘ visited and thereby protect the fauna, flora, and populations.
CLEANING BEACHES
During every landing, we take ashore large rubble bags to pick up any litter found on site. The litter is then sorted and unloaded in a port that is able to accept it.
RAISING THE AWARENESS OF OUR GUESTS
During expedition cruises and Zodiac® trips, guests are accompanied by a team of nature guides. The guides provide guided interpretations on land and speciality lectures. In the near future, we are planning to introduce an “Ambassador Charter” to raise our guests’ awareness of the necessities relating to protecting the environment∘ and of their own role. All our passengers and crew members make a commitment to respect a Code of Good Conduct which has been prepared∘ following our observations and is specific to each destination.
RAISING THE AWARENESS OF THE STAFF
In the same way as for guests, PONANT raises the awareness of its staff and ensures that information is shared with the crew in an inclusive and instructive manner∘ through information meetings before the cruise, signing the area’s charter of good visitor conduct, organising and participating in expedition activities, and coaching on land.
Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving∘ the intimacy of each passenger.
A 140 m² reception area includes:
A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:
A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised∘ during the day or evening.
Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with:
Different lounges enable guests to socialise and share convivial moments during their cruise. Discover the following on our four sisterships: the main lounge, an ideal place to meet over a drink and watch daytime or evening events; the panoramic lounge, an intimate piano-bar with a unique view of the horizon; and the outdoor bar, an atmospheric spot that has access to the pool and solarium.