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Login Le Bougainville, the third in the series of PONANT EXPLORERS, has been designed to combine exploration, elegance and open design towards the sea with state-of-the-art equipment.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, an underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Service great , beautiful boat , food just average with cruise prices high , front desk not very helpful Changing a 20 euro bill for 3 days impossible somebody go on shore and get change , running out of different food items and not replacing the balance of the cruise , rooms are small with high prices so in my opinion food needs to kill it but does not deliver , a small boat has poor entertainment options and this one does also , giving you a $1,000 ship credit bit unable to use except for spa , should probably give the option to use the credit on another cruise or deposit for one , the cruise line does not communicate very well with U.S customers on excursions and when to book them , confusion among passengers on this issue , very competitive market for this type of cruising , they better up there game .
My experience on the Ponant La Boungaville cruise from Malta to Nice was, for the most part, a mix of positive emotions and some disappointments. Let me start by highlighting the best aspects of this journey: The standout of the cruise was undoubtedly the presence of Andrea, the cruise director. From the moment I stepped onto the ship, Andrea proved to be an exceptional host. Not only did he know every passenger by name, but he also went out of his way to make us feel at home. His professionalism and dedication were truly admirable. Another positive aspect worth mentioning was the value for money. The cruise offered an excellent value proposition, delivering a level of service and comfort that exceeded my expectations. The onboard food was another high point. The quality of the food, especially the desserts, was outstanding. Chef Ludovick deserves praise not only for the delicious cuisine but also for personally overseeing his team and engaging with guests at their tables. The waitstaff team, comprised of Kier, Darwin, Ferry, José, Carlo, and Jay, deserves applause for their excellent service and attention. Alix, with her positive attitude and willingness to assist passengers, also stood out among the crew. The use of filtered water onboard was a positive environmental measure, though it's worth noting that the refilled bottles weren't always properly sanitized, potentially posing health risks. The ship itself was in excellent condition, having been renovated in 2019, which was evident in its overall appearance and facilities. However, it wasn't all perfect. There were negative aspects that I cannot overlook: In an effort to provide constructive feedback, I requested the hotel manager's email at reception, but unfortunately, it was not provided. The balcony glass in my cabin was noticeably dirty, diminishing the overall experience. My visit to the spa didn't meet my expectations. The service wasn't friendly, and the quality of the services was lacking. The absence of an initial preference questionnaire or inquiries about massage pressure was perplexing. There seemed to be a differentiation in treatment based on passengers' nationalities, which shouldn't occur on a cruise of this caliber. The cruise ambassador didn't put notable effort into speaking English, which hindered communication. Reception service was problematic, even when it was known that my native language was Spanish. A young lady named Lorette addressed me in English despite my ability to speak Spanish. The information provided at the excursion desk was limited and lacked detail, making decision-making challenging. Service at the buffet on the deck showed deficiencies during the final half-hour of operation when they stopped replenishing and collecting properly. Around the pool area, there was a delay in clearing empty glasses, affecting cleanliness and the overall experience. I was concerned that the smoking area was located next to the pool where children swam, especially when cigars were allowed. The availability of public bathrooms on the ship was insufficient, with only two located on decks 3 and 5. The excursions offered were expensive in relation to the services provided. In particular, the Port Ercole excursion was disappointing as it promised a beach break that never materialized, and guest safety seemed to be overlooked. The café on deck 6 should have been open for longer hours to meet passengers' needs. There was no decaffeinated coffee available in my room, which was a notable omission. The room service, while quick, had issues with punctuality and order accuracy. Additionally, on one occasion, I was denied ice cream outside the restaurant's hours, which was disappointing. Room cleaning service could be improved in terms of attention to detail. Despite my efforts, I couldn't obtain the hotel manager's email to provide feedback personally. The onboard shows felt of low quality and repetitive, which was disappointing. Finally, the quality of the bread, especially considering it was a French cruise line, left much to be desired. Despite these negative aspects, I must admit that overall, the cruise was an incredible experience, especially considering it's a ship with only 90 rooms. In fact, I've already booked the next two cruises with Ponant, as I believe they offer a very good quality-service relationship that surpasses the mentioned setbacks.
It was our second journey with Ponant, this time to Madagascar and vicinity. The ship is in great shape and feels very new. We used a regular balcony cabin and found it of a decent size and ample amount of storage space. The food and the service were fabulous. The shore tours were great. The team of naturalists was very good. Local guides were reasonably prepared. The lectures in preparation for the upcoming excursions were given separately in English and French and were very helpful. As it was one of the first expedition cruises of Ponant to the area, it is likely to improve further. Adding historical sites and lectures may help tremendously, too, and in fact may make the adventure more attractive. Entertainment was somewhat below expectations, even for the small ship. Wifi connection was slow to our taste, and reconnection required every time you moved across the areas of the ship, which became annoying. The opportunities to swim or snorkel were limited. The gym was too small and was limited to cardio machinery only. Overall, the Ponant team was great and we warmly recommend this expedition to anyone who wants take a tropical expedition in comfort.
Refined service
The onboard service embodies French elegance, combining personal attention and exceptional gastronomy. Every detail is designed to afford an unforgettable experience.
Private balconies
Most staterooms and suites are equipped with private balconies to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, whether you are sailing through tropical waters or icy landscapes.
Personalised service
Featuring 6 to 165 cabins, our ships prioritise an intimate experience and attentive, personalised service.
Customized pillow
All our teams pay attention to the smallest details. That's why you can choose from our "pillow menu" the one that suits you best.
Butler
Attentive and discreet, your butler offers you a fully personalized service. The butler service is reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites located on deck 6 aboard the Sisterships, as well as in all suites of the Shipowner, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites located on deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.
Excellence in gastronomy
Delicious breakfasts, à la carte dishes, varied buffets, and gourmet tea times offer delightful experiences designed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil.
Our restaurants invite you to explore: a sensory journey where flavors reveal themselves with boldness and finesse.
Whether you're dreaming of relaxation, exploration, or a far-flung escape to the heart of breathtaking nature, there's a trip for every desire. Timeless, Discovery, or Expedition: each collection offers a distinct and tailored approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination up close.
The common areas onboard Le Bougainville
Our ship Le Bougainville features a number of spaces designed and arranged to serve your needs and requirements whilst at the same time preserving the privacy of each passenger.
Good times together
The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers and team members throughout the day.
Lounges and bars
The cosy and refined atmosphere of the lounges and bars are perfect for relaxing, socialising or simply enjoying the moment – whatever your mood.
Take care of yourself, simply.
A conference that awakens your mind, a spa treatment that soothes your body, or a fitness session that revives your energy? On board, time seems to stand still for a moment of self-care.
Thanks to the Kid Explorers Club, children aged 4 to 13 enjoy activities organised by a team of dedicated and passionate carers.
Physical activities, board games, movie nights and learning about onboard professions, as well as supervised outings and shore walks for children (six years+).
