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Le Bougainville by Ponant is an intimate luxury cruise ship designed to evoke the atmosphere of a private yacht. With just 184 guests on board, refined French interiors, exceptional cuisine and innovative features such as the Blue Eye underwater lounge, she is particularly suited to culturally focused voyages, including our Opera Festival at Sea.
Elegant, intimate and beautifully designed, Le Bougainville represents the very best of contemporary luxury cruising. Operated by the acclaimed French cruise specialists Ponant, she offers the atmosphere of a private yacht combined with the comfort, cuisine and cultural depth of one of the world’s most refined cruise lines.
One of Ponant’s award-winning Explorers-class vessels, Le Bougainville welcomes just 184 guests, accommodated in 92 elegant staterooms and suites —all with private balconies—attended by a highly trained crew of 118. The result is an experience that feels gracious, personal and uncrowded, far removed from conventional large-ship cruising.
Designed with both sophistication and sustainability in mind, Le Bougainville features sleek contemporary lines, inviting open-air decks, a panoramic pool with infinity edge, and a hydraulic marina that allows guests direct access to the sea. Throughout the ship, understated French design creates a calm, refined atmosphere—light-filled interiors, soft neutral tones and carefully chosen materials that feel luxurious without excess.
Among her most distinctive features is Blue Eye, the world’s first multi-sensory underwater lounge. Located below the waterline, this extraordinary space allows guests to observe marine life through softly illuminated portholes while hydrophones transmit the sounds of the sea—an immersive and quietly mesmerising experience unique to Ponant.
With her combination of discreet luxury, innovative design and intimate scale, Le Bougainville provides an exceptional setting for culturally focused voyages—including our Opera Festival at Sea, where private performances, conversation with artists and refined travel come together in perfect harmony.
French Gastronomy at Sea
On board Le Bougainville, service is polished and attentive, and the cuisine is classically French, with a focus on the finest seasonal ingredients and carefully selected wines. Gastronomy lies at the heart of the Ponant experience, with every meal created under the guidance of Ducasse Conseil, celebrating French culinary tradition while incorporating fresh local produce from each destination.
Guests may dine in Le Nautilus, the elegant panoramic restaurant on Deck 4, where generous breakfast and lunch buffets give way in the evening to refined à la carte dining. Menus range from beautifully prepared seafood to tender meats and seasonal specialities, all thoughtfully paired with fine wines.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Le Nemo on the pool deck (Deck 3) offers an al fresco grill serving casual lunches and dinners, vibrant salads and grilled favourites, enjoyed against sweeping sea views — an ideal setting between shore excursions and evening performances.
Elegant Design and Calm Interiors
Throughout Le Bougainville, the décor is elegant and calming: a palette of soft neutrals accented by blues, enriched with silk cushions, light fabrics and warm wood panelling. The overall effect is one of understated luxury—refined, contemporary and never ostentatious.
All staterooms and suites are beautifully appointed and equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, Wi-Fi and modern in-room amenities. CountryClubuk Members may choose from the full range of accommodation categories at special Club rates.
Staterooms and Suites on Le Bougainville
Accommodation aboard Le Bougainville ranges from elegant balcony staterooms to some of the most spacious and refined suites at sea, all designed with comfort, privacy and thoughtful luxury in mind.
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom
The entry category is the Deluxe Balcony Stateroom, offering approximately 205 sq ft of interior space and a private balcony of around 43 sq ft. These well-designed staterooms feature comfortable seating areas with sofas, generous vanity space and ample wardrobe storage — ideal for guests seeking refined comfort and a private outdoor space.
Prestige Balcony Stateroom
Located on higher decks, the Prestige Balcony Stateroom offers similar interior proportions, enhanced by elevated views and the same elegant level of finish and comfort.
Deluxe Suite
For those seeking additional space, the Deluxe Suite provides approximately 290 sq ft of interior space and a larger 65 sq ft private balcony. These suites include a separate seating area, bathtub, minibar, dressing room and personalised butler service — a notable step up in both space and indulgence.
Prestige Suite
Situated on Decks 5 and 6, the Prestige Suite offers approximately 409 sq ft of interior space and an expansive 86 sq ft private balcony. With a generous lounge area, two bathrooms and full butler service, these suites create an exceptional sense of space, privacy and ease—particularly well suited to longer, culturally focused voyages.
Privilege Suite
At a higher level of luxury, the Privilege Suite provides approximately 344 sq ft of interior space with an 86 sq ft private balcony, combining a spacious bedroom and living area with sofa bed, bathtub and dedicated butler service—ideal for guests seeking an elevated onboard experience.
Grand Suite and Owner’s Suite
Completing the collection are the ship’s most exclusive accommodations: the Grand Suite and the Owner’s Suite, both located on the upper decks. These suites offer expansive interiors, large private balconies, separate living and dining areas, premium furnishings and enhanced personalised service. The Owner’s Suite, the largest and most prestigious on board, represents the ultimate expression of space, privacy and refinement at sea.
What’s Included on Board
A voyage aboard Le Bougainville is fully inclusive from boarding to disembarkation, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the experience without concern for extras.
Included in all voyages:
Fine dining in all onboard restaurants
A wide selection of beverages throughout the day, including Champagne, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, soft drinks, water and hot beverages
(excluding premium à la carte beverages)
Fully stocked minibar (refreshed daily)
24-hour room service
Butler service in selected suite categories
Complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi internet access
Parties, shows and onboard activities
Access to the fitness centre and steam room or sauna
Talks and lectures by onboard experts and special guests
All port fees and taxes
Not included:
Visa and passport fees (if required)
Travel insurance (Members are advised to arrange comprehensive cover, including cancellation and medical insurance)
Laundry services
Spa and beauty treatments
Premium or rare beverages from the à la carte wine and spirits lists
Why Le Bougainville for Opera and Culture
With just 184 guests on board, Le Bougainville offers an intimacy impossible on larger ships—making her an ideal setting for private operatic performances, conversation with artists and a refined, culturally focused voyage.
This Opera Festival at Sea is not simply a cruise with music, but a rare fusion of artistry, destination and discreet luxury—perfectly matched to the scale, atmosphere and elegance of Le Bougainville.
Exclusive Club Access to All Ponant Cruises
CountryClubuk Members enjoy access to exclusive Club rates across the full Ponant collection—from polar expeditions to tropical voyages—all arranged through our Member Services team.
To view Ponant’s worldwide itineraries, please visit the Ponant website.
View the 6th Opera Festival at Sea feature.
For CountryClubuk Members’ rates, contact Member Services on 020 7399 2960 or email members@countryclubuk.com
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PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions
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PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions