Le Laperouse, the first of 6 expedition cruise ships in the Explorers series of Ponant, successfully completed the first set of sea trials in Norway.
The 180-passenger newbuild underwent multiple tests at Vard Shipyard (Alesund) on May 18 and will be delivered this month. The ship will begin sailing her first voyages from Iceland and will then offer itineraries in the Mediterranean, Asia, Indian Ocean and Oceania.
The other 5 Ponant Explorer Series ships are already under construction and due to be delivered between 2019-2020. Le Champlain is in her final construction phase in Norway and is due to embark on her inaugural cruise from Honfleur on October 25, 2018. Le Bougainville and Le Dumont d’Urville are currently under construction at Vard’s shipyard in Tulcea Romania, with scheduled delivery in 2019. The shipyard cut the steel for Le Surville and Le Bellot in April, putting the ships on track for their 2020 delivery.