Ponant, the French expedition cruise specialist, took delivery of Le Dumont-d’Urville, the ninth ship in the fleet from Vard in Norway on 14 June. The ship left the port of Søvik in Norway for Bergen, ready to depart on her maiden cruise.

“Such a delivery rate is a first in the history of the French merchant navy: this is the fourth ship in the Ponant Explorers series delivered in the last 12 months. The substantial expansion of our fleet allows us to offer our guests an increasing number of destinations, exceptional voyages and high-quality services. Market feedback is indeed excellent with very high levels of bookings.” said Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant

With just 92 rooms and suites, all with balconies or private terraces, sleek and elegant exterior lines and a refined design, Le Dumont-d’Urville, is the perfect example of the new generation of ships flying the French flag.

The Dumont-d’Urville’s maiden season will start at the beginning of August, when the Baltic Sea reveals the splendours of Saint-Petersburg and the Baltic capitals. The ship will then head for the French coasts and the Mediterranean. With a rich programme of themed cruises, fine dining, wine tasting, music and more, guests on board will be able to combine cultural passions and love of travel.