Forward-looking French cruise line Ponant recently unveiled the latest addition to its fleet of cutting edge next-generation Explorer class ships, Le Jacques Cartier.

Commenting on the 10 July launch of the new ship — which comes just two years after the arrival of the company’s first Explorer vessel, Le Lapérouse, Sarina Bratton, Ponant’s chairman in APAC, said:

“At a time of difficulty in the cruise industry, I am pleased to announce on Bastille Day that Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions continues to invest in the future with confidence, pursuing our growth strategy exampled by the launch of Le Bellot in March this year, and now the delivery of Le Jacques Cartier, the latest ship to join our modern fleet.”

“The delivery of Le Jacques Cartier is a success. It marks the completion of the Ponant Explorers series, which has revolutionised the concept of ocean voyages. These six vessels combining cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment are the symbol of a new generation of ships flying the French flag,” declared Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant,.

As the sixth and final piece to be added to Ponant’s collection of innovative, environmentally responsible Explorer Class vessels, Le Jacques Cartier is comprised of 92 suites and staterooms – all of which boast either a balcony or swanky private terrace, and comes with all manner of eye-catching features such as the Blue Eye, currently exclusive to Ponant’s Explorer class ships, described by the company as a “multi-sensory underwater lounge”.

The Blue Eye enables guests, to explore and experience the world under the waves through the ingenious use of non-intrusive underwater projectors and hydrophones (underwater microphones), which carry the sounds of the briny depths through the keel and into the lounge’s Body Listening sofas — amazing!

Furthermore, in addition to the completion of Le Jacques Cartier, Ponant is also well on target with its development strategy and will soon welcome Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first hybrid luxury polar exploration cruise ship, from VARD in Soviknes, Norway

Click here to find out more about Ponant and its fleet of small, modern, luxury ships.