Malta and the Adriatic with Ponant

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

Located in the Apulia region, Otranto is the easternmost transalpine town. Behind its medieval ramparts, you will taste the sweetlife of Salento, the “heel on Italy’s boot”. Inhabited since Antiquity, Otrante has today become a very pleasant seaside town. Yet its history is still visible as you meander through the little streets of its old centre. With its magnificent 12th century ornamental mosaic tiling, the Cathedral is one of its most beautiful treasures. During a stroll along the ramparts, you can sit and relax at a café terrace.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colourful costumes are often organised.

The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind you that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey.

Discover Mljet Island off the Pelješac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks. From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge”. The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.

Ponant has no doubt that the authenticity of this little island in Kvarner bay will charm you beyond belief. Dating from Adriatic Antiquity, its name means “wooded lands” in reference to the pinewoods, cypresses and cork oaks surrounding the main town. This town is called Rab, like the island. Here, you will see architecture of Venetian influence, inherited from the Middle Ages, illustrated by the bell-tower. Below, the ramparts provide views embracing the entire coastline, punctuated by deserted creeks.

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

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.

Refined and elegant furnishings
Open to the horizon
Celebrating the treasures of nature

Responsible exploration: “The latest innovations available at the time of their creation were deployed on board this ship. Since then, the company has been regularly improving its environmental performance.” – Wassim Daoud, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Development Manager

184 maximum guests
92 staterooms and suites
118 crew members

Elegance and intimacy

Lower deck balcony stateroom
19 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
A porthole and glass door
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower

Upper decks balcony stateroom
19 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 4m² balcony with two armchairs
Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A chaise lounge
A bathroom with shower

Deluxe Suite
27 m² · up to 3 guests
Suites on Deck 6 have a 32 ft² private balcony with two armchairs, suites on Deck 5 a 43 ft² private balcony, suites on Decks 3 and 4 a private 64 ft² balcony
Suites on Deck 3 have a panoramic glass door and porthole; suites on Decks 4, 5 and 6 have a sliding panoramic window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
An armchair and sofa
A bathroom with shower

Privilege Suite
32 m² · up to 3 guests
A private 86 ft² balcony with two armchairs
Sliding panoramic window
Butler service
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit on arrival, a fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A lounge area with chaise lounge and armchair
A bathroom with shower

Prestige Suite
38 m² · up to 4 guests
A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
Two sliding panoramic windows
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
Two bathrooms with showers
Butler service, priority boarding, champagne and fruit on arrival and a fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)

Grand Suite
45 m² · up to 4 guests
A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
Two sliding panoramic windows
A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV
Butler service, priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), champagne and fruit on arrival, a fruit basket every day

Owner’s Suite
45 m² · up to 4 guests
A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
Two sliding panoramic windows
A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
Butler service
A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
A private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit on arrival, a fruit basket every day
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

An essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.

The cosy and refined atmosphere of the lounges and bars are perfect for relaxing, socialising or simply enjoying the moment – whatever your mood.

Swimming pool: with its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.

Boutique: an extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Theatre: comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a hammam and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.

A day on board: awaken the senses.

Explore the ship: lounges, restaurants, corridors… Move around inside the ship and find the perfect location for your stateroom or suite.

From the Saint Lawrence River to the shores of the Mediterranean, from the islands of the Caribbean to the fjords of Norway or Iceland, check out the wonderful landscapes from the webcam of the PONANT EXPLORERS.

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
High-end beauty products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet

118 crew members for up to 184 guests.

Teams of naturalists give conferences in the theatre.

Butler service in the Privilege Suites, the Grand Suite, the Owner’s Suite and the Prestige Suites on deck 6.

2 ADA staterooms.

Marina platform for sea excursions and water activities.

Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation) for the Privilege, Grand and Owner’s Suites and the Prestige Suites on deck 6.

Private return transfer for Owner’s Suite guests.