Ponant’s Le Laperouse is currently sailing around Tasmania after following the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. But by April, she will be a flag carrier for the line in its biggest season yet in Australia’s iconic Kimberley. She will be joined this year by Le Ponant, the line’s three-masted sailing vessel, and later by Soleal, another of the line’s luxury ships. Le Laperouse recently visited Sydney, and Cruise Passenger’s Ken Lin went aboard.
Although diminutive in stature, Le Laperouse can accommodate more than 180 guests across its different staterooms and suites. The ship has a spa, 2 restaurants and even a gym. It truly feels like you’re on a much larger ship.
It also has a pool – and Ponant maintains she is the only ship homeported in the Kimberley to have one.
Once you’ve gone through the reception/concierge desk, you will find a gift shop and a Ponant travel agent’s desk, where you can book your next cruise holiday at and enjoy a 5% discount if you book on board Le Laperouse.
Next, we were taken to the Owner’s Suite (the most luxurious of all Le Laperouse suites) on the top floor, which comprises of a lounge room, bedroom (with a king sized bed), a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite bathroom and a large deck. The size of the Owner’s Suite is comparable to a small apartment in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, claimed one of the members of the tour.
We were also shown the Grand Deluxe Suite and the Deluxe Stateroom, both of which are comfortable in their own right, though not quite as big as the Owner’s Suite.
After inspecting the suites, the guided tour took us to the star of the show, the unique Blue Eye lounge.
A multisensorial underwater lounge, it allows you to sip a cocktail while you observe the wildlife. From Manta Rays in the Andaman Islands, to sharks in Seychelles, the Blue Eye has seen some action throughout its time sailing across the globe.
Sadly, Sydney Harbour didn’t offer much of a view due to White Bay’s murky waters. But you get the idea.
Le Laperouse will sail up to the Kimberley and back down the East coast completing a full trip around Australia to welcome 2023.
For more see: au.ponant.com
