I have just returned from a short trip from London to Honfleur aboard Ponant Cruises’ newest Explorer ship, Le Bellot. Despite being relatively well-travelled and having sailed with many famous luxury cruise lines in the past, this was my first time on a Ponant ship and my first visit to Paris, so I was excited to see if the experience lived up to my expectations.
Sailing from Tower Bridge has always been at the top of my cruise bucket list. There aren’t many cruise ships that sail down the Thames past famous London landmarks, including Canary Wharf and the O2!
I spent just over 24 hours on Le Bellot, giving me plenty of time to explore the ship’s surroundings. Below is a breakdown of my time onboard.
Accommodation
My Deluxe Stateroom was conveniently located on deck 3, also home to the swimming pool, main lounge and reception area. That said, Le Bellot is a small ship, so you’re never too far from where you need to be.
All staterooms are equipped with private balconies large enough to fit a table and two chairs. However, the balconies on deck 3 are enclosed with metal panels, which meant I couldn’t admire the sea views unless I was standing. (It’s worth mentioning that the balconies on decks 4 and 5 are enclosed with glass.)
The room was equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, electronic safe, individually-controlled air conditioning and a desk that doubles as a dressing table with an adjustable mirror hanging above. The king-size bed was very comfortable, adorned with plush cushions and a matching throw. For a small ship, there was ample storage space, courtesy of a walk-in wardrobe. The ensuite had a separate toilet and a sliding glass door, which is unusual for a cruise ship. Nevertheless, it was a stunning space, boasting a full-size shower cubicle and stocked with top-of-the-range Hermès products.
Overall, I was impressed with my stateroom. I found it had a lot to offer compared to other entry-level staterooms on other cruise ships.
Accommodation highlights
As part of a tour, I was granted access to the two Owner Suites located on deck 5. The rooms exuded luxury, featuring king-size beds and Balneo bathtubs that overlooked the ocean. The terraces were huge, equipped with two sun loungers, a lounge area, and a private jacuzzi. Guests of the Owner Suites are also treated to return transfers, welcome champagne, and a one-hour facial or massage.
Dining
Dining on Le Bellot was a real treat. We had drinks in the main lounge, followed by a 5-course French-inspired gala dinner comprising exquisite lobster tail, perfectly tender beef cheeks and a brilliant selection of French cheeses. Each dish was accompanied by a glass of French wine that complimented the flavours perfectly.
The following day, I ordered my go-to breakfast: eggs benedict, which I have to say was one of the best.
In summary, the main restaurant is a superb venue, offering an elegant sit-down dining experience with spectacular views of the ocean courtesy of the large panoramic windows that wrap around the ship’s stern.
A delicious Tarte au Coeur Fondant Chocolat with Callison ice cream
Facilities
The pool deck was one of my favourite spots, home to an infinity pool offering more spectacular ocean views and installed with a counter-current system. The deck also boasts plenty of space for lounging in the sun and an outdoor bar and lounge area.
The hydraulic platform is located just below the pool. The platform allows for easy disembarkation and embarkation by Zodiac when participating in expeditions – which is a regular occurrence on a Le Bellot cruise – and swimming and water sports such as snorkelling and paddleboarding.
In partnership with Clarins, Le Bellot brings guests a state-of-the-art wellness area comprising a gym, several treatment rooms, a L’Oréal Paris hair salon and perhaps the best sauna at sea featuring a HUGE panoramic window.
Finally, Blue Eye is a world first and a real highlight. Blue Eye is a multisensorial underwater lounge that brings guests closer to the ocean with three innovative concepts. The lounge features two glass portholes shaped like the eyes of a whale, hydrophones that capture and transmit the natural symphony of the sea, and sofas that vibrate in unison with the sounds of the underwater world. It’s an entirely immersive experience that will make trips to destinations with incredible marine life – like the Caribbean and Canada – truly unique.
The infinity pool on deck 3.
Find out more
If you would like to speak to Louisa about her time onboard, you can call her on 0800 008 6677.
