Tenerife welcomed Le Bougainville on its inaugural call, strengthening the island’s position within the premium and small-ship cruise segment that continues to gain relevance across the Atlantic basin. The visit included the traditional plaque exchange ceremony with the ship’s officers, highlighting the cooperation between the destination and Ponant.
Le Bougainville is recognized for its boutique-expedition concept. The vessel features a distinctive design tailored to exploration itineraries, including the Blue Eye lounge located below the waterline, which allows guests to experience the marine environment from inside the ship. This profile aligns well with ports where authenticity, cultural immersion and environmental awareness are central to the visitor experience.
Tenerife has consolidated itself as a strategic call for lines operating in the Atlantic, with strong year-round connectivity, diversified shore-experience options and high passenger satisfaction ratings. The arrival of Le Bougainville reinforces this positioning and contributes to the steady dynamism of the Atlantic Islands region, a key area for MedCruise members.
During the ceremony, the destination underlined the importance of maintaining close cooperation with cruise lines exploring new itineraries in the Canary Islands and across the wider Atlantic. Boutique and expedition vessels are increasingly seeking ports able to offer efficient operations, sustainability-focused services and distinctive cultural experiences. Tenerife continues to respond to these priorities through coordinated work across local institutions and tourism stakeholders.
