Princess Ngalessa

Elegant boutique expedition ship in the Congo Basin

Princess Ngalessa

Elegant boutique expedition ship for exploring the undiscovered Congo Basin

The Princesse Ngalessa was built in 2017 at a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa. It is modeled on the passenger ships that have been transporting passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the various capitals of Central Africa for decades.

A maximum of 28 passengers can be comfortably accommodated in just 14 aesthetically designed cabins.

The cuisine is influenced by African and European influences. Exquisite wines complete the culinary experience. The menu is specially prepared by a French chef who was awarded a Michelin star in 2021.

The Princesse Ngalessa's robust steel construction is powered by two new-generation Caterpillar engines with 380 hp, which reduces noise pollution and fuel consumption. With a draft of only 90 centimeters, it can easily navigate shallow rivers.

In 2023, the ship underwent extensive renovation to offer the first 4-star safari cruises in the heart of one of the world's most mysterious forests, the Congo Basin. The conversion into a comfortable 4-star boutique hotel ship heralded a new era in the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville).

Since May 2024, you can take a cruise on this premium expedition ship cruises on the rivers Congo and Sanghaand thus continue the long tradition of river shipping in the Congo .

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

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Onboard amenities

Observation Deck / Sun Deck

2 owner suites with private balcony, 35 sqm
bridge
Outdoor lounge
gym
pool

3rd Deck / Restaurant Deck

2 master suites at the front, 30 sqm
4 Superior Suites, 30 sqm
restaurant
bar

2nd Deck / Upper Deck

10 cabins
Outdoor Jacuzzi
massages

1st Deck / Main Deck

galley
engine room

ship data

Key data:

Passengers: 28
Cabins: 14, renovated in 2024 in a beautiful bohemian style
Crew: 21, including cruise director and 3 nature guides
Year of manufacture: 2017
Registered: Republic of the Congo
Length: 52 meters
Width: 11 meters
Depth: 0.90 meters
Speed: 12 knots
Gross registered tonnage: 500 t
Engines: 2 Caterpillar 375 HP marine engines
Dinghies:
- Three aluminum support boats equipped with low-emission four-stroke engines. Each boat has a capacity of 12 passengers.
- Kayaks for two people
Generators: 150 kVA and 220 kVA
Water: 10,000-liter water treatment plant
Areas of application: Congo and Sanghi Rivers
Safety:
- Radio connection with separate battery
- satellite phone
- life jackets
- Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in every cabin
- Flares and signals
- First aid kit for first aid.

Good to know:

Onboard language: 100% English or 100% French or 100% German
Onboard currency: major credit cards
Open bridge
Medical care: Medical questionnaire required
Electricity: 220 V

deck plans

princesse-ngalessa_observationdeck_expeditions-ducret

Accommodations and cabins

Passengers are accommodated in 14 stylish designer cabins on three decks.

Owner's Suite – 35 m² (observation deck, private balcony with 9 m²)

Three windows, armchair, two bedside tables, sofa, and wardrobe. Private bathroom. Air conditioning.

1 cabin with two single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed.
1 cabin with queen-size bed.
(cabins 401, 402)

Forward Superior Suite – 30 m² (third deck, bow area)

Public balcony. Four windows, two bedside tables, and a wardrobe. Private bathroom. Air conditioning.

2 cabins with two single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed.
(cabins 301, 302)

Forward Master Suite – 23 m² (Second deck, bow area)

Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a wardrobe. Private bathroom. Air conditioning.

2 cabins with queen-size beds.
(cabins 201, 203)

Master Suite – 27 m² (Second Deck)

Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, desk with chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and wardrobe. Private bathroom. Air conditioning.

1 cabin with two single beds that can be converted into a queen-size bed.
1 cabin with queen-size bed.
(cabins 202, 204)

Deluxe Suite – 18 m² (Second Deck)

Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a wardrobe. Private bathroom. Air conditioning.

3 cabins with two single beds.

MS Ducret Congo exterior