Le Soleal is an elegant cruise ship with 132 staterooms. This beautiful vessel’s subtle combination of luxury, privacy and well-being combines with cutting-edge technology for an exceptional adventure.
This is the third ship in Ponant’s luxury line of expedition ships, which specializes in smaller vessels that feel more like a boutique experience. It’s a perfect choice for exploring far-flung destinations such as Antarctica and Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and the remote islands of New Zealand.
Dining
This sleek vessel features 132 elegantly appointed staterooms with ocean views and balconies, and premium amenities that create the feel of a 5-star hotel. Guests wake up to a delicious breakfast that includes French pastries and coffee as well as a buffet of freshly prepared international gourmet fare. Lunch can be enjoyed as you like in the casual Le Grill, or in our sophisticated Gastronomic Restaurant on Pondichery Deck. Evening is the time for fine dining at one of our two signature restaurants featuring both French and international cuisine as well as local specialties. The onboard Ducasse Conseil-trained chefs will accommodate any dietary requirements.
The evenings are filled with a variety of extraordinary events that include four magnificent gala dinners, insightful lectures by the onboard naturalists and historians, and world-class music performances. Our Expedition Managers and local guides also share their expertise both onboard and ashore.
Our ships’ unique design allows them to access smaller ports not reachable by larger vessels. This allows us to explore pristine wilderness and hidden gems on cruises along the Kimberley Coast and beyond.
Le Soleal is the third of our fleet of revolutionary new luxury cruise ships to be launched in 2013, alongside her sister ships, L’Austral and Le Boreal. Each ship body combines refinement and intimacy with cutting-edge “green” technology.
Our environmentally friendly ship uses silent electric propulsion, uses energy-efficient LED lighting and advanced filtration systems to reduce emissions and waste. She is equipped with dynamic positioning, which reduces the need to anchor and conserves fuel and energy. Onboard storage holds compacted trash for later recycling ashore, and onboard sewage is treated before it is deposited into the water. We are also committed to reducing the impact of our voyages on local marine environments and communities. Our ships are certified Clean Ships by Bureau Veritas, and we use a carbon offset program to neutralize the impact of our cruises.
Bars
Like her sister ships Le Boreal and L’Austral, the elegant 132-cabin Le Soleal brings the French art of living to the far reaches of the planet. Sophisticated styling, cutting-edge “green” technology and service that is welcoming and attentive combine for a unique small ship cruising experience.
Unlike larger cruise ships, the ice-strengthened Le Soleal is able to navigate into shallower waters and small coastal ports that are inaccessible to bigger vessels. This enables guests to enjoy a range of scenic, wildlife and cultural excursions led by our expert guides and expedition team members.
Onboard, our cabins and lounge areas are designed to offer maximum comfort and relaxation. Our furniture is crafted with sophisticated elegance, blending grey tones with natural woods. The ambiance onboard is warm and intimate, with a convivial atmosphere enhanced by the friendly, welcoming team of seasoned professionals that serves you.
Whether enjoying the fresh bread and pastry baked by our French baker, or savouring a glass of wine at the Marina Bar or one of the other bars onboard, you will find your meals delicious and satisfying. In the gastronomic restaurant, you can enjoy menus designed to complement our fine wines selected by our sommeliers.
The 132 cabins and suites feature soft and gentle colours, with shades of grey and white combining with natural woods. This subtle design references the looks and styles of yachting, while adding a touch of sophistication.
Each evening, you can dine with new friends in one of the restaurants onboard, or opt to have a candlelit dinner for two in your own suite. Then you can relax in a lounge, listen to the pianist, or catch a show at Le Théâtre. And, when you’re ready for bed, your room will be beautifully prepared and ready for you to retreat to.
Our staff is accustomed to meeting the needs of all types of passengers. Our expedition managers and naturalist guides are passionate about their professions, bringing unsurpassed knowledge to our passengers both onboard and ashore. Our guest speakers, from artists and writers to journalists and scientists, also contribute to the enrichment of our cruises.
Lounges
Le Soleal is a sleek, environmentally friendly ship with 132 cabins. Designed to be a floating luxury hotel, the ice-strengthened vessel offers high comfort and French-inspired elegance. The ship also combines adventure and discovery with onboard activities and a wide variety of premium features.
During voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic, Le Soleal sails with two life boats capable of carrying all passengers at once. Le Soleal also carries Zodiacs that passengers use to land ashore on exploration excursions during these trips. Le Soleal is able to access remote destinations that cannot be reached by larger cruise ships, which is why her fleet of Zodiacs and passenger landing crafts are so important to these itineraries.
The main lounge aboard Le Soleal is called The Club, and it features comfortable seating, a dance floor, a piano and a bar. During evenings, live music is often played in this area by professional singers and musicians. The lounge is open to all passengers and is a favorite spot for socializing after dinner. There is also a small deck area behind The Club that can be filled with lounge chairs during sunny days.
In addition to The Club, Le Soleal has a large main dining room, and several other lounge areas that can seat all of her passengers at once. These include a spacious observation lounge that overlooks the bow of the ship and an outdoor lounge where guests can enjoy views from a deck above. There is also a pool, an open-air bar and a space that can be used for swimming and splashing in the water.
Aboard Le Soleal, most beverages and round-the-clock room service are included in the price of your cruise. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main dining room. Alfresco dining is also available during certain times of the day, and a grill restaurant is located near the rear of the ship.
Le Soleal and her sister ships are renowned for their expedition cruises, which take the ship to far-flung destinations. For example, the company’s current itinerary includes a 21-night voyage from Dunedin to the Ross Sea in Antarctica. On this cruise, the ship visits Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royd and other historic sites in the region.
Staterooms
The elegant staterooms aboard le soleal offer all the comforts of home. Located throughout the ship, cabins and suites feature panoramic windows that maximize sea views. They are comfortably furnished with either one king bed or two twin beds, individually-controlled air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, desk with stationery, safe, hairdryer, French bath products and 24-hour room service. Suites include a separate living area and balcony with dual access. All suites and some cabin categories also include butler service.
In addition to the spacious staterooms and lounge areas, there are several other ways for guests to unwind on board. Take in a film at the theater, attend one of the many enriching lectures or workshops led by experts, and get up close to nature during Zodiac excursions on the shore.
While Le Soleal is fully equipped with the latest safety and security features, passengers should note that all activities and destinations may require some level of physical exertion. It is important to discuss any dietary restrictions or medical conditions with the cruise company prior to booking and bring along all necessary medications. In addition, passengers will be required to sign a waiver and undergo a health questionnaire and examination prior to boarding.
Built in 2013 and flying the flag of Wallis and Futuna Islands, Le Soleal is an ice-strengthened expedition ship that combines high-end comfort with a unique sense of adventure. The ship carries 264 passengers and a crew of 139 and offers a subtle combination of luxury, privacy and well-being. Whether on an Antarctic cruise or around the world, Le Soleal provides the ultimate experience in exploration and discovery.
