About Le Soleal

Built in 2013 and with a 264-guest capacity, Le Soleal is one of the most elegant expedition ships currently operating in the Polar Regions. She is owned by Ponant Cruises and particularly popular with younger couples and solo travellers. Le Soleal is a great choice if you are seeking an expedition cruise in Antarctica or the Arctic that combines immersive exploration with a high standard of onboard luxury.

Every expedition aboard Le Soleal is accompanied by a team of Naturalist Guides. Highly trained and with an infectious passion for exploring, the team will be on-hand to guide you whenever you leave the ship, either by Zodiac – of which there are 12 – or when venturing ashore to partake in a guided excursion. The Naturalist Guides will also lead the ship’s daily briefings, lectures and recaps. Delivered in Le Soleal’s show lounge, these informative presentations are designed to add insight into each destination’s history, wildlife and landscape.

There are four categories of accommodation on Le Soleal: Standard Staterooms, Deluxe Staterooms, Prestige Suites and one Owner’s Suite. All offer outside views, king-size or twin beds, climate control, TV/DVD players and an ensuite bathroom. The Prestige Suites also benefit from a private veranda and a separate sitting area, while the ship’s largest accommodation option, the grand Owner’s suite, offers space and facilities that are similar to that of the world’s finest hotels.

Where dining is concerned, Le Soleal offers a choice of two dining venues, each serving up a delightful combination of French and international cuisine. The ship’s main restaurant, Le Coromandel, operates on an open-seating basis for breakfast lunch and dinner with enough space to seat all guests. While breakfast and lunch are both served buffet-style, table service is the only option during the evening.

Le Soleal’s second restaurant, Le Rodrigues, is a more informal option and provides indoor and outdoor seating for up to 130 guests. All meals are self-service, with buffet trays offering both hot and cold dishes as well as a cooking station for omelettes, pizza and pasta dishes made to order.

Owing to the nature of the expeditions undertaken by Le Soleal, onboard entertainment on the ship is limited. As such, you won’t experience any West End show imitations or big band performances. Instead, guests will usually gather in one of the ship’s lounges in order to mix with fellow travellers and take advantage of the huge variety of drinks and tipples available.

Other facilities on Le Soleal include a fitness centre, a library, two pools, a spa and a full service salon.