Le Soléal
- Le Soléal is an intimate luxury cruise ship purpose-built for expeditions to the polar regions. Launched in 2013, Le Soléal sets a new benchmark for 5-star cruising.
- Le Soléal offers exciting itineraries to New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands, Macquarie Island and Antarctica’s remote Ross Sea region.
- The ship’s small size is perfect for travellers looking for intimacy with high levels of comfort.
Why Choose Le Soleal
The third ship in a series of four sister ships (L’ Austral, Le Lyrial, and Le Boreal), Le Soleal, took to the high seas in 2013, offering small-ship luxury expedition cruising. It perfectly blends adventure and relaxation, from fine dining and comfortable lounges to a world-class team of expedition guides. Â
Le Soleal takes a maximum of 264 travellers per voyage and is limited to 200 guests per voyage in Antarctica. The ship offers an intimate setting to explore Antarctica’s most remote regions, including the Ross Sea. Public spaces on Le Soléal include a panoramic lounge, library, and main lounge for socialising and entertainment.
Le Soleil is purpose-built as a luxury expedition ship with a 1C Ice strengthened hull for safely navigating polar waters. The cruise experience aboard Le Soléal involves excellent service from the crew and naturalist guides.
Dining on Le Soleal
Le Soléal’s dining options prioritise French cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Le Soléal features two restaurants serving a fusion of French and international cuisine.
The gastronomic restaurant L’Éclipse is situated on deck 2 and has a light and airy atmosphere. Food is served à la carte, and guests can enjoy selections from the wine cellar. The restaurant has enough space for all guests and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The grill restaurant Le Pythéas is situated on deck 6. It has open-plan seating indoors and outdoors and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine is buffet style, and guests have a wide selection of locally sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cabins On Le Soleal
All staterooms on Le Soléal are decorated by French designers and include modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, private balconies, and individually controlled air conditioning.
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from many staterooms with private balconies aboard Le Soléal.
Le Soléal features 132 suites, each well-proportioned and tastefully decorated. Guests can choose from the large owner’s suite, Prestige suites with private balconies and superior staterooms.
Onboard Experience
Le Soléal features a full-service spa for relaxation and pampering during the cruise. Guests can also swim in the heated outdoor pool, which is unusual for such a small ship.
The main lounge aboard Le Soléal is an ideal place to relax and enjoy entertainment. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a drink with fellow travellers after a day exploring the polar regions.
The panoramic lounge features an intimate piano bar with a unique horizon view. The outdoor bar provides a relaxation area with access to the pool and solarium.
Throughout the expedition, lectures by the ship’s expedition team and onboard specialists take place in the theatre, which has seating for all guests.
During the evenings, guests can enjoy live music performances and shows at the Ships Theatre.
Activities & Excursions
Le Soléal is an active expedition ship. Zodiac cruises and shore landings are included in the polar regions as part of the experience with the ship’s expedition team.
Other onboard activities on Le Soléal include kayaking, swimming, and attending lectures.
Destinations
Le Soléal is one of only a handful of ships that offers expeditions to Antarctica’s remote Ross Sea region. On a voyage from New Zealand, it visits Macquarie Island. Other exciting voyages include expeditions to explore New Zealand’s sub-antarctic islands.
Other destinations include the Komodo National Park and the Kei Islands. Passengers can explore the Maluku Islands, experience the vibrant cultures of the South Pacific, and enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Sustainability
Le Soléal employs the latest state-of-the-art technology, strict environmental protocols, and a deep commitment to sustainability.
The ship has many of the latest features, including electric engines that minimise underwater disturbances to wildlife. It also has advanced waste and recycling facilities, allowing it to sort 100% of recycling onboard. Thanks to an advanced exhaust system, the ship has 60% fewer fine particles.
The ship’s environmental officer is tasked with ensuring that the ship operates in a clean and responsible manner.
What this ship offers
2 Restaurants
Fitness Centre / Gym
Latest Sustainability Technology
Lecture Theatre
Observation Lounge
Outdoor Decks
Outdoor Pool
Spa
Wi-Fi
Activities
Hiking
Lectures
Polar Plunge
Sea Kayaking
Snow Shoeing
Zodiac Cruises
Search Le Soléal Cruises
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What Polar Escapes Says About L'Austral
‘Le Soléal is a great option for travellers exploring the Antarctic’s wild and remote Ross Sea region. It is one of only several ships that offer luxury expeditions to Antarctica’s most remote corners. With first-hand experience sailing on Le Soléal, we know this ship delivers outstanding expeditions.’
Cabins
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
- 193 ft²
- 2 guests
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A window and panoramic glazed swing door
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
- 193 ft²
- 2 guests
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
- 193 ft²
- 2 guests
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
- 193 ft²
- 2 guests
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
- 226 ft²
- Up to 3 guests
- One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
- 290 ft²
- 2 guests
- Priority boarding
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
- An armchair and a sofa (167 x 70 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 5 m² balcony
- A panoramic sliding bay window
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Suite Deck 5
- 398 ft²
- Up to 4 guests
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Prestige Suite Deck 6
- 398 ft²
- Up to 4 guests
- Priority boarding
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, a second TV, and a sliding courtesy door
- Two bathrooms with shower
- A private 8 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Owner's Suite Deck 6
- 484 ft²
- Up to 2 guests
- Concierge Service
- Private return transfer
- Priority boarding
- Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
- Butler service
- An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
- A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A living/dining room with a sofa, armchair, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
- A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
- A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
- Premium drinks at the bar
- A private 9 m² balcony
- Two panoramic sliding bay windows
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Deck Plan
Le Soléal Itineraries
Le Soléal Ship Guide
Stats About Le Soléal
Le Soléal FAQ
Are there any cabins for solo travellers on Le Soléal?
Le Soléal regularly offers solo travellers the opportunity to have their own cabin at no extra cost. Please enquire to find out more.
Book Your Cruise on Le Soléal
At Polar Escapes, we are Ponant's official travel partner. Contact our team for first-hand advice and to help you find the best price for your cruise on Le Soléal.
What type of plugs does Le Soléal have?
Soléal has 220V European-style two-round-pinned sockets & a North American 120V two-flat-pinned socket.
Does Le Soléal have wifi?
Le Soléal has Wi-Fi onboard, which is included in the cruise fare.
When was Le Soléal launched?
Le Soléal was launched in 2013.
Who owns Le Soléal?
Compagnie du Ponant owns Le Soléal, one of four identical Ponant ships known as the sister ships.
