Le Boréal: Ship, Routes & Consulting
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the Le Boréal
- Le Boréal is the first of PONANT’s four sister superyachts, carrying a maximum of 200 passengers in Antarctica.
- Sail aboard a modern, custom-built expedition ship with Ice Class 1C, designed for voyages to the highlights of the Antarctic region.
- Experience an intimate atmosphere with a French touch, a spa, two gourmet restaurants, and a ship where most landings and excursions are already included.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the Le Boréal
Antarctica in the Style of a Private Yacht
Le Boréal was the first of the four sister ships and paved the way for a new generation of expedition vessels in Antarctica. It combines state-of-the-art technology, an intimate atmosphere due to its small size, and exceptional service.
5-star Comfort without the High Price Tag
You travel as one of only 132 guests in cabins and suites styled like those on a private yacht, enjoy French gourmet cuisine, and benefit from almost all landings and excursions already included. A German-speaking lecturer accompanies Antarctic voyages on board Le Boréal.
Activities Included
An experienced expedition team joins each voyage. A German-speaking lecturer is on board during Antarctic sailings. Landings and Zodiac cruises in Antarctica are included. You will receive a complimentary expedition parka from PONANT. Sea kayaking is available at an extra cost.
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Cabins and Suites on the Le Boréal
| Owner's Suite | 45 M2 |
| Prestige Suite | 36 M2 |
| Deluxe Suite | 27 M2 |
| Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom | 21 M2 |
| Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom | 18 M2 |
| Window or Porthole Stateroom | 18 M2 |
Owner's Suite
- 45 m² Owner's Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Decorated by French designers.
- Panoramic sea view.
- Private 12 m² balcony.
- Separate living area with sofa and armchairs.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Large windows.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Butler service.
- Bathroom with Jacuzzi.
Prestige Suite
- 36 m² Prestige Suite on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 8 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Separate living area with sofa, table, and chair.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service available for guests on Deck 6.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Deluxe Suite
- 27 m² Deluxe Suite on Deck 6.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 6 m² balcony.
- Table with chair.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Butler service.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom
- 21 m² Superior Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom with shower.
Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom
- 18 m² Prestige Cabin on Decks 4, 5, and 6.
- King-size bed.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- Maximum 2 guests per suite.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
Window or Porthole Stateroom
- 18 m² Deluxe Cabin on Deck 3.
- King-size bed or two single beds.
- Private 4 m² balcony.
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, and hair dryer.
- 2 passengers per cabin.
- Large windows.
- Bathroom.
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Le Boréal Deck Plan
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Itineraries of the Le Boréal in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Boréal
Le Boréal is the first of the four Sistership expedition vessels built in 2010 by the French cruise line PONANT. With Ice Class 1C, Le Boréal is designed for exploring the highlights of Antarctica.
You don’t have to give up comfort while traveling to the White Continent. A voyage onboard Le Boréal offers a true 5-star Antarctic adventure with the elegance of a French expedition yacht – without an excessively high price tag.
Design and Features:
- Each of the 132 cabins and suites is equipped with a king-size bed or two twin beds. 95% include a private balcony.
- In Antarctica, passenger capacity is limited to a maximum of 200 guests to comply with IAATO environmental regulations.
- You travel with French gourmet cuisine, spacious cabins with large windows, and an experienced expedition team.
Technical Specifications:
- The vessel is equipped with systems that minimize environmental impact, including advanced waste treatment, water management, and emission-reducing technology.
- Stabilizers ensure smoother sailing in rough waters.
- Le Boréal’s modern propulsion system offers high maneuverability and efficiency, enabling safe navigation even in challenging sea conditions.
Onboard Experience:
- French fine dining in two onboard restaurants.
- Spa, hammam, and fitness facilities.
- Panorama lounge, outdoor viewing decks, and a lecture theatre.
Expedition Team:
- A German-speaking expert leads lectures and accompanies landings.
- Approximately 10 to 13 expedition staff members guide landings, Zodiac outings, and educational activities.
- Optional sea kayaking is available.
Expedition Equipment:
- Zodiacs for landings.
- A complimentary expedition parka.
- Rubber boots available onboard for the duration of the expedition.
- Passengers: max. 200 in Antarctica
- Year built: 2010
- Crew: approx. 145
- Expedition team: approx. 10–13
- Ice Class: 1C
- Length: 142 m | Width: 18 m
- Decks: 7
- Speed: 14 knots
- Stabilizers: Yes
- Expedition gear: Zodiacs, kayaks, and landing equipment
Included:
- Domestic transfers to Le Boréal – for example, flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, including airport transfers before and after the voyage.
- Pre-night hotel stays where required, usually in a 5-star hotel.
- Antarctic cruise in the selected category (5-star cabin or suite).
- Two restaurants, including meals and beverages.
- Daily landings and activities.
- Complimentary expedition parka provided onboard.
- Loan of rubber boots for landings.
- Experienced expedition staff.
- Wi-Fi access, subject to availability.
Excluded:
- International flights (we can arrange suitable flights on request).
- Premium wines and similar beverages.
- Personal expenses, such as purchases in the onboard boutique.
- Spa services such as massages and salon treatments.
- Personal travel insurance.
Le Boréal offers a wide range of Antarctic activities, many already included in the voyage. These may include:
- Landings: Daily shore landings are included. Trekking poles, snowshoes, and boots are provided.
- Polar Plunge: A refreshing jump into Antarctic waters with full safety support.
- Zodiac excursions: For landings, wildlife viewing, iceberg cruising, and many other activities.
- Expert lectures: From the expedition team and guest speakers.
- Sea kayaking: Available with advance reservation; all equipment is provided.
Satellite Internet is available onboard Le Boréal with the limitations expected when traveling in one of the most remote regions on Earth. Personal devices can connect from most areas of the ship when coverage allows. The connection is generally suitable for light browsing and messaging, though some websites may load slowly. Stable video calls are increasingly possible but not guaranteed. Satellite phone calls are available at an additional charge.
Ponant takes its French heritage seriously, and this is reflected throughout its culinary program. Dishes such as foie gras, duck confit, or wild boar may appear on the menu even in Antarctica. For guests who prefer simpler options, there are always choices like burgers, club sandwiches, or chicken. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are always available.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily in two restaurants with open seating.
- Fine-Dining Restaurant La Licorne (Deck 2): Set with white tablecloths and seating for all guests, with tables for 4, 6, or 8 (often available as 2-person settings). Guests may request seating with speakers of their native language. Breakfast includes an omelette station, fresh fruit, and French pastries. Lunch is buffet-style, offering warm comfort dishes like lasagna, casseroles, meat, and fish. High-quality red, white, and rosé wines are included at lunch and dinner.
Dinner features French classics such as foie gras, duck confit, veal dishes, or game.
- Restaurant La Boussole (Deck 6): The buffet menu matches La Licorne. Outdoor seating is available depending on weather conditions. Occasionally, barbecue or mussels stations are offered.
- Main Lounge (Deck 3): Tea, coffee, pastries, fruit, snacks, and a continental early-riser breakfast are served here, along with afternoon tea.
- Room Service: Complimentary comfort-food menu including burgers, steaks, and salads.
Only a small number of departures include international flights. When booking with ArcticDesire.com, we are happy to provide an optional full travel package including international flights to the departure point — typically Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile for Antarctic voyages.