Le Soléal: Ship, Routes & Consulting

Le Soléal is the third of the four sister-ship expedition vessels operated by the French cruise line PONANT. Launched in 2012, it carries Ice Class 1C certification, allowing safe access to key regions of Antarctica.

A voyage aboard Le Soléal combines polar exploration with the comfort and elegance of a private-yacht-style luxury expedition ship. You travel with true 5-star service, an experienced expedition team, and at a price that remains surprisingly accessible.

Design and onboard features:

• Each of the 132 staterooms and suites includes either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Ninety-five percent feature a private balcony.
• To comply with Antarctic Treaty regulations, passenger numbers are limited to a maximum of 200.
• You travel with French gourmet cuisine, spacious cabins with large windows, and an experienced expedition crew during your journey to Antarctica.

Technical specifications:

• Enhanced waste-management and water-treatment systems, as well as emission-reduction measures, help minimise the vessel’s environmental footprint in Antarctica.
• Modern stabilisers ensure smoother sailing in rough seas.
• Le Soléal features an advanced propulsion system that provides excellent manoeuvrability and efficiency, allowing safe navigation even in challenging polar waters.

Onboard experience:

• French fine dining with two onboard restaurants, including wine and beverages.
• Wellness facilities including a spa, hammam, and fitness area.
• Panoramic lounge, observation deck, and lecture theatre.

Expedition team:

• A German-speaking lecturer is onboard in Antarctica for talks and guided landings.
• An experienced expedition team of approximately 10 to 13 experts leads Zodiac excursions, landings, and lectures.
• Optional kayaking is available at an additional cost.

Expedition equipment:

• Zodiac boats for landings.
• A complimentary expedition parka.
• Complimentary loan of insulated boots for shore activities.

• Passengers: maximum 200 in Antarctica.
• Year built: 2012.
• Crew: approx. 145 in Antarctica.
• Expedition staff: approx. 10 to 13.
• Ice class: 1C.
• Length: 142 m. Width: 18 m.
• Decks: 7.
• Speed: 14 knots.
• Stabilised: Yes.
• Expedition equipment: Zodiacs, kayaks, and full landing gear.

Included:

• Domestic transfers to Le Soléal — for example, from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia with economy flights and required transfers.
• Pre-cruise accommodation when necessary, usually in a 5-star hotel.
• Your Antarctic voyage in the booked cabin or suite category.
• Two restaurants with beverages, wine, and gourmet cuisine.
• Daily landings and activities.
• Complimentary expedition parka (issued onboard).
• Loan of expedition boots.
• Experienced expedition team.
• Wi-Fi access when available.

Excluded:

• International flights: we can arrange your full travel package on request.
• Premium wines and similar beverages.
• Personal expenses, such as onboard shop purchases.
• Spa treatments, hair salon, and similar services.
• Travel insurance

Le Soléal offers a wide range of activities in Antarctica, many of which are already included in the voyage. These include:

• Landings: daily shore excursions are included, and all required equipment—hiking poles, snowshoes, and boots—is provided.
• Polar plunge: a supervised jump into the icy Antarctic waters.
• Zodiac cruises: included for whale-watching, iceberg exploration, and general adventure.
• Expert lectures: delivered by the expedition team and onboard researchers.
• Sea kayaking: requires advance registration and is offered at an additional cost. All equipment is provided, including dry suits.

Internet access is complimentary on Le Soléal and works via satellite, even in Antarctica. However, due to the remoteness of the region, connection speeds can vary and may not always support video calls. At times, webpages may take several minutes to load. Satellite phone access is available at an additional charge.

Le Soléal features two restaurants: the fine-dining restaurant L’Éclipse on Deck 2, and the relaxed grill restaurant Le Pythéas on Deck 6. Both offer open-seating breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

PONANT takes its French culinary heritage seriously, and this is reflected in the menu. Evening meals may feature French classics such as foie gras, slow-braised wild boar with rich sauce, or duck confit. For guests who prefer simpler options, dishes such as burgers, club sandwiches, and chicken are always available.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are consistently offered.

Gourmet restaurant L’Éclipse (Deck 2): Seating includes tables for four, six, or eight guests. Tables for four can be used privately for two. You may request seating with others who speak your language.

Breakfast includes cooked options, an omelette station, pastries, and fresh fruit.

Lunch is served buffet-style with a selection of warm comfort-style dishes such as lasagne, stews, or grilled meat and fish.

High-quality red, white, and rosé wines are served generously at lunch and dinner. Premium French wines are available à la carte.

Grill restaurant Le Pythéas (Deck 6): The menu mirrors the offering at L’Éclipse, with the advantage of outdoor seating when weather permits. Occasionally, themed meals such as barbecues or mussels are offered.

Main lounge (Deck 3): Tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits, and a light early-riser breakfast are available here, along with afternoon tea and pastries.

Room service: Complimentary menu featuring comfort dishes including salads, steaks, and burgers.

Antarctic itineraries with Le Soléal typically include only the domestic access package to the vessel — for example, the internal flight to Ushuaia, required transfers, and a pre-cruise hotel night. International flights are not included by PONANT. When booking with Arctic Desire, we are happy to create a complete package including international flights, pre- or post-trip extensions in Patagonia, or additional arrangements.