Le Soleal

Le Soleal is an expedition cruise ship perfect for explorers looking for laid-back luxury, stylish cabins and an authentic expedition experience

Introducing Le Soleal

Le Soleal embodies a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and exploration in a medium-sized expedition cruise ship. It is perfect for guests looking for an authentic expedition in the polar regions with a high standard of onboard comfort. Le Soleal is one of four sister ships with L’ Boreal, L'Austral and L’ Lyrial, each nearly identical apart from minor cosmetic differences. 

The ship accommodates 264 guests but takes 200 guests only on Antarctica cruises, offering an uncrowded and spacious feel at all times. Le Soleal provides a range of staterooms and upmarket suites, mostly with private balconies.

Whether enjoying a meal with panoramic views at the Le Pythéas Grill Restaurant or savouring a gourmet dinner at the L'Éclipse Gastronomic Restaurant, Le Soleal caters to diverse tastes and is committed to culinary excellence.

Geared around the expedition experience, Le Soleal is an ice-strengthened ship with a world-class team of polar guides and a fleet of Zodiacs to allow guests to explore further. One of the few ships to explore Antarctica from New Zealand, the ship's itineraries are carefully crafted to explore the unique natural wonders of our planet.

Le Soleal Highlights

1

Medium-sized luxury ship with a relaxed atmosphere

An excellent choice for explorers looking for a 5* luxury expedition cruise with a laid-back atmosphere, excellent dining choices and homely suites on a spacious ship with no more than 200 guests in Antarctica.
2

Outstanding expedition experience

L’ Soleal is known for its outstanding expedition experience with a team of expert polar guides and naturalists who take guests exploring by Zodiac daily and offer enriching lectures onboard.
3

Eco-friendly with a commitment to sustainability

With a deep commitment to environmental performance, Le Soleal is a huge advancement in eco cruising with the latest technologies, which include lower emissions and fuel consumption, waste reduction, waste recovery and recycling, an onboard environment officer, and a reduced underwater noise profile to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
4

Unique Itineraries to Explore Antarctica and New Zealand's SubAntarctic Islands

One of the few ships offering voyages from New Zealand to Antarctica, L' Soleal is an excellent choice for guests looking to experience East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, along with New Zealand's rarely visited sub-Antarctic Islands.
5

Great Option for Solo Travellers

L’ Soleal offers a selection of no single supplement cabins on select voyages, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers looking to explore the polar regions in a friendly atmosphere.

Le Soleal Features

Exterior

Ponant Le Soleal Pool

Pool Deck

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with large deck spaces on the ship's top.
Le Lyrial

Exterior Bar and Seating Area

Savour the epic polar scenery whilst enjoying your favourite drink in the exterior bar located on deck 6.

Interior

Le Soleal - Lounge

Panoramic Lounge

Located on deck 6, this large, bright, airy lounge is the perfect place to take in the sweeping views. Also featuring a bar, library and exterior terrace, this is the ultimate place to unwind.
Le Soleal lounge

Main Lounge

Located on deck 3, this spacious lounge features comfortable sofas, a tearoom, a bar and live music.

Wellness Area & Spa

Tranquil and relaxing spa featuring treatments, massages, L'Oréal Paris hair salon, free access hammam and fitness studio.
Le Soleal Ponant

The Theatre

A large auditorium with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and guest seating is on deck 4.

Dining Options On Le Soleal

Le Soleal - Gastronimic Restaurant

The L'Éclipse Gastronomic Restaurant

Located at the rear of deck 2, this extensive restaurant seats all guests in one setting. It offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners, French and international cuisine, and elegance with a wine cellar.

The Le Pythéas Grill Restaurant

Located on deck 6, this restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed diners in a relaxed setting with interior and exterior dining options.

Le Soleal Cabins

Superior Stateroom Deck 3
  • 226 ft
  • 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 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)
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)

Le Soleal Deck Plan

Deck-Plan-Austral-Boreal-Soleal

Le Soleal Destinations

Antarctica and The Ross Sea

Undertake a remarkable expedition to Antarctica from New Zealand and explore the remote seldom visited Ross Sea region famous for its raw beauty and historical sites such as Scott’s hut.

New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands

L' Soleal offers exciting 14-night expeditions to explore New Zealand's remote sub Antarctic Islands including planned landings on Macquarie Island famous for its diverse wildlife.

What Makes Le Soleal Unique?

Le Soleal is one of four sister ships, along with Le lyrial, Le Austral and Le Boreal. Le Soleal was the the third of the four ships to be launched and is a huge advancement in responsible cruising with electric engines and state- of-the-art waste recovery and recycling.

How To Plan Your Cruise On Le Soleal

Choose from Le Soleal’s great selection of luxury expedition cruises to explore Antarctica.

Contact our friendly travel experience team to get the best advice on cabins and itineraries and ask any questions you may have.

Please make your reservation with our friendly Travel Experience Team. All bookings made through North Pole Cruises receive 100% financial protection, and we include supplier failure insurance at no charge to you for extra peace of mind.

Before your expedition, we will send you lots of helpful advice about planning your voyage, including the best travel insurance, places to stay before and after your journey, travel requirements and a packing list.

Enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Le Soleal Cruises

New Zealand birds
Dunedin - Dunedin
Dec 29 2025 - Jan 12 2026
14 Nights

Price from per person

£10,170
Le Soleal Antarctica cruise ship
Dunedin - Dunedin
Jan 26 2025 - Feb 16 2025
21 Nights

Price from per person

£19,720
Macqarie Island - Ponant
Dunedin - Dunedin
Jan 12 2026 - Jan 26 2026
14 Nights

Price from per person

£8,950

Le Soleal Ship FAQ

Le Soleal has a fleet of 11 onboard for exploring and shore landings with the ships expert guide team.

Le Soleal was launched in December 2012 and commenced its first expedition cruises in 2013.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

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