This summer, I stepped aboard Le Soleal, one of 4 Mega Yachts owned by Compagnie du Ponant. Catering to only 264 passengers with a crew of 140, this ship is built for cultural and expedition cruises.
In this world of ‘mega ships’, it was refreshing to experience a small yacht — elegant, intimate, comfortable and designed to go where the big cruise lines cannot.
The Staterooms with balconies (95% of rooms), range from 194 sq.ft. to 581 sq. ft. excluding the balconies. They were very well appointed with robes, slippers, French bath products, mini fridge, flat screen TV, safe and iPod docking.
The oldest ship in the Ponant fleet was built in 2010 and the newest in 2015, with 4 new ships being added to the fleet over the next 3 years. Le Soleal was designed in 2013 so it features the modern amenities you would expect in a newer vessel.
So where do these wonderful yachts go?
The Arctic — watch polar bears, whales, seals, walruses, musk ox, arctic fox and many more natural wonders of the north under the guidance of The Ponant Expedition Team.
United States & Canada, Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Antarctica — see king penguins, sea lions, humpback whales, albatrosses and many more creatures, as well as extraordinary sights, likely while aboard your Zodiac wearing your Expedition Parka.
Other destinations include Northern Europe, the Baltics, Iceland, Greenland, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Turkey, Asia, the South Pacific, South Africa (Safari), and the Seychelles.
