Trip & Ship Review – Exploring Sub Antarctic Islands on Le Soleal
Laura Pattara | 28 November 2024
If you're looking to explore one of the world’s most remote, extreme, and pristine wilderness areas, Ponant’s Sub-Antarctic islands cruise aboard Le Soleal might just be the adventure you seek. Wondering what this ship and trip are all about? Keep reading to find out!
Le Soleal is an impressive, ice-strengthened ship operated by Ponant cruises. It offers a superb 15-day expedition to the seldom-visited sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand, promising an exquisite array of nature-based experiences. To provide a thorough and personalised Le Soleal review, Viva sacrificed one of its own – Emma Johnson – to join one of these cruises departing from Auckland in January, 2024.
Poor Emma, taking one for the team, yet again!
In between a flurry of incredible adventures, our intrepid explorer found time to give the ship and the expedition a comprehensive once-over.
So, let's dive in to what you can expect onboard this beautifully appointed expedition ship as you explore the majestic icy islands of the far south.
About Le Soleal
Le Soleal is a state-of-the-art expedition ship operated by Ponant, a French company renowned for its fleet of luxury expedition vessels that blend elegance with hard-core performance and oodles of adventure. The boat was built in 2013 and designed to offer high comfort even while cruising in seriously hostile environments. She is ideally suited to navigate sub-Antarctic waters because that's precisely what she was created to do!
Le Soleal was built to carry up to 264 passengers but limits its capacity to 200-250 when on a Sub-Antarctic islands cruise, allowing for faster embarkation and disembarkation on landing sites. Most of the 132 cabins have private balconies, which offer sensational chances to sit outdoors and enjoy eye-popping views of the passing landscapes. Cabins are modern and stylish, with minimalist (French-style) décor and luxurious amenities. From the plush towels, bathrobes and slippers to full range of toiletry goodies, a Nespresso machine, kettle and well-stocked minibar – consider this a bona fide floating luxury hotel room.
We spotted no complaints on that front on Emma’s Le Soleal review!
Ship Size & Layout
If you're a seasoned cruiser, you will notice that Le Soleal is smaller than many traditional cruise ships. Small-ship cruising is a definite plus when travelling to Sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, as you can explore smaller bays and reach more remote landing spots most mega-ships simply couldn't go. Smaller vessels also allow for a more intimate experience, enticing a camaraderie not usually seen aboard bigger ships. Designing a layout that feels intimate yet uncrowded is quite a feat, and Le Soleal manages this very well. The boat feels spacious and open, with multiple relaxation and socialising areas and a streamlined design that allows for easy movement.
All up, you’ll find six decks onboard Le Soleal. Deck 3 is home to the main lounge and bar, where you can enjoy afternoon tea and live music in the evening or find a quiet, relaxing spot to unwind and read a book. Deck 4 hosts the theatre where most lectures and presentations are held. On Deck 6 is the observation lounge with panoramic views. In the evenings, head here to grab a cocktail at the bar while watching the sunset over the icy waters. Deck 6 also features the ship's buffet restaurant, Le Pytheas, and a heated outdoor pool (salt water) for a sublime post-excursion dip.
When not in your cabin (“Which is mostly only to sleep and to hang around in your robe admiring icy islands with a Nespresso first thing in the morning” – Emma), you will likely be meandering between decks 3 and 6.
General Ship & Trip Overview by Emma
Emma is one of Viva's Senior Destination Specialists and has experience cruising on expedition ships. Her review of Le Soleal hones in on the most important factors clients often inquire about, so it should also help you determine if this ship and trip are right for you.
“Le Soleal offers a fantastic balance between comfort and adventure. The crew is friendly and international, so English is widely spoken, although it is a French ship. The expedition is all-inclusive, which is awesome – no need to worry about excursions and activities or that extra mid-afternoon coffee to pay for – everything is taken care of, so once onboard, you're left to focus on the breathtaking surroundings and overall experience." – Emma.
The Sub-Antarctic islands are a bird lover’s paradise, and every day is filled with Zodiac explorations, insightful lectures, and wildlife encounters. If this sounds right up your explorer alley, then the ship and itinerary are ideal. Also, while French elegance is undoubtedly present in the design of the ship, there’s nothing stuffy or snobby about the atmosphere and crew – the vibe is warm and relaxed, so it's tailor-made for those seeking a unique blend of luxury and wilderness exploration that isn’t too hard-core.
Special mention should go to the astonishing stabilisers on Le Soleal. Part of a new gen of ultra-stable expedition ships, this Ponant cruise gem is perfect for anyone who suffers easily from seasickness.
Overview of Cabins
When you book a berth aboard Le Soleal, you have several choices of class level, which differ in size, amenities, and consequently, price. The most popular is the Prestige Stateroom, which has double or twin beds, a private balcony with a table and chairs, and a cosy indoor sitting area.
This is the cabin Emma was “forced to endure”. Poor, poor Emma…
If you'd like a bit more space, then go for the Deluxe Stateroom, which is slightly bigger and has floor-to-ceiling windows for even more impressive landscape admiring from the comfort of your bed.
For the ultimate in luxurious comfort, indulge in a DeluxeSuite or Owner’s Suite, which boast separate living areas and added extras like butler service.
Sorry, Emma…
Keep in mind that all cabins are sublimely comfortable, spotlessly clean, elegant, and include a flat-screen TV with a varied viewing menu, top-of-the-line Hermès toiletries (no need to pack your own!) as well as essentials like a safe, minibar and even an umbrella for those rainy days on deck. Emma describes the cabins as: “Thoughtfully designed for comfort, with everything you need for a relaxing stay.”
Food
“This is the kind of expedition that will see you roll off the ship by the end!" – Emma
Dining onboard Le Soleal is an experience in and of itself. Emma says food is plentiful and delicious and there’s enough variety to satisfy everyone. The chefs will happily cater to any dietary restriction but they can’t usually do it on the spot. They need to be forewarned so they can plan and food shop accordingly. Let your Viva Destination Specialist know of any specific food requirements when booking, and they'll make sure your needs are met.
Le Soleal offers two dining options: L'Eclipse is the à la carte on Deck 2, while Le Pytheas is the buffet restaurant on Deck 6. Both serve the same meals, so it's just a matter of whether you prefer table service or self-service. Sometimes, one of the restaurants may close temporarily due to weather, sailing conditions, and activities. Aside from unique gourmet delights, you’ll also find crowd-pleasing staples like club sandwiches, steak, and chips. If you're particularly fatigued after an onshore outing, you can also order room service during meal times - the service is free.
“If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be in heaven: from smoked salmon to ceviche and baked fish, mussels, and crayfish, you're spoiled for choice. Don’t miss the themed afternoon teas in the main lounge on Deck 3! They offer amazing international specialities inspired by the UK, USA, France, and more. Expect to indulge in a little bit of everything—it’s hard not to!” – Emma
Activities & Excursions
Ponant's expedition cruises, like all small-ship polar expedition cruises, are very activity-oriented. Expect the itinerary to be jam-packed with unique experiences to immerse you in the astonishing landscapes you've come to admire. All the activities are included, and all are optional. Most passengers tend to rush back and forth to do it all in the first couple of days because it’s nearly impossible to sit still on an expedition like this. But choose your activities depending on your energy levels to avoid early burnout, and you'll have a great time. Mind you, this is a 15-day adventure, and going full speed for a fortnight is surprisingly easy!
Here's Emma, with Le Soleal in the background, exploring Ulva Island on day 2 of her expedition.
Expert naturalist guides lead daily Zodiac excursions. Le Soleal's inflatables can accommodate wheelchairs, but it needs to be planned in advance - so once again, let us know at the time of booking. Activities range from shore landings on remote islands to wildlife-spotting cruises along the coastlines. You’ll see dense forests of Ulva Island and spot penguins on Macquarie Island. Every day aboard this ship and on the Sub-Antarctic islands is an exercise in sensory overload.
Simply. Awesome.
In case you are wondering what level of fitness is required to undertake an expedition such as this, don’t worry too much. While you definitely don’t need a heightened level of fitness or agility, it helps to be nimble to a degree to get in and out of the Zodiacs. But again – wheelchairs can be accommodated and the crew is always ready to (literally) lend a hand. This kind of expedition is suitable for just about everyone.
On sailing days, you’ll also have a full schedule of onboard activities. From daily expert lectures to live music, quiz nights (surprisingly competitive!) and even disco nights - you name it, and the crew organise it.
Emma and fellow travel agent, Peta, had a marvellous time onboard!
“Pro tip! Attend as many lectures as you can – The expedition team share great stories and offers invaluable information on the destination, history, nature and wildlife. The info you get at these lectures trumps anything you might read before boarding, so take advantage of them! Note that English and French lectures are given separately, and all major announcements are made in both languages. In case you ever worry about a 'language barrier' on this French ship – don't! It simply isn't an issue." - Emma.
What Kind of Traveller Would Enjoy This Itinerary and Ship?
If you're a hard-core explorer who wants to rough it out in the wild, sleep in a tent on the snow, or have as many "extreme" experiences as possible, an expedition on Le Soleal may not be for you. It may also be unsuitable if you’re used to a more traditional cruising experience with loads of entertainment, sprawling pools, and flashy shows.
Yet, if you thrive on exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, love nature and wildlife, and like indulging in exquisite fine dining and wining (as well as luxurious comforts), then this experience on this ship is an excellent fit.
On this particular Sub-Antarctic islands cruise, there’s a definite focus on experiencing some of the world's most untouched wilderness, where penguins outnumber people, and the scenery is straight out of a nature documentary. This is what passengers come to see on Sub-Antarctic islands, and this is the kind of traveller the ship and itinerary suit.
Exploring the Sub-Antarctic Islands
Of course, the main highlight of this expedition is the incredible destinations you'll visit. It’s easy to forget that when you’re enjoying yet another mouthwatering meal, but yes, you are there to explore!
Every day serves up new landscapes, wildlife spotting, and unique experiences. The daily Zodiac outings are the highlight, although remember that weather plays the most significant role in determining what happens every day. Ponant has an impeccable safety record, and they can only keep that up if they play it safe every day. But don't worry; just go with the flow and be flexible, and you will have plenty of unforgettable experiences.
This expedition kicks off in Ulva Island, a bird-lover’s paradise. You can spot everything from Stewart Island Robins to the rare and iconic Kakapo. As you venture further south, you’ll be treated to Zodiac cruises along the majestic fjords of Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. With cliffs towering above and seals lounging on the rocks, this specific spot will take your breath away.
"This Sub Antarctic Islands cruise is heavenly if you love spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Every day brought sightings of seals, whales, and, of course, penguins! One of the most memorable moments was our time at Enderby Island, where we encountered the mighty New Zealand sea lions. We were careful to keep our distance, as these powerful creatures can be surprisingly quick on land, but with the help of our guides, we got to observe them up close." – Emma.
“Another unforgettable stop was Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to MILLIONS of penguins and over 100,000 seals! It was a surreal experience to stand among these amazing creatures in their natural habitat and see so many birds soaring over our heads - this is a real birdwatcher's heaven!" - Emma.
Remember: Flexibility is Key
One thing to note in particular is the need for flexibility, which is absolutely crucial for the enjoyment of an expedition such as this. Weather conditions can change rapidly in such extreme regions of the world so while the expedition team always aims for Plan A, you may end up with Plan B or C—but that's all part of the adventure!
“High winds meant we couldn't take the Zodiacs out during our time in The Snares, but the team adapted and organised a scenic cruise around the island instead. It was FANTASTIC!” – Emma.
Onboard Highlights
As mentioned earlier, you have loads of stuff to do on Le Soleal when you're not off exploring on land or aboard Zodiacs – lectures and entertainment abound.
“There’s a gym if you fancy burning some of those extra calories (truth be told, almost always empty), a delightful Hammam to soak tired bones and – of course – that outdoor heated pool that is straight out of a magazine cover – stunning! You can also have a therapeutic massage at an extra (small) cost and that was great too.” – Emma.
“Why go to the gym, when you can have a gin?! – famous proverb of dubious origin.
One other thing that Emma urges you to do is to grab the opportunity to dine with the expedition team. Over a beautifully prepared dinner, you get to chat with the ship’s knowledgeable crew, who share their experiences about their time in the field. They also don’t mind if you ask questions – they are great sports and obviously very passionate about what they do.
Why Choose Le Soleal?
Most expedition cruises fall into two categories: the hard-core expedition with minimal but “good enough” comforts and the luxury cruise ship offering softer activities and greater luxury. Le Soleal is a fantastic hybrid that manages to do a little of both, offering rewarding experiences for those passionate about wildlife, nature, and exploration, but also love to enjoy the finer things in life.
And what’s not to love about that?
Ponant showcases a most palpable French flair, and this, combined with its commitment to high-quality service and sustainability, sets it apart from many other operators. While the cruise to the Sub Antarctic Islands may not be for everyone—sunseekers might want to look elsewhere—it's perfect for those eager to discover the raw beauty of this remote region.
This is the kind of journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
At Viva Expeditions, we offer a range of Antarctica expeditions to suit all budgets, time constraints and comfort levels. Le Soleal offers two itineraries in the Antarctic region but there are plenty more trips and ships from which to choose. If you would like personalised advice, you can reach out to our Destination Specialists at any time. We’re always more than happy to steer you in the right direction.
