Le Soleal

Toiletries Provided Onboard

• Hairdryers
  
• Bathrobe
  
• Slippers
  
• Towels
  
• Shampoo
  
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Lotion

Power Sockets

The 220 volt 50 hertz alternating current is distributed by sockets meeting European standards. Onboard power is 200 volt AC (European standard) and 110 volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, hair irons and clothes irons cannot be used in staterooms. Please note that on Le Ponant, 110 volt AC is only available in stateroom bathrooms.

Footwear Adventure

Expedition travel is about getting to remote places that are often rocky, sandy, wet and glasslands. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential. Each destination may have slightly different requirements however every cruise will require runners or walking boots that are worn in and comfortable. If you are worried about ankles etc make sure you have boots that support you.   

Important Note

For wet landings, cheaper neoprene reef shoes, flip-flops, and crocs are not suitable for any terrain. If you do not want to invest in a new pair of sandals, you can use old runners (that will get ruined) for getting your feet wet and then change into dry walking shoes. This does mean carrying a second pair of shoes and a hand towel to dry your feet. 

Ideal outfit for your outdoor activities

• Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
• Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore

All vessels are equipped to deal with the majority dietary requirements with 4 weeks notice.  If you have any questions or concerns please speak with us prior to booking a cruise. 

Meals

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the form of a buffet, or in your stateroom by request. For early-risers, a continental-breakfast option is available in the Grand Salon bar. This is also available for late-risers until 10 AM (timetables may be altered to accommodate onboard activities).

Lunch is served in the restaurants in the form of a buffet (except on Le Ponant). However, there is also a menu available offering other options.

A formal à-la-carte dinner is served in the gastronomic restaurant in the evening. However, a buffet is available at Le Grill for guests wishing to dine in a more informal manner.

There is a 24-hr room-service menu available.

Snacks

Coffee, tea and small cakes/pastries will be available in the morning, outside the restaurant opening times. A tea-time service is offered at the Grand Salon in the afternoons. More details will be given in the newsletter provided each evening in your stateroom.

Beverage

From embarkation and throughout the cruise, unlimited complimentary drinks* are served. We call this the Open Bar. This also applies to drinks from the minibar and those served by room service.

* Excludes premium alcohol drinks served à la carte

A big part of being on an ‘expedition’ is getting away to the more remote corners of the world. This can mean interrupted signals and service on board.

A satellite communication system is provided for you to use to contact people anywhere in the world. The total charges for all such communications are added directly to the stateroom account (the rates depend on the region the ship is sailing through). Calls that you receive can be transferred directly to your stateroom or to any other communal area on the ship. To receive or send faxes, please see Reception.

Free WiFi internet access is available on all of our ships, in both the staterooms and the communal areas. One or several computers are at your disposal in the recreation centers. Please note that the WiFi connection may be discontinued depending on the navigation area and landscapes that may block the vessel from satellite coverage, especially at high latitudes (no connection possible beyond 80° North or South), or for technical reasons beyond our control.

• • On board the fleet, in addition to the animation programme and the cultural and scientific conferences, you will find a choice of books and board games. On board the Sisterships, the library is also equipped with Wi-Fi connected computers. On the lower deck there is an image and photography area in order to view and order photos of your cruise. The staterooms on all our ships are each equipped with a television offering free films and documentaries.
  • In order to maintain your fitness, and following the programme, a group gym session on the decks, in the pool or in the theater (fitness, yoga, Pilates, meditation, aquagym – list to be confirmed on board with the crew) will be offered to you during your cruise.
    All our ships have a fitness room, with the exception of Le Ponant. 
  • Informative presentations may be organised during the day. A varied and entertaining programme of cultural and fun activities is on offer every evening.
  • Le Soléal offers an outdoor swimming pool. The water is heated sea water.

On expedition cruises, passengers are always accompanied by a team of about ten naturalist-guides and experts on board which constitutes one of the best guest-to-staff ratios found on any voyage of this kind. They are all specialized in a particular field: history, geology, marine or land mammals, ornithology… Their objective is to share their knowledge with passengers during on-board conferences and excursions as well as landings in Zodiac boats, with the aim of making them true ambassadors of the regions they visit.

They are also there to ensure safety during expedition activities, excursions and landings in Zodiac boats. They set off on scouting missions, prepare meticulously for every excursion, supervise and ensure the safety of passengers, etc.

They are trained in the regulations governing exploration trips in the polar zones (IAATO in Antarctica, AECO in the Arctic) and have the necessary certifications and licenses to ensure the supervision of the proposed activities.

Accessibility of Zodiac boats boardings and landings

Ponant will do everything they can to make these expeditions accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

Transfer options vary depending on your itinerary. Please ask us for specific details. 1300 654 861 or contact@expeditionpartners.com.au