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Ponant Cruises

Le Soleal

Small ship Bliss scored

Le Soleal is the third ship from French luxury cruise line Ponant, specializing in smaller ships, also known as mega-yachts. With smaller ships, guests enjoy a higher staff to crew ratio, have simpler embark and debark procedures, and can visit smaller ports…

  • 264guests
  • 10,944gross tons
  • 48cruises now
  • $1,530fares from

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Ponant's Le Soleal has 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members.

At a glance

Le Soleal is a small-size cruise ship operated by Ponant Cruises, in service since 2013. It carries 264 guests and 140 crew (1.9 guests per crew member) at 10,944 gross tons. It ties with 3 other ships as the 2nd largest of 12 Ponant Cruises ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for cultural (10/10) and lowest for entertainment, family friendly, party and spa & fitness (5/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable and 4 out of 5 by Berlitz. It has 48 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $1,530 to $32,320. 2 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
4 / 5
Berlitz
4 / 5
Guests
264
Crew
140
Gross tons
10,944
Decks
6
Length
466 ft
Beam
59 ft
Maiden voyage
2013
Space ratio
1.9
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
1.9
Draft (feet)
16
IMO
9641675

Bliss scores

What Le Soleal is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

  1. Active 7.0
  2. Adventure and nature 8.0
  3. Cultural 10.0
  4. Dining 8.0
  5. Entertainment 5.0
  6. Family friendly 5.0
  7. Party 5.0
  8. Romantic 8.0
  9. Spa and fitness 5.0
  10. Staterooms 7.0

Our review

Le Soleal: Luxury cruises on a mega-yacht

Le Soleal is the third ship from French luxury cruise line Ponant, specializing in smaller ships, also known as mega-yachts. With smaller ships, guests  enjoy a higher staff to crew ratio, have simpler embark and debark procedures, and can visit smaller ports that do not have facilities for larger ships. Think of this more as a boutique experience.

Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, joined the fleet in July 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern color scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white.

You can enjoy the wonderful French cuisine on your cruise, be pampered in the spa, and retain your workout schedule while sailing in style. The crew is English- and French-speaking with many service staff from Asia. 

Where Le Soleal sails

Le Soleal skips about to different regions of the Asia-Pacific region, from the South Pacifc, Australia and New Zealand to Japan and even Antarctica now and then. 

Read the full review
The staff on Le Soleal will cater to your every whim.
The staff on Le Soleal will cater to your every whim. François Lefebvre / Courtesy of Ponant

Your take

Have you cruised on Le Soleal? What was the highlight? We'd love to hear about your experience.

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

If you're interested in a cruise on Le Soleal, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

 

SEE ALL LE SOLEAL SAILINGS

On board highlights

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

  • A winter view across to West End in Vancouver, British Columbia
    A winter view across to West End in Vancouver, British Columbia
  • The Four Courts on the River Liffey in Dublin. The Four Courts houses the Irish Supreme Court, High Court and the Central Criminal Court.
    The Four Courts on the River Liffey in Dublin. The Four Courts houses the Irish Supreme Court, High Court and the Central Criminal Court.
  • A view from high above Juneau. See? It's not all snow.
    A view from high above Juneau. See? It's not all snow.
  • After strolling the through picturesque Gamia Stan (the old town of Stockholm), take a moment to relax in Stortorget.
    After strolling the through picturesque Gamia Stan (the old town of Stockholm), take a moment to relax in Stortorget.
  • A serene stretch of beach on Martinique.
    A serene stretch of beach on Martinique.
  • Snorkel and scuba dive to see tropical fish up close as part of your Ponant cruise experience.
    Snorkel and scuba dive to see tropical fish up close as part of your Ponant cruise experience.
  • See nature in a whole new way on a Ponant luxury expedition cruise when you set sail on Le Boreal from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.
    See nature in a whole new way on a Ponant luxury expedition cruise when you set sail on Le Boreal from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.
  • A humpback whale breaches the surface, seen on a Ponant cruise.
    A humpback whale breaches the surface, seen on a Ponant cruise.
  • See the wonders of Antarctica on Ponant's Le Lyrial. Here's Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island.
    See the wonders of Antarctica on Ponant's Le Lyrial. Here's Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island.
  • Cruise Ponant to Antarctica and get up close and personal with some king penguins.
    Cruise Ponant to Antarctica and get up close and personal with some king penguins.
  • See whales close up on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.
    See whales close up on your Ponant cruise to Antarctica.
  • Sail on a Ponant luxury expedition ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.
    Sail on a Ponant luxury expedition ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica.

Dining 4

  • Enjoy refreshing sea and land views during al fresco dining on your Ponant cruise.
    Enjoy refreshing sea and land views during al fresco dining on your Ponant cruise.
  • Dine on French fusion cuisine, such as carpaccio of yellow fin tuna or pan-fried filet steak and finish your meal with panna cotta with red berry fruits on your Ponant sailing.
    Dine on French fusion cuisine, such as carpaccio of yellow fin tuna or pan-fried filet steak and finish your meal with panna cotta with red berry fruits on your Ponant sailing.
  • Enjoy exquisite foods and well paired wines when dining al fresco on a Ponant cruise.
    Enjoy exquisite foods and well paired wines when dining al fresco on a Ponant cruise.
  • Dining is a gastronomical experience on Ponant voyages.
    Dining is a gastronomical experience on Ponant voyages.

On board 11

  • Sunset and a perfectly chilled glass of champagne make for a perfect vacation escape on a Ponant cruise.
    Sunset and a perfectly chilled glass of champagne make for a perfect vacation escape on a Ponant cruise.
  • Stay fit while exploring new vistas on a Ponant cruise.
    Stay fit while exploring new vistas on a Ponant cruise.
  • Relax in the lounge of Le Soleal. The Ponant ship sails the world from Easter Island to Copenhagen to Tahiti.
    Relax in the lounge of Le Soleal. The Ponant ship sails the world from Easter Island to Copenhagen to Tahiti.
  • Relax poolside as your Ponant ship slips into small bays and secluded coves.
    Relax poolside as your Ponant ship slips into small bays and secluded coves.
  • The classy reception area of the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal.
    The classy reception area of the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal.
  • Experience attentive service on your cruise aboard Ponant's Le Soleal.
    Experience attentive service on your cruise aboard Ponant's Le Soleal.
  • Sip fine Champagne on deck with fellow shipmates as you leave port on deck on your Ponant cruise.
    Sip fine Champagne on deck with fellow shipmates as you leave port on deck on your Ponant cruise.
  • Order a drink and meet interesting new people in the bar on the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal.
    Order a drink and meet interesting new people in the bar on the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal.
  • The Reception area of Le Soleal provides a meeting place as well as an informational hub for your voyage.
    The Reception area of Le Soleal provides a meeting place as well as an informational hub for your voyage.
  • Enjoy a good book + cool drink + sunshine on deck on your Ponant cruise.
    Enjoy a good book + cool drink + sunshine on deck on your Ponant cruise.
  • Have a butler pamper yourself on a Ponant cruise with canapes on deck.
    Have a butler pamper yourself on a Ponant cruise with canapes on deck.

Ship exteriors 3

  • Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Soleal docked in port.
    Ponant's luxury expedition ship Le Soleal docked in port.
  • Ponant's Le Soleal cruises into Venice.
    Ponant's Le Soleal cruises into Venice.
  • Explore Canada's Bellot Strait and other unique locations on Le Soleal, a Ponant ship.
    Explore Canada's Bellot Strait and other unique locations on Le Soleal, a Ponant ship.

Staterooms 3

  • Your cabin on the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal is your home away from home.
    Your cabin on the Ponant luxury ship Le Soleal is your home away from home.
  • Book a stateroom on Le Soleal for quiet luxury on a Ponant expedition cruise.
    Book a stateroom on Le Soleal for quiet luxury on a Ponant expedition cruise.
  • Your stateroom on Le Soleal is your sanctuary at sea. One popular itinerary is a cruise to Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Huahine in French Polynesia.
    Your stateroom on Le Soleal is your sanctuary at sea. One popular itinerary is a cruise to Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Huahine in French Polynesia.

More photos 4

  • Ponant's Le Soleal has 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members.
    Ponant's Le Soleal has 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members.
  • Spend time in the Library on Ponant's Le Soleal for some quiet reading.
    Spend time in the Library on Ponant's Le Soleal for some quiet reading.
  • The lounge on Le Soleal is a meeting place for passengers traveling to French Polynesia and Easter Island.
    The lounge on Le Soleal is a meeting place for passengers traveling to French Polynesia and Easter Island.
  • Ponant's Le Soleal in Venice.
    Ponant's Le Soleal in Venice.

Sailing now

Cruises on Le Soleal

Plan my cruise
  1. 11 Night Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands 11 nights · from Darwin Next Sep 17, 2026 from $11,720
  2. 16 Night New Guinea Odyssey 16 nights · from Darwin Next Sep 28, 2026 from $15,430
  3. 10 Night Islands and Cultures of Papua New Guinea 10 nights · from Cairns Next Oct 14, 2026 Fare on request
  4. 16 Night New Guinea Odyssey 16 nights · from Cairns Next Oct 24, 2026 from $14,790
  5. 14 Night Island Treasures of Indonesia and East Timor 14 nights · from Darwin Next Nov 9, 2026 from $12,310
  6. 10 Night Wild Lands of Indonesia 10 nights · from Bali Next Nov 24, 2026 Fare on request
  7. 15 Night Tropical Odyssey Between Indonesia and Northeastern Australia 15 nights · from Bali Next Dec 4, 2026 from $11,750
  8. 9 Night Ocean Voyage Cairns to Dunedin 9 nights · from Cairns Next Dec 19, 2026 Fare on request
  9. 14 Night Expedition to New Zealands Subantarctic Islands 14 nights · from Dunedin Next Dec 28, 2026 2 dates from $17,560
  10. 21 Night Scott and Shackletons Antarctic Ross Sea Expedition 21 nights · from Dunedin Next Jan 25, 2027 from $32,320
  11. 7 Night Ocean Voyage Dunedin to Lautoka 7 nights · from Dunedin Next Feb 15, 2027 from $2,430
  12. 15 Night From Fiji to Micronesia 15 nights · from Lautoka Next Feb 22, 2027 from $12,090
Show 36 more
  1. 5 Night Ocean Voyage Guam to Osaka 5 nights · from Apra Next Mar 9, 2027 from $2,170
  2. 12 Night Authentic Japan 12 nights · from Osaka Next Mar 14, 2027 from $15,570
  3. 12 Night Authentic Japan 12 nights · from Busan Next Mar 26, 2027 from $14,820
  4. 8 Night Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea with Smithsonian Journeys 8 nights · from Busan Next May 1, 2027 from $10,640
  5. 8 Night The Best of Japan 8 nights · from Osaka Next May 9, 2027 from $12,080
  6. 3 Night Ocean Voyage Busan to Keelung 3 nights · from Busan Next May 17, 2027 from $1,530
  7. 12 Night The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo 12 nights · from Keelung Next May 20, 2027 Fare on request
  8. 14 Night Islands Cities and Volcanoes of Indonesia 14 nights · from Singapore Next Jun 1, 2027 from $11,120
  9. 13 Night Tropical Indonesian Odyssey 13 nights · from Bali Next Jun 15, 2027 from $13,640
  10. 10 Night Australias Iconic Kimberley 10 nights · from Darwin Next Jun 29, 2027 6 dates from $11,000
  11. 10 Night Australias Iconic Kimberley 10 nights · from Broome Next Jul 9, 2027 5 dates from $10,940
  12. 10 Night Australias West Coast Odyssey 10 nights · from Broome Next Jul 29, 2027 from $13,190
  13. 10 Night Australias West Coast Odyssey 10 nights · from Fremantle Next Aug 8, 2027 from $13,190
  14. 14 Night Exploring the Malay Archipelago 14 nights · from Darwin Next Aug 28, 2027 2 dates from $10,820
  15. 9 Night Nature and Heritage from the Philippines to Taiwan 9 nights · from Manila Next Sep 11, 2027 from $7,380
  16. 9 Night Odyssey in the Heart of Japans Subtropical Islands 9 nights · from Keelung Next Sep 20, 2027 from $9,300
  17. 8 Night Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines 8 nights · from Osaka Next Sep 29, 2027 2 dates from $8,250
  18. 8 Night Japan Between Tradition and Modernity 8 nights · from Busan Next Oct 7, 2027 2 dates from $8,250
  19. 13 Night Horizons of East Asia and the Philippines 13 nights · from Busan Next Oct 23, 2027 from $10,840
  20. 12 Night The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo 12 nights · from Manila Next Nov 5, 2027 Fare on request
  21. 8 Night Multicultural Discoveries from Malaysia to Thailand 8 nights · from Singapore Next Dec 11, 2027 from $5,670
  22. 8 Night Multicultural Discoveries from Malaysia to Thailand 8 nights · from Phuket Next Dec 19, 2027 from $6,010
  23. 13 Night Vietnamese Shores 13 nights · from Singapore Next Dec 27, 2027 from $10,600
  24. 13 Night Vietnamese Shores 13 nights · from Hong Kong Ocean Terminal Next Jan 9, 2028 from $10,600
  25. 12 Night The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo 12 nights · from Singapore Next Jan 22, 2028 from $11,540
  26. 8 Night In the Heart of the Visayas the Preserved Soul of the Philippines 8 nights · from Manila Next Feb 3, 2028 2 dates from $6,670
  27. 8 Night Secrets of the Visayas Archipelago 8 nights · from Manila Next Feb 11, 2028 from $6,670
  28. 11 Night Treasures of Philippines and Japanese Serenity 11 nights · from Manila Next Feb 27, 2028 from $8,640
  29. 8 Night Japanese Ancestral Traditions and Legendary Shrines 8 nights · from Osaka Next Mar 9, 2028 from $8,250
  30. 8 Night Japan Between Tradition and Modernity 8 nights · from Busan Next Mar 17, 2028 from $8,250
  31. 8 Night Treasures of Japan and South Korea by Sea with Smithsonian Journeys 8 nights · from Busan Next Apr 2, 2028 from $9,670
  32. 12 Night Horizons of East Asia and the Philippines 12 nights · from Busan Next May 20, 2028 from $10,010
  33. 14 Night Exploring the Malay Archipelago 14 nights · from Manila Next Jun 1, 2028 from $11,480
  34. 13 Night Horizons of East Asia and the Philippines 13 nights · from Manila Next Sep 18, 2028 from $10,210
  35. 14 Night Expedition to New Zealands Subantarctic Islands 14 nights · from Timaru Next Dec 28, 2028 2 dates from $15,820
  36. 21 Night Scott and Shackletons Antarctic Ross Sea Expedition 21 nights · from Timaru Next Jan 25, 2029 from $30,470

Side by side

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Overheard

“Le Soleal is contemporary – chic and uncluttered. With a dark gray hull and sleek white superstructure, the ship looks more like a large private yacht rather than a traditional cruise ship.”

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