Le Soleal, Cruise Ship, Turning 180 Degrees Before Departing Cairns Harbour on 16 Nov 2024.

@shipsintropicaloz Ponant cruise ship, Le Soleal turns 180 degrees before departing Cairns Harbour on 16 Nov 2024. Launched in 2013, Le Soleal is the third in a series of four 264-passenger, 10,600-ton cruising yachts commissioned by Compagnie du Ponant. Originally French-owned and, at one point, aimed almost exclusively at the French market, over the last few years, the line has been targeting a much more international market with considerable success. With a family-run feel and a strong French influence throughout the ship Le Soleal, is, without a doubt, a stunning vessel, with sleek lines and an unusual dark-grey hull that makes it stand out in port. The interiors are like those of a minimalist boutique hotel. Everything is taupe, cream and white, with emphasis on luxurious textures, from leather-fronted white drawers in our cabin to taupe silk cushions on the bed. Black-and-white Philip Plisson photo art lines the corridors. A cascade of glittering Swarovski crystals lights up the small atrium. The whole package is unashamedly French: it's chic, the service is a little arrogant at times, and the passengers are a well-heeled, savvy crowd of experienced travellers. What distinguishes this ship from other luxury vessels is the adventurous itineraries. Le Soleal is all ice-strengthened, so she can sail to Antarctica and the Arctic, destinations that are mixed up with off-the-beaten-track European itineraries, as well as Asia and South America. Each carries a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts for getting ashore and for sightseeing in remote locations.