The Blue Eye Lounge
An underwater lounge below the waterline, its curved windows shaped like a whale’s eye, on every Explorer-class ship.
Ponant · Boréal class · launched 2013 · 264 guests


















18 photos · swipe or use the arrows. Venue and cabin photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
Le Soléal is a Boréal class ship from Ponant, launched in 2013, carrying 264 guests. It is known for small-ship luxury expeditions in the Kimberley and the Pacific, with Zodiac landings. We list 18 sailings between December 2026 and September 2028, mostly from Darwin and Broome, from A$14,240 per person.
Le Soléal is a small PONANT expedition ship for 264 guests with a French luxury style, an expedition team and Zodiacs for landings.
On board, the restaurants serve French-inspired cuisine and the atmosphere is quiet and refined, more like a private yacht than a cruise ship.
In Australian waters Le Soléal sails expeditions along the Kimberley coast and voyages in the Pacific and Asia.
| Cruise line | Ponant |
|---|---|
| Ship class | Boréal class |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Guests | 264 (double occupancy) |
| Crew | 139 |
| Gross tonnage | 10,992 |
| Length | 142 metres |
| Sails from (our sailings) | Darwin, Broome, Benoa, Fremantle and Manila |
| Sailings we list | 18, December 2026 to September 2028 |
Ship facts from Wikipedia, checked 25 October 2026. Sailings and fares updated 1 November 2026.
Every Le Soléal sailing we list, soonest first: 18 sailings from December 2026 to September 2028, from Darwin, Broome and Fremantle. Fares are per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, as listed by the cruise line on 2 November at 7:26am. Cabin types sell out and prices move between checks, so we confirm what is open and what it costs before you pay.
18 sailings
| Departs | Cruise | Cabins open | From | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 27 season | ||||
| Fri, 4 Dec 202615 nights | Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia, Benoa to CairnsLe Soléal · One way, Benoa to CairnsKomodo National Park, Maumere, Kalabahi, Barat Daya Islands, Banda Neira, Kitikiti Waterfall, Triton Bay, Asmat, Cape York, Lizard Island | 3 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,480ppA$30,960 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Tue, 15 June 202713 nights | Tropical Indonesian Odyssey, Benoa to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Benoa to DarwinBadas, Komodo National Park, Maumere, Kalabahi, Barat Daya Islands, Banda Neira, Kitikiti Waterfall, Triton Bay, Kei Islands, Dili | 3 of 6 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$21,580ppA$43,160 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Tue, 29 June 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 4 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$17,470ppA$34,940 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| 2027 to 28 season | ||||
| Fri, 9 July 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | 4 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$17,470ppA$34,940 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Mon, 19 July 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | 4 of 6 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$20,290ppA$40,580 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Thu, 29 July 202710 nights | Australia’s West Coast Odyssey, Broome to FremantleLe Soléal · One way, Broome to FremantleBurrup Peninsula, Montebello Islands, Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Cape Peron, Abrolhos Islands Marine Park | 3 of 6 cabin types leftUpper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Upper decks balcony stateroom fromA$19,310ppA$38,620 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sun, 8 Aug 202710 nights | Australia’s West Coast Odyssey, Fremantle to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Fremantle to BroomeAbrolhos Islands Marine Park, Cape Peron, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Montebello Islands, Burrup Peninsula | 5 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$17,470ppA$34,940 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Wed, 18 Aug 202710 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | 4 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$18,350ppA$36,700 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sat, 28 Aug 202714 nights | Exploring the Malay Archipelago, Darwin to ManilaLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to ManilaKei Islands, Triton Bay, Kitikiti Waterfall, Banda Neira, Pulau Saparua, Pulau Molana, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Limasawa, Cuatro Islands, Cresta de Gallo Island | 5 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,120ppA$30,240 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Thu, 1 June 202814 nights | Exploring the Malay Archipelago, Manila to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Manila to DarwinCresta de Gallo Island, Cuatro Islands, Limasawa, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Pulau Saparua, Pulau Molana, Banda Neira, Kitikiti Waterfall, Triton Bay, Kei Islands | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,120ppA$30,240 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Fri, 16 June 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,510ppA$31,020 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Mon, 26 June 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,420ppA$30,840 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| 2028 to 29 season | ||||
| Thu, 6 July 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,510ppA$31,020 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Wed, 26 July 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,510ppA$31,020 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Sat, 5 Aug 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,420ppA$30,840 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Tue, 15 Aug 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Darwin to BroomeLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to BroomeKing George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Careening Bay, Swift Bay, Hunter River, Collier Bay, Lacepede Islands | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$14,600ppA$29,200 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Fri, 25 Aug 202810 nights | Australia's Iconic Kimberley, Broome to DarwinLe Soléal · One way, Broome to DarwinLacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay, King George River | All cabin types availableWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite, Owner's Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$15,420ppA$30,840 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
| Mon, 4 Sept 202814 nights | Exploring the Malay Archipelago, Darwin to ManilaLe Soléal · One way, Darwin to ManilaKei Islands, Triton Bay, Kitikiti Waterfall, Banda Neira, Pulau Saparua, Pulau Molana, Limasawa, Cuatro Islands, Cresta de Gallo Island | 5 of 6 cabin types leftWindow or Porthole Stateroom, Lower deck balcony stateroom, Upper decks balcony stateroom, Deluxe Suite, Prestige Suite | Window or Porthole Stateroom fromA$14,240ppA$28,480 for 2 | |
Itinerary
Times are local, as published by Ponant. Ports and times can change with weather and operations. Fares by cabin
Per person for two sharing, taxes and fees included, checked 2 November at 7:26am. | ||||
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Call a Cruise Expert · 1300 214 840 Enquire TodayVenues found across the Ponant fleet; not every venue is on Le Soléal, so ask us about this ship. Anything marked Included carries no extra cost. Photos are Ponant’s own and may show a sister ship.
An underwater lounge below the waterline, its curved windows shaped like a whale’s eye, on every Explorer-class ship.
The main dining room, with a menu that changes through the voyage and a wine list chosen to match it.
Cocktails before dinner and live music most nights, with the open bar that comes with every fare.
A fireplace lounge on deck 9 for watching the ice, unique to the polar icebreaker.
Lectures from the expedition team by day and a stage for concerts and briefings by night.
Menus developed with the three-Michelin-starred chef, served across the fleet’s restaurants.
Books, clothing and expedition gear, including PONANT-branded parkas for polar sailings.
Shore landings and wildlife-watching led by the expedition team, weather and tides permitting.
A heated indoor pool aboard Le Commandant Charcot, built for polar sailings when the outer decks are too cold to use.
Massage, a sauna and treatments at sea, bookable once you are on board.
Morning yoga and fitness sessions on deck, weather permitting, on most sailings.
Naturalists, historians and polar guides brief each landing and lecture between ports.
The lowest fare we list for each cabin type on Le Soléal, per person twin share, taxes and fees included, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. Fares vary by sailing and date.
Le Soléal calls at 39 ports on the sailings we list. Its voyages: the Kimberley (11), Asia (5) and Around Australia (2). Solid pins are where sailings begin.
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Ponant fares cover full board, an open bar all day, Wi-Fi, port taxes and one guided activity at every stop. Gratuities are the notable exception.
Butler service comes with the top suites on each ship rather than with the fare.
The Ponant Bonus is an early booking discount on the stateroom price, not an extra inclusion.
Le Soléal carries 264 guests at double occupancy, looked after by about 139 crew. At 10,992 gross tonnes and 142 metres long, it is a small ship, able to reach places big ships cannot.
Le Soléal was launched in 2013. It is a Boréal class ship.
On the sailings we list, Le Soléal sails from Darwin, Broome and Fremantle. Its most common voyages are the Kimberley (11) and Asia (5). Its 18 sailings run from December 2026 to September 2028 and last 10 to 15 nights.
Fares on Le Soléal start at A$14,240 per person, twin share, for the 14 night Exploring the Malay Archipelago, Darwin to Manila departing 4 September 2028, as listed on 2 November at 7:26am. The lowest fare per night is A$1,017, on the 14 night Exploring the Malay Archipelago, Darwin to Manila. Taxes and port fees are included.
On Le Soléal most staterooms and suites have a private balcony, so choose by space: a Deluxe Stateroom is the most popular, and the Prestige and Owner's suites add a sitting area and more space.
Choose a sailing in the table on this page and press Quick Quote, or call 1300 214 840. We are an Australian cruise agency: we confirm the cabin and the total in Australian dollars, and one specialist looks after the booking from quote to homecoming.
Pick the Le Soléal sailing you like. A Ponant specialist comes back with cabins and prices in Australian dollars.
No obligation, and no charge for the enquiry. A real person replies, not AI.
Luxury Cruises Guide is an independent Australian cruise agency operated by Orange Ninja Pty Ltd, ABN 17 682 640 713. It is not owned or operated by Ponant. Le Soléal and Ponant are trademarks of their owner and are used here to identify the ship. Page updated 1 November 2026.