Compagnie du Ponant Cruises

Accommodation

Designed by Jean Philip Nuel, Le Boreal's interior is awash with monochrome finishes and splashes of cherry red, while L'Austral mixes a muted palette of matte golds and taupe. In both ships, the interiors are minimalist but stylishly classic, suites range between 226ft² and 484ft², all of which are out-facing and the majority with balconies. Suites feature king-size or twin beds and an en suite bathroom with Carita™ toiletries, while amenities include air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, DVD and CD players, iPod® docking stations and 24-hour room service.

Food & Beverage

Each ship has two restaurants which provide the best in both formal and casual dining. The Gastronomic Restaurant serves freshly prepared French haute cuisine with prime-quality meats and fish, while the more casual Grill Restaurant offers, periodically, themed dinners. Guests are required to pre-book for dinner and enjoy a buffet menu lunch and breakfast, where the tempting smell of freshly baked baguettes and just-brewed coffee make for the perfect wake-up call.

Relaxation & Education

Entertainment on-board Le Boréal and L'Austral is distinctly low-key and features a theatre, cocktail bar and resident pianist. There are plenty of outdoor spaces and internal lounges. Le Boréal boasts a spa featuring specialist French Carita™ products while guests on-board L'Austral will be delighted with the exclusive Sothys brand. Each spa offers a hammam and balneotherapy services (water and bathing healing techniques). There's also a bijou gym, while the ship's own marinas allow for a range of watersports activities including snorkelling, windsurfing and swimming, with a set of Zodiac rubberised rafts available, ideal for exploration further afield.

Itineraries

The ships traverse a significant proportion of the world's sea routes, including hard-to-reach ports that larger vessels cannot access. Each ship follows traditional cruising paths through the Mediterranean and northern Europe as well as more unusual itineraries, such as Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and Canada's Arctic Archipelago. Other routes include the USA, South America, the Baltics and the Adriatic Ocean. Visiting numerous sites, including many on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Le Boréal and L'Austral will also feature themed cruises throughout the year, such as gastronomic events and yoga and Pilates health-based itineraries.