Le Boréal Cruise Ship

Le Boréal cruise ship entered service in 2010.

The ship was built by Fincantieri and designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel.

Live performances and lectures take place in the luxury theatre.

Plenty of public space has been incorporated into the design of the Boréal.

The Grill offers guests the opportunity to eat outside as well as inside.

One of Le Boréal’s two restaurants, the Gastronomic, serves French and international cuisines.

Le Boréal cruise ship is the first of two super luxury cruise ships ordered by Compagnie du Ponant. The vessel entered service in early 2010.

The $150m ship was built by Fincantieri at Ancona shipyard and designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The second ship was delivered in April 2010.

Le Boréal design

Le Boréal was designed to visit ports and destinations inaccessible to larger vessels. Measuring 142m×18m, with the length between perpendiculars 126.2m, it has a gross tonnage of 1,700t. The ship, capable of accommodating 224 to 264 passengers in 132 cabins and suites, can cruise at a speed of 16kt. With a crew of 136, it has a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2.

Staterooms and suites feature two pairs of large fore and aft windows that open to sea, and there are elevators between all decks. Private balconies are provided in 94% of all the accommodation.

Le Boréal has an advanced stabilising system that minimises the effects of rough sea conditions and provides a comfortable journey to passengers.

It uses a dynamic positioning system to avoid the need to drop anchor, and a fleet of zodiacs. It allows passengers to visit areas where docking arrangements are unavailable.

The distinctive shape of the ship is characterised by smooth contours, and, due to its eco-friendly features, such as on-board waste water treatment and reduced fuel consumption, it has been tagged with an international green ship label.

Propulsion

The ship is equipped with an electric propulsion system and uses bio-fuel diesel engines. Each of its two electric motors is capable of generating 2,300kW power.

Navigation and communication

The ship is installed with an emergency communication system, global maritime distress safety system (GMDSS). A satellite weather system collects real-time images of weather conditions and ice shapes, while the underwater detection system prevents it colliding with whales or ice floes.

Facilities

There are ample public spaces on Le Boréal, including a theatre for live performances and lectures, and a dance floor with live music in the main lounge. There is also public internet access and a library providing books and DVD collections.

The ship has two open-air bars and two restaurants. On Le Liberté deck, the Gastronomic Restaurant seats 268 and serves French and international cuisine, while the Grill Restaurant allows guests to enjoy a buffet lunch and themed dinner in an open-air environment if they wish.

Le Boréal’s fitness centre is equipped with modern treadmills, bicycles and kinesis equipment, and the beauty centre and Carita Spa provide a wide range of treatments and therapies. There is also a games area equipped with Wii consoles.

Staterooms

The Owner’s Suite is 484ft², with an additional 97ft² private balcony, offering a panoramic view of the sea. Decorated by French interior designers, it is located on Le France deck.

Each of the 20 Prestige Suites also covers an area of 484ft², with an 86ft² private balcony. Three Deluxe Suites (290ft² with 54ft² of private balcony) are located on the Le France deck. There are 92 prestige staterooms, each 200ft²with a 43ft² private balcony and 28 deluxe staterooms, 200ft² with a 43ft² private balcony. On Le Champollion deck there are eight superior staterooms (226ft2).

Stateroom amenities and facilities include a queen-size bed or two single beds, a mini bar, a flat screen television with DVD/CD player, wireless internet access, an electronic safe, a desk with stationery, a dressing table with hair-dryer, French bath products, designer soap and toiletries, a power shower or bathtub and a separate toilet.