Why we like Le Boreal, Le Soleal & L'Austral

  • ​Custom built for expedition cruising in 2010, these beautifully designed ships are a far cry from the other converted research ships
  • By combining high comfort with adventure​ ​they take the best aspects from both traditional cruising and small ship adventures ​
  • The first ships to introduce real comfort to Arctic cruising, but with a surprisingly affordable price tag​
  • ​Wide choice of some of the most exciting trips north of the Arctic Circle
  • Almost all cabins have their own private balcony,​ a feature traditionally only reserved for the highest cabin categories
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

I had pretty high expectations before actually seeing this ship, but once onboard these were more than exceeded. The thoughtful overall design, real attention to detail and convivial atmosphere were the stand-outs for me.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Trips aboard Le Boreal, Le Soleal and L'Austral

Luxury Spitsbergen

For anyone keen to experience Svalbard’s rich Arctic wildlife and spectacular scenery while travelling comfortably, this is a good option. Travelling in the company of naturalists on board a modern state-of-the-art ship, equal attention is given to your experience both…

  • 8 Days
  • $10,291
Luxury West Greenland & Baffin Island

Circumnavigate legendary Baffin Bay as part of this extraordinary Arctic adventure which cherry picks the region’s highlights. From West Greenland’s spectacular glaciers and pretty Inuit villages to the remoteness and rich wildlife of Baffin Island, this is a journey of…

  • 17 Days
  • $17,425
Luxury Highlights of Svalbard

Set sail on this in-depth exploration of Svalbard aboard a state-of-the-art super yacht. No other trip combines such comfort with so many days exploring this Arctic archipelago. Wildlife sightings, and your chance of seeing polar bears, will be maximised by…

  • 13 Days
  • -
On the Trail of Erik the Red

Beginning in Iceland, travel in the footsteps of Erik the Red exploring Southern Greenland where The Vikings settled, before turning northwards up the dramatic west coast. History and spectacular ice, disgorged by West Greenland’s productive glaciers, will be the overriding…

  • 12 or 13 Days
  • $7,457

Technical Specifications

  • Passenger capacity: 264
  • Ice​ class rating: 1C ice class
  • Built in: 2010
  • Other key features: a 5* experience without the high price tag, 95% of the suites have a private balcony, advanced stabilizing system

Cabin Categories

Le Boreal, Le Soleal and L'Austral - Arctic Ships

*Note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary

All cabins feature a flat-screen TV, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, iPod Players, Hair dryers and wifi. 

The differences among the two sister ships are only decorative. Le Boreal was launched in 2010, L'Austral in 2011 and Le Soleal in 2013. 

Owner's Suite

  • Located on deck 6
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Decorated by French designers
  • Breathtakting panoramic sea view
  • Spacious cabin 45m2 (484 sq.ft.) with lounge and sitting area
  • Private balcony 12m2 (129 sq.ft.)
  • Private ensuite facilities including jacuzzi
  • Minibar, flat screen

Prestige Suite Deck 5 and 6

  • Located on Deck 4 and 5 with the exception cabin 615, located on deck 6
  • Double bed, large windows
  • Spacious cabin 36m2 (388 sq.ft.) with sofa
  • Private balcony 8m2 (86 sq.ft.)
  • Double private ensuite facilities

Superior Stateroom

  • Located on Deck 3
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Spacious cabin 21m2 (226 sq.ft.) with sofa
  • Shower, minibar, flat screen

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4, 5 and 6

  • Located on deck 4
  • Double bed, large window
  • Spacious cabin 18m2 (199 sq.ft.) 
  • Private balcony 4m2 (43 sq.ft.)
  • Private ensuite facilities

Deluxe Suite

  • Located on deck 6
  • King-size bed or twin beds, large window
  • Spacious cabin 27m2 (291 sq.ft.) with sofa
  • Private balcony 6m2 (65 sq.ft.)
  • Private ensuite facilities

Deluxe Stateroom

  • Located on deck 3
  • King-size bed or twin beds, large window
  • Spacious cabin 18m2 (199 sq.ft.)
  • Private balcony 4m2 (43 sq.ft.)
  • Private ensuite facilities

Deck Plan

Onboard Communications & Facilities

If you wish to stay in touch, even in the Arctic, you can choose from the options below:

  • WiFi: you can connect your personal device from anywhere on the ship
  • Satellite phone: available at an additional cost

Please note that this is only for light data traffic. The prices for these services vary from season to season due to our provider's pricing strategy.

Other facilities include:

  • Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets & North American 120V two-flat-pinned sockets
  • Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
  • Laundry service (additional cost)

Arctic Expeditions

Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest Passage Cruises

This labryinthine waterway was long sought by early adventurers as a sea route linking the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Canada's Arctic archipelago is therefore no …

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Greenland Cruises

Greenland Cruises

Greenland assaults your senses with pure air, crystal waters, blue ice, staggering fjords, a fascinating past and a welcoming present. Whether you are whale watching in Disko …

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Svalbard Cruises

Svalbard Cruises

North of the Arctic Circle and halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard’s dramatic coastline and fjords are largely ice-free during high summer providing incredible …

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Russian Arctic Cruises

Russian Arctic Cruises

The Russian Arctic is wild, rugged, rarely visited, totally isolated, desolate and utterly stunning. That isolation has lead to flourishing wildlife and pristine landscapes that …

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Find Your Arctic Ship

Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.

Find your Arctic Ship

Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.