MV 'Le Boreal'

MV 'Le Boreal' brings a new era of comfort and style to Antarctic exploration. Newly built for 2010, 'Le Boreal' is the newest and first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel in Antarctica. Spacious and passenger-friendly, she strikes just the right balance between on-board amenities and full-fledged wilderness excitement. On other cruises to different destinations, she carries more than 264 passengers. But in Antarctica, A&K limits her complement to just 199 guests. That's an important difference: fewer passengers means more shore excursions each day, as well as outside cabins for every guest.

Strength and style

'Le Boreal' features elegant design and innovative state-of-the-art marine technology. The vessel boasts a convenient and sensible layout, aided by three passenger elevators. She offers a single seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theater, as well as an ample and comfortable gathering area and library. A full-service salon, steam rooms, spa and fitness center complete the amenities.

Adventuring in comfort

'Le Boreal' boasts elegant guest accommodations, among the most comfortable available on any Antarctic cruise. The ship features 104 outside, fully equipped balcony cabins and suites. You can watch for whale breaching the waters outside your floor-to-ceiling window, then step out onto your balcony for a closer look. 'Le Boreal' is also outfitted with a technologically advanced stabilizing system to minimize the effects of rough conditions and keep passengers comfortable in remote seas.

Zodiacs

'Le Boreal' carries a fleet of Zodiacs, 10- to 12-seat motorized rubber boats designed by Jacques Cousteau for safe operations in rough and shallow waters. Passengers can explore remote shores where there are no docking arrangements and nimbly cruise alongside towering glaciers or near pods of passing whale. 'Le Boreal's' Zodiacs feature fuel-efficient motors that comply with all environmental protection standards. Safety Safety is first and foremost on board. The ship is equipped with a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions in the area. Announcements update passengers on current conditions of the decks. English is the primary language aboard, so instructions will be clear and understandable. Passengers will be able to communicate with officers, staff and crew at all times. Finally, a full-time physician is on board throughout your voyage.

Eco-friendly cruising

MV 'Le Boreal' employs the latest environmental practices and technology, including using the cleanest-burning marine gas oil fuel and a state-of-the-art positioning system that eliminates the need for dropping anchor in fragile marine reserves.

International cuisine

'Le Boreal' features two restaurants: La Licorne, offering gourmet, contemporary and international cuisine; and casual La Boussole, with indoor and outdoor dining for breakfast, lunch and themed dinners. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and most special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. In-cabin room service is also available.