The French cruise specialist company Compagnie du Ponant that operates small liners it calls yachts has taken delivery of Le Soléal.
She is the third of three super-luxury French-flagged cruise ships, to be built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
The 11,000 gt Le Soléal, is 142 metres overall with a beam of 18 metres wide the vessel differs from a 12 passenger super yacht in that it can accommodate up to 264 passengers in 132 outside cabins and suites.
94 percent of those have their own private balcony
Again unlike a super yacht whose complement is normally under 20 to serve 12 guests Le Soléal employs 139 crew members.
Like the two previous vessels in the series, Le Boréal and L’Austral, Le Soléal carries Bureau Veritas Ice Class, Clean Ship” and Comfort Class certifications.
Le Soléal differs from her sister ships in the design of her public rooms, she has a different hull colour and higher installed power to allow more flexibility in cruise planning.
Charter Agents are often frustrated at not having the ability to throw functions, and charter to larger crowds due to “capacity limitations”, this style of vessel will enable them to draw upon Corporate events, conventions, weddings at sea, etc.. Innovation will keep our industry growing, and the unemployed crews left on shore from the softer economies have new possibilities should these become the latest tourist craze. Bravo to them!