Compagnie du Ponant's Newest Luxury Ship Explores Asia from Osaka to Oman

Launching in July 2013, Le Soléal will initially sail to the Arctic region on polar expedition cruises. The 132-stateroom state-of-the-art vessel will then continue her inaugural sailing season with voyages to Asia, offering 13 all new itineraries, on cruises from 7 nights up to 17 nights. Due to her smaller size and technical capabilities, Le Soléal will be able to sail in waters and berth in ports restricted to bigger ships, offering guests a more intimate and accessible style of sailing and experiences not found on most itineraries.

For the winter 2013/2014 season and for the very first time, Le Soléal will set sail to the continent of Asia with 16 departures and 13 different itineraries that include the popular destinations of Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and India, as well as some more off the radar spots such as Borneo, Myanmar and Oman.

Whether exploring Japan's ancestral gardens, Vietnam's imperial cities, an Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo or the urban centers of Singapore and Hong Kong, Le Soléal offers discerning travelers an exceptional level of impeccable service, complemented by inspired French sensibility, a French Art de vivre and of course haute cuisine that befits her French heritage.

While on board, guests enjoy elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, attentive service from a convivial bi-lingual crew fluent in English and French, refined culinary artistry and inventive itineraries filled with once in a lifetime experiences.

Like her sister ships in the Compagnie du Ponant's chic fleet, Le Soléal offers:

• Refined, contemporary interiors by Jean-Philippe Nuel feature a warm palette of rich materials and subtle yachting nuances throughout, including works by noted marine photographer Philip Plisson
• A choice of 132 luxurious staterooms or suites with sea views and private balconies, including the elite Deck 6 that is home to 13 spacious suites with 24-hour butler service
• A welcoming main foyer with a boutique, reception desk and excursion desk
• Two restaurants, offering dining from casual to fine complete with wine pairings and a fine wine cellar, a bar lounge and 24-hour in-room dining
• A full-service spa in association with the French salon SOTHYSTM, with signature treatments, hammam, hair salon, tea room and fitness center
• An outdoor pool with bar, panoramic terrace adjoining the indoor bar lounge, library with Internet stations, medical center, WiFi, in-room and on-board flat screen satellite TV with complimentary on-demand movies
• A 250-seat theatre for live entertainment, film screenings and presentations
• A fleet of expedition Zodiac boats outfitted with satellite tracking

Spotlight Asia itineraries for the 2013/2014 season include:

• 10-night Petropavlovsk, Russia to Otaru Japan – Explore the Kuril archipelago that stretches over more than one thousand kilometers between the Okhotsk Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Experienced naturalists and guides will introduce guests and lead excursions to this wild and unspoiled volcanic archipelago, consisting of some 56 islands, almost all of which are uninhabited, and 40 active volcanoes, located at the heart of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Discover the remarkable landscapes that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Departure: October 5, 2013

• 17-night Colombo, Sri Lanka to Muscat, Oman – Cruise from this ancient trading post on the Silk Road that resembles a fallen pearl from the Indian Peninsula, then set sail for the Maldives, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The voyage ends among the colorful souks and the Saracen fortress of the old city of Muscat. Departure: March 27, 2014

• 13-night Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Discover the old Saigon of Marguerite Duras before setting sail for Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Departure: March 1, 2014

To reserve or learn more, please call 1-888-400-1082 or visit https://en.ponant.com.