--- type: cruise schema_type: TouristTrip id: bddbe016-754d-41b4-8d93-8ac910235440 slug: 2201297 voyage_code: SO281226-9 cruise_line: Ponant ship: Le Soleal departure_date: return_date: nights: 14 embarkation_port: Dunedin, New Zealand disembarkation_port: Dunedin, New Zealand starting_price_usd: None bookable: false last_updated: 2026-05-05T06:42:38Z --- # Expedition to New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands > Ponant · Le Soleal · Dec 28 – Jan 11   (14 nights) ## Quick Facts | Attribute | Value | |-----------|-------| | **Cruise Line** | Ponant | | **Ship** | Le Soleal | | **Duration** | 14 nights | | **Departure Date** | N/A | | **Return Date** | N/A | | **Embarkation Port** | Dunedin, New Zealand | | **Disembarkation Port** | Dunedin, New Zealand | | **Starting Price** | N/A USD per person | | **Voyage Code** | SO281226-9 | ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Dunedin, New Zealand **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 07:00 PM Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colon... ### Day 2: Ulva Island **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Ulva Island is a small island about 3.5 km long lying within Paterson Inlet, which is part of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand. It has an area of 267 hectares, of which almost all is part of Rakiura National Park. ### Day 3: Dusky Sound (New Zealand) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand’s South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as ... ### Day 3: Doubtful Sound (New Zealand) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Referred to as the Sound of Silence, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Isla... ### Day 4: Milford Sound, New Zealand **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Boat tours are a popular way to explore. ### Day 5: The Snares, New Zealand **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The Snares Islands/Tini Heke, also known as The Snares, is a small group of uninhabited islands lying about 200 km south of New Zealand's South Island and to the south-southwest of Stewart Island. ### Day 6: Enderby Island (New-Zealand) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Enderby Island is situated off the North Eastern tip of Auckland Island and is the second largest Island in the group. The eradication of introduced species in 1994 has seen a significant increase in the abundance of the native flora and fauna compared to the main Auckland Island. It has become a stronghold for the rare yellow-eyed penguin and the primary breeding location of the New Zealand Sea Lion. You will head ashore and have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Northern Cliffs... ### Day 6: Musgrave Inlet (NZ) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM ### Day 7: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 8: Macquarie Island (Australia) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM ### Day 9: Macquarie Island (Australia) **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM ### Day 10: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 11: Campbell Island, New Zealand **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Campbell Island is the most southerly of the five New Zealand subantarctic groups. Described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a "flora display second to none outside the tropics." It is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, with huge leaves and very colourful flowers, which have developed as an adaptation to the harsh weather conditions on the islands. Campbell Island is also home to six species of albatross, and several crit... ### Day 12: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 13: Antipodes Island **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The Antipodes Islands are inhospitable and uninhabited volcanic islands in subantarctic waters to the south of – and territorially part of – New Zealand. The 21 km² archipelago lies 860 kilometres to the southeast of Stewart Island/Rakiura, and 730 kilometres to the northeast of Campbell Island. ### Day 14: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 15: Dunedin, New Zealand **Arrives:** 08:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colon... ## Pricing Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in USD. | Cabin Type | Starting Price | |------------|----------------| | Pricing | Contact for latest fares | ## Cabin Options ### Balcony Cabins **Prestige Deck 4** (Code: 1) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) A bathroom with shower A private 4 m² balcony A panoramic sliding bay window **Prestige Deck 5** (Code: 2) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV A bathroom with bath A private 4 m² balcony A panoramic sliding bay window **Prestige Deck 6** (Code: 3) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) A bathroom with bathtub (except staterooms 605 and 625: with shower) A private 4 m² balcony A panoramic sliding bay window ### Suite Cabins **Prestige Deck 5 Suite** (Code: 4) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) A lounge with convertible sofa to a... **Deluxe Suite** (Code: DS) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation) Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival Butler service An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two sing... **Owner's Suite** (Code: OS) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: Private return transfer Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation) Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival Butler service An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day A bedroom with one k... **Prestige Deck 6 Suite** (Code: 5) In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms: Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation) Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival Butler service An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) ... ## Ship Information ### Le Soleal A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made L’Austral and LE BORéAL such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, joined our fleet in July 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit. #### Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Passenger Capacity | 264 | | Crew | 139 | | Gross Tonnage | 0.0 | | Length | 466.0 ft | | Total Cabins | 0 | ## Onboard Amenities ### Entertainment - **The Theatre**: 2,690 square feet Capacity: 250 Conference room, concert hall/multi-purpose auditorium Audiovisual equipment - **An evening of entertainment**: Your evening follows on with entertainment in the Grand Salon or the Theatre. Enjoy an evening dancing, a classical concert, a show performed by our p... - **Zodiac® excursions or trips**: Your afternoon continues with the terrestrial trips that you have booked to complement your Yachting cruise. On Expedition cruises, enjoy guided trips... - **On board**: Want to stay on board to enjoy a moment of relaxation? - Attend a talk given by one of our prestigious guests of honour. - Book a massage or treatment... ### Food and Drink - **Exterior bar**: Lounge area with seating for 50 Overlooking the pool deck - **Lunch**: On board, enjoy our varied buffet. Among the wide choice of salads, vegetables, meat and fish, desserts and pastries, choose a starter, a main dish an... - **An afternoon snack**: Around 4 p.m., after having enjoyed a few sweet treats with cold or hot drinks accompanied by music in the Grand salon, it's time to get ready for din... - **A gourmet dinner**: Your late afternoon continues in front of a beautiful sunset to the sound of beautiful melodies played on the piano, with an aperitif. Every day, disc... - **grill restaurant**: Enjoy breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners in a relaxed atmosphere at the grill restaurant on Deck 6. 2,530 square feet Interior capacity: 1... ### Relaxation - **The wellness area**: Spa in partnership with SOTHYS™: massage and treatment cubicles, beauty salon cubicle, balneotherapy cubicle KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris hair salon Free... - **The panoramic lounge**: 1,185 square feet Library, internet space, bar, live entertainment on certain evenings Direct access to the panoramic terrace - **The main lounge - Deck 3**: 2,740 square feet Interior capacity: 110 Exterior capacity: 30 Tea rooms, bar, programme of live musical entertainment, dance floor Access to the exte... ### Technology - **The PONANT App**: After booking your cruise, download the PONANT app from the Apple Store or Google Play. It will support you throughout your voyage. Before your cruise... - **Departure alert for excursions or trips**: Because we want your activities to go smoothly, your cruise director alerts you before departure for any excursions you have booked if you are on a Ya... ## Ports of Call ### Dunedin, New Zealand *Coordinates: -45.8746, 170.503* Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city bo... ### Ulva Island *Coordinates: -46.9318, 168.125* Ulva Island is a small island about 3.5 km long lying within Paterson Inlet, which is part of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand. It has an area of 267 hectares, of which almost all is part of Rakiura National Park. ### Dusky Sound (New Zealand) *Coordinates: -45.7978, 166.474* Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand’s South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a sourc... ### Doubtful Sound (New Zealand) *Coordinates: -45.3809, 167.091* Referred to as the Sound of Silence, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in t... ### Milford Sound, New Zealand *Coordinates: -44.6698, 167.928* Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Boat tours are a ... ### The Snares, New Zealand *Coordinates: -48.0367, 166.55* The Snares Islands/Tini Heke, also known as The Snares, is a small group of uninhabited islands lying about 200 km south of New Zealand's South Island and to the south-southwest of Stewart Island. ### Enderby Island (New-Zealand) *Coordinates: -20.608, 116.508* Enderby Island is situated off the North Eastern tip of Auckland Island and is the second largest Island in the group. The eradication of introduced species in 1994 has seen a significant increase in the abundance of the native flora and fauna compared to the main Auckland Island. It has become a stronghold for the rare yellow-eyed penguin and the primary breeding location of the New Zealand Sea L... ### Musgrave Inlet (NZ) ### Macquarie Island (Australia) ### Campbell Island, New Zealand *Coordinates: -52.54, 169.145* Campbell Island is the most southerly of the five New Zealand subantarctic groups. Described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a "flora display second to none outside the tropics." It is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, with huge leaves and very colourful flowers, which have developed as an adaptation to the harsh weather c... ### Antipodes Island *Coordinates: -49.6667, 178.767* The Antipodes Islands are inhospitable and uninhabited volcanic islands in subantarctic waters to the south of – and territorially part of – New Zealand. The 21 km² archipelago lies 860 kilometres to the southeast of Stewart Island/Rakiura, and 730 kilometres to the northeast of Campbell Island. ## Booking Information - **Book This Cruise:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2201297 - **Compare Prices:** CruisePirate compares prices across multiple booking channels - **Price Alerts:** Set up alerts for price drops on this sailing - **Support:** Contact our AI-powered cruise assistant for personalized recommendations ### Why Book with CruisePirate? - Real-time price comparison across booking channels - AI-powered cruise recommendations - Transparent pricing with no hidden fees - Expert cruise search and filtering --- ## Technical Metadata - **Canonical URL:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2201297 - **Markdown URL:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2201297.md - **API Endpoint:** https://cruisepirate.ai/api/cruises/2201297/ - **Primary Image:** https://images.cruisepirate.ai/v3/static/cruise-lines/ponant/le-soleal/other/35617.webp - **Data Source:** CruisePirate Cruise Database - **Last Updated:** 2026-05-05 06:42:38 UTC