= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Antarctica | 'Le Boreal'
 Prestige suite - spacious and elegant |
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Aboard MV ‘Le Boreal’
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 the 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, alfresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theatre, as well as a comfortable meeting area and library. A fullservice salon, steam rooms, spa and fitness centre 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. Guests can watch whales breaching outside the floor-to-ceiling window, then step out onto the balcony for a closer look. ‘Le Boreal’ is also outfitted with a technologically advanced stabilising system to minimise the effects of rough conditions and keep passengers comfortable in remote seas.
Zodiacs
‘Le Boreal’ carries a fleet of Zodiacs, 10- to 12-seat motorised rubber boats designed by Jacques Cousteau for safe operations in rough and shallow waters. They allow passengers to 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.
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.
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 Association of Antarctica Tour Operators
A&K is a long-time member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Founded in 1991, this organization advocates, promotes and practices safe and environmentally sound travel to the Antarctic. Staff and crew follow the highest codes of conduct to ensure that the presence of ‘Le Boreal’ and her passengers has minimal effect on the landscapes through which they travel.
Zodiacs
‘Le Boreal’ carries a fleet of Zodiacs, 10- to 12-seat motorised rubber boats designed by Jacques Cousteau for safe operations in rough and shallow waters. They allow passengers to explore remote shores where there are no docking arrangements and nimbly cruise longside towering glaciers or near pods of passing whale. ‘Le Boreal’s’ Zodiacs feature fuel-efficient motors that comply with all environmental protection standards.
Environmentally Sound Travel
In Antarctica, a whale photo-identification programme and a project devoted to helping save the albatross and other seabirds dying needlessly on long-line fishing hooks. Tourism has the potential to enrich yet also threaten the fabric and spirit of fragile destinations. Programmes marked with a represent opportunities for travellers to be personally involved in these projects. For further information about Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, please visit abercrombiekent.com.au/philanthropy
