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 the polar regions, 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 full-service salon, steam rooms, spa and fitness centre complete the amenities.
Amenities
English language on board. Private balcony with every guest cabin, exclusively offered on A&K charters only. Complimentary butler service with every suite category, exclusively offered on A&K charters only. Sun Deck and multiple outer deck observation areas. Outside heated pool Library with selection of books . Two restaurants: Main and Grill . Open bar (excluding premium wines and spirits), an exclusive offering on A&K charters only. Two lounges with bars: Club with live music and Panoramic with Terrace. Complimentary 24-hour room service. Complimentary in-cabin breakfast (on request) .Three passenger elevators. Fitness Center with Kinesis® wall. Full-service salon with spa and steam room. Theater for more than 200 guests. Boutique shop. 24-hour medical facilities with certified doctor. Laundry services. Electricity: 110/220 volts. Wireless Internet (due to remote destinations, access and speed varies)
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.
Environmentally Sound Travel
Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) supports a number of worthwhile projects in the polar regions. In Antarctica, the organisation supports a whale photo-identification programme and a project devoted to helping save the albatross and other seabirds dying needlessly on long-line fishing hooks. In the Arctic the Husavik Whale Museum has much needed support from AKP.
