Le Boréal

Sleek Décor: You'll feel more like you're on a luxury yacht than a traditional cruise ship. Colors are neutral, there’s no excessive bling, and the layout offers plenty of quiet spaces to relax.

All-Weather Comfort: In colder locales, passengers flock to the Panoramic Lounge, which has a library, bar, and board games; while in warmer climates, the pool and its bar draw people onto the top decks.

Interesting Itineraries: With its reinforced hull to handle ice, Le Boréal can visit destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic, but the ship also cruises to Europe, Asia, and South America. 

Well-Appointed Cabins: Contemporary interior design is a hallmark of Ponant ships, and Le Boréal's accommodations are sophisticated and spacious — from the 226-square-foot Superior Staterooms (which lack balconies) to the 484-square-foot Owner's Suite with its 97-square-foot balcony.

Worldly Travelers: It's a wealthy, well-traveled international set who flock to these luxury vessels.

Parlez-Vous Français? Passengers are largely from France, as is the staff, so be prepared to wait — sometimes for a while — for translations in English if you don’t speak French.