Le Soléal

Le Soléal joined Ponant in 2013 as the third ship in the Boréal series, sharing her sisters’ yacht-like profile, intimate size and understated French styling. Like the rest of the series she can handle ice, so polar voyages are part of her repertoire, yet she spends much of her time in warmer, less-visited places where her small size and Zodiacs open up beaches, villages and reefs that big ships cannot reach. Dinners lean French, with good wine and a cheese course, and evenings are low-key, centered on the lounge and talks from the expedition team. Expect a sociable, European crowd.

Best for: Curious travelers who want a small, French-style expedition ship for out-of-the-way warm-weather destinations as well as polar waters.

Ponant is a French luxury expedition line sailing small, yacht-like ships of 180 to 265 guests everywhere from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean, the Kimberley and Japan, including the polar icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which can reach the North Pole. Fares include an open bar, gratuities and Wi-Fi, with French cuisine and a bilingual French-English atmosphere. It suits curious, well-traveled adults who enjoy a European style.