Le Boreal Review
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Overview – This was a cruise to the Antarctic so the life on board the ship was catered to the location we were heading. Our trip with Compagnie de Ponant started with a chartered flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. We were met at the airport by a cruise representative at check-in. The airport was chaos and people crowded to get in line for boarding the plane. When we got to Ushuaia we were met by a tour guide and boarded a bus which was to give us an abbreviated tour of the national park and lunch. Since the flight had been delayed we headed straight for lunch at a lodge which was very rustic and nice. The meal was roasted lamb and potatoes, with a salad bar and dessert and drink. The bus had both French and English speaking passengers and our guide gave all information in both languages. We then went to the ship to head on board. As we were waiting in line to board several of the crew came out and took our hand luggage to carry on for us. Check in for the cruise was very easy. A picture of us was taken and we were given our cabin card and on to our cabin. Our luggage was already there. This cruise had a majority of English speaking passengers, and then groups of French, Japanese and Chinese speaking. All shipboard announcements were given in both French and English. Of course the safety drill was held the first evening with excellent instructions that made me feel I would know what to do.
We had a great time on the cruise and the ship and staff helped make our cruise great.
Cabins – We were on Deck 4. The room had TV, nice bed and bathroom, balcony and plenty of closest space. There was a table and only one chair. There was an ottoman but this was stored under the countertop. After a couple of days our cabin attendant moved a balcony chair in so we had two chairs. Since we were in Antarctica, there was no TV reception but a selection of movies was available. Current/updated information about landings etc was also posted on the TV since the schedule could quickly change depending on weather conditions.
Cabin Review
The room was comfortable, The bathroom did not seem as small as it was with drawers under the sink and a nice size shower. My only issue was the sitting arrangements. There was only one chair and an ottoman that was stored under the shelf. so for the two people in the cabin to both have a seat, you had to remove all the extra pillows that were stored on the ottoman and slice it out and it wasn't a comfortable seat. Our attendant brought in a balcony chair so we had two chairs. The bed was very comfortable. Being on Deck 4 made it very easy to get around the ship, especially heading to the theater which was also on deck 4.