On Monday, April 21, 2025, the luxury expedition cruise ship Le Boréal, operated by the French cruise line Ponant, made its first-ever call at the port of La Estaca, on the island of El Hierro, marking a milestone in the island’s cruise tourism development. The visit was celebrated with the traditional plaque exchange ceremony, a maritime symbol of welcome between the ship’s crew and the local port community.
During the official event, Luz Marina Espiau, Head of Commercial and Business Development at the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, presented the commemorative plaque to the ship’s captain and highlighted the Ports of Tenerife’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and high-value cruise experiences, especially through the development of distinctive and culturally rich destinations.
The following day, Tuesday, April 22, Le Boréal also made its first call at the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, further reinforcing the ship’s unique itinerary and the growing presence of boutique cruise lines in the Canary Islands. This double inaugural call positions both islands as new benchmarks within the expedition and premium cruise segments.
A refined itinerary across the Canary Islands
Le Boréal is currently sailing a 7-night itinerary titled “Canarias, Land of Contrasts”, carefully curated to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the archipelago’s landscapes and cultures:
- April 16: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- April 17: Arrecife (Lanzarote)
- April 18: Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)
- April 19: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- April 20: Santa Cruz de La Palma
- April 21: La Estaca (El Hierro)
- April 22: San Sebastián de La Gomera
This route underscores Ponant’s commitment to exploring unconventional destinations, offering guests unique and enriching experiences in regions that combine natural beauty with local authenticity.
A broader commitment to the Canary Islands
These calls are part of a wider operational effort by Ponant in the Canary Islands. In recent months, five ships of the Ponant fleet have called at various ports throughout the archipelago, demonstrating the line’s strategic interest in the region and its suitability for premium expedition cruising.
The Ponant vessels that have visited the Canary Islands include:
- Le Boréal
- L’Austral
- Le Dumont-d’Urville
- Le Lyrial
- Le Bellot
This presence further consolidates the Canary Islands as a preferred destination for small luxury ships, aligned with Ponant’s philosophy of sustainable, intimate, and culturally immersive travel.
About Le Boréal
Built in 2010 by Fincantieri (Italy), Le Boréal belongs to a new generation of luxury expedition vessels. Flying the French flag, the ship features modern design, environmental efficiency, and high-end service. Key specifications include:
- Capacity: 264 passengers and 140 crew members
- 132 staterooms, most with private balconies
- Ice-class hull for polar navigation
- Amenities: spa, gourmet restaurant, theater, library, and Zodiacs for coastal landings
This type of deployment reflects the increasing interest of high-end cruise lines in destinations that emphasize sustainability, authenticity, and a high-quality visitor experience.
