Night in Buenos Aires + flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia + visit + flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
In South Georgia and on the shores of the White Continent , follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers on a 17-day polar expedition cruise . Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, Ernest Shackleton, these legendary names evoke the most prodigious adventures that PONANT invites you to discover during an unforgettable journey.
Your ship leaves Ushuaia to reach mountainous South Georgia . It was there, in the middle of snow-capped mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Odyssey of Endurance in 1916, before returning to rescue the rest of his crew remaining on distant Elephant Island. You go back in time to (re)discover this fabulous epic and life in this little-known era.
You progress in the Southern Ocean to approach the frozen shores of the – almost – inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica . The color white takes on a thousand shades that adorn the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen seas all around you. You are one of the rare travelers who can set eyes on this land of legends, scene of the greatest expeditions and witness to the most extraordinary adventures.
Capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego , Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed by the Argentine people “El fin del mundo” , this city at the end of the world is nestled in the hollow of mountains and fertile plains that wildlife seems to have chosen as their ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site which sees the Andes plunge into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places in the world, whose evocative name suggests a journey towards the improbable, the inaccessible…
During your sea crossing, take advantage of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the spa or keep in shape at the gym. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or sunbathing. This non-stop crossing will also be an opportunity to attend conferences or shows offered on board, depending on the activities offered, or to make some purchases at the boutique or to meet PONANT photographers in the space dedicated to them. Lovers of the open sea, for their part, will go to the upper deck of the ship to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps have the chance to observe marine species. A truly enchanted parenthesis, between comfort, rest and entertainment.
On board your ship, set off to explore South Georgia , a region formed by an underwater mountain range extending from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Deep South is represented there: king and gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You may have the opportunity to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbor and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are lucky enough to land at Salisbury Plain, a great spectacle will await you: more than 300,000 king penguins, recognizable by the bright orange spot adorning their heads and necks, have taken up residence there.
During your sea crossing, take advantage of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the spa or keep in shape at the gym. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or sunbathing. This non-stop crossing will also be an opportunity to attend conferences or shows offered on board, depending on the activities offered, or to make some purchases at the boutique or to meet PONANT photographers in the space dedicated to them. Lovers of the open sea, for their part, will go to the upper deck of the ship to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps have the chance to observe marine species. A truly enchanted parenthesis, between comfort, rest and entertainment.
Let yourself be dazzled by the magic of a place like no other. The Antarctic Peninsula , a mythical land if ever there was one, still exerts real fascination today and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this frozen setting, you will evolve in the heart of a spectacular setting with subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife . Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales and orcas. Depending on the sites you have the privilege of going to, you may have the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme places.
Every day, depending on the ice conditions, the commander and the expedition leader will offer you landings or zodiac trips to discover the infinite wealth of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floes, tabular icebergs, mountain peaks plunging steeply into the water, volcanic beaches, scientific bases, enchanting bays or even vestiges of the whaling industry: so many faces that will probably present themselves to you, within an unreal and cozy atmosphere. You will follow in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great explorers of the Antarctic who, from the 19th century , set out to conquer these distant and uninhabited lands.
If there is a place, a sea, a passage feared by visitors, scientists and other seasoned sailors, it is the Drake Passage . Located at the height of the famous Howling 50s , between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest way to connect Antarctica and South America . Travel regulars will tell you that the White Continent must be earned… Zone of the Antarctic convergence, where cold currents rise from the pole towards the north and meet warmer equatorial water masses, this passage is home to very diverse marine fauna. Be sure to look up to catch a glimpse of the elegant Cape albatrosses and checkerspots , playing with the buoyant winds around your ship.
Capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego , Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed by the Argentine people “El fin del mundo” , this city at the end of the world is nestled in the hollow of mountains and fertile plains that wildlife seems to have chosen as their ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site which sees the Andes plunge into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places in the world, whose evocative name suggests a journey towards the improbable, the inaccessible…
(*) Depending on departure dates, this itinerary may inlcude 16 or 17 nights onboard.
Inclusions
¹Excluding premium à la carte drinks.
²Butler service is available for the following suites: Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial: all suites on deck 6; PONANT Explorers: Shipowner Suites, Grand Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites and Prestige Suites on deck 6; Le Commandant Charcot : Shipowner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites and Prestige Suites; The Paul Gauguin : Shipowner’s Suites, Grand Suites, Veranda Suites A and Veranda Cabins B.
Exclusions
