Highlights
If there is one place in the world that ignites the imagination of travelers and triggers in them an instant desire for adventure, it is the pristine and distant territories of the White Continent . Inhabited by surprising endemic fauna , Antarctica welcomes you on an 11-day expedition cruise .
On the border between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, you enter the Drake Passage . 50 ‘s howling, 60 ‘s breaking, the wind blows and the waves beat the bow of the ship. In the sky, the checkerboards of the Cape lead you to their kingdom, to the first lands of the continent.
The ice is there, in all its forms. The mountainous reliefs open up to make way for immense glaciers that calve, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean and the ice floes sparkle in the distance. On board, naturalists reveal the secrets of this unique ecosystem to you and, as you get closer to the shores, the first penguins appear. Papuan , Adélie , chinstrap , these astonishing and emblematic birds of Antarctica share their beaches with leopard , crabeater and Weddell seals . During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac or in a kayak, you will experience a grandiose setting, bathed in polar light.
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…
Take advantage of your days in the Drake Passage to familiarize yourself with your ship and expand your knowledge of Antarctica. The expedition leader will first present to you the IAATO code of conduct governing land landings and will explain how zodiac trips take place. Lectures on the history and wildlife of Antarctica will allow you to learn more about this magical land where any cruise is a unique experience . You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist guides on the exterior decks of your ship, discovering albatrosses, Cape checkerspots and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
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…
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
