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Antarctica

Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. PONANT invites you on a polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula . Embark on an unforgettable 11-day voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife. The start of your cruise will be marked by the crossing of the mythical Drake Passage , during which you will likely be escorted by several albatrosses and Cape petrels, the sentinels of these often-choppy waters. Your ship will then reach the White Continent , realm of the unexpected. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal to you its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries. On this uninhabited land, which wasn’t explored until the 19th century, your encounters with wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of your experience. The Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, Humpback whales, seals, and seabirds will provide you with cherished lifelong memories. Each day, whether on land, aboard your ship, or during a Zodiac® outing , you will be surrounded by a grandiose landscape ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers. We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by IAATO.

Choose your departure

3 departures
JAN17
L'Austral · 2027
From $19,070
FEB14
Le Boréal · 2028
From $15,650
JAN28
Le Lyrial · 2029
From $14,200
12D / 11N|Jan 17 – Jan 27, 2027|Ushuaia (Argentina)|L'Austral · Ponant
OverviewItineraryCabins
From$21,280per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedSpecial Guest Speaker+2Starting tier sold outAI Pick12-day Ponant voyage
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Route Map

Route Map

Gallery

12 photos
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Voyage Overview

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

PONANT invites you on a polar expedition cruise to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula. Embark on an unforgettable 11-day voyage and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife. 

The start of your cruise will be marked by the crossing of the mythical Drake Passage, during which you will likely be escorted by several albatrosses and Cape petrels, the sentinels of these often-choppy waters.

Your ship will then reach the White Continent, realm of the unexpected. Weather and ice conditions permitting, this extreme environment where nature reigns supreme will reveal to you its most beautiful secrets through numerous discoveries.

On this uninhabited land, which wasn’t explored until the 19th century, your encounters with wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of your experience. The Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, Humpback whales, seals, and seabirds will provide you with cherished lifelong memories.

Each day, whether on land, aboard your ship, or during a Zodiac® outing, you will be surrounded by a grandiose landscape ranging from icebergs to ice floe and ancient glaciers.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by IAATO.

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Voyage Highlights

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, have formed a unique alliance to offer themed sailings featuring experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts , and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of each destination, and helps provide a deeper understanding of the places we explore.

Expeditions

Expeditions

Embark on explorations to the farthest reaches of the world — from polar realms to tropical latitudes — where each day is marked by Zodiac landings led by your dedicated expedition team. Glaciologists, ornithologists, ethnologists, and marine mammal specialists — true experts of these remote regions — your naturalist guides invite you to a fully immersive and enlightening experience. Activities: All activities are supervised by the expedition team, made up of experienced naturalist guides — including Zodiac outings, for example. All activities are included and organized directly on board by the expedition team. Optional paid excursions may be offered depending on the cruise. Landings: Primarily carried out by Zodiac. Your experts on board: The expedition team composed of naturalist guides. Additional services: A complimentary parka and complimentary loan of boots (depending on the cruise). Children: Children from 6 years of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on Le Commandant Charcot ).

Destinations

AntarcticaAntarctic PeninsulaDrake PassageArgentinaSouth AmericaPatagonia

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Before the cruise

Day-by-day stops

After the cruise

Please Note

### Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions. ### General Information The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. ### Passport Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip. ### Argentina Argentina: Visas are not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days. To travel to Antarctica, it is mandatory to be covered with a medical insurance covering hospitalization, isolation, or sanitary transfer for the duration of travel. List of items prohibited on board To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically. ### Use of drones Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Overnight in Buenos Aires + roundtrip flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires + visit + transfers included

  • Transfer from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Hotel Madero (or similar).
  • Meet and greet at the hotel and hospitality desk. Check-in from late morning.
  • Lunch and dinner on your own, and time at leisure in the afternoon.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
  • A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including polar explorer Felicity Aston and geologist Allen Glazner.
  • 1-night accommodation at the Hotel Madero (or similar) the night before embarkation.
  • Early check-in available from late morning.
  • Hospitality desk at the hotel.
  • Round-trip flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
  • Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park by coach, including entrance fees.
  • Services of English speaking guides during the excursion.
  • Meals as mentioned in the program.
  • Transfers as mentioned in the program.
  • Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions.
  • Other meals and services not mentioned in the program.
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
  • The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, which is accepted in most hotels, shopping centers, and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from ATMs.
  • Summer season in Buenos Aires: Temperatures may be very hot but are often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
  • Summer season in Ushuaia: Temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C).
  • We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
  • This voyage is offered on a space available basis.

Ship

L'Austral

L'Austral

Ponant

Three-masted sailing ship intimacy and convivial atmosphere crafted to respect the tradition of famous sailing yachts.

Passengers264
Tonnage10,944 GT
Built2011
Ice Class1B / IMO Polar Class C
Decks6
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Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Current Offers

3 promotions apply to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children aged 6-11 eligible for discount when sharing with two full-fare adults. Baby equipment available on request. Kids club available on select voyages. Children: 6–17 years Child discount: 70%

Third Person Policy

Third adult in Deluxe Suite on sofa bed. Third person discount applies to adults and children. Maximum 3 persons per suite. Adult discount: 70% Child discount: 50%

Single Supplement

Default rate: 2× Single supplement of 2.0x applies to all staterooms and suites. PONANT Bonus program members may receive reduced supplement on select departures.

Cancellation Policy

210+ days before departure: 20% penalty 120–210 days before departure: 50% penalty 90–120 days before departure: 75% penalty 0–90 days before departure: 100% penalty Cancellation fees apply as per the schedule above. Travel insurance strongly recommended. Name change fee: $200 EUR

Wi-Fi & Communications

Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi onboard all vessels.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy

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Get a 360-degree look at our destinations with our blog articles.

Key Persons

2 key persons sailing on this voyage.

AI PickActive promotion on this Ponant departure to Antarctica