The ultimate Antarctic adventure, travel among drifting icebergs and majestic glaciers and encounter unique wildlife in luxury on board Ponant's expedition ship L'Austral

Walk into Luxury exclusive
VIP bonus inclusions on Ponant cruises (enquire for details)
Antarctic Peninsula
From $12,999 pp The amount shown is based on today's live exchange rate, which may change by the time that you complete your purchase. Your payment will be processed in the default currency.
10 Night Expedition Cruise
1Overview
Overview

If visiting the Antarctic Peninsula is on your bucket list, this 12 day itinerary featuring a 10-night Ponant Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, is an excellent option with the cruise featuring the Weddell Sea in addition to the iconic Drake Passage. Your journey to the White Continent takes place onboard luxury expedition ship L'Austral - or sister ship, L'Boreal or L'Lyrial - supported by Ponant's naturalist guides who lead excursions on and around the spectacular icefield and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula. Spend several unforgettable days immersed in the magnificent landscapes of the Antarctic with a range of guided excursions and landings by Zodiac® and kayak (cost applies for kayaking excursions). Ponant offers a rare opportunity to observe Antarctica's marine and bird life in their natural habitat, including various species of penguins, seals, whales and sea birds. Enjoy relaxed luxury onboard with all-inclusive dining, exceptional personalised service and spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms on this journey of a lifetime.

Ponant L'Austral Suite Deluxe Francois Lefebvre
Ponant L'Austral Antarctica wildlife Nathalie Michel
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2Trip Highlights
Highlights

Luxury Antarctic small-ship cruising

Learn about Antarctica's early explorers and geopolitical history

Encounter extraordinary marine and birdlife in their natural habitat

Sea kayak adventure among the icebergs with expert guides

Gourmet dining, open bar and in-suite mini-bar replenished daily

Overnight in Buenos Aires and fly to Ushuaia pre-cruise

3Rates & Inclusions
What's Included

Your 12 day itinerary includes 10 nights onboard Ponant, with:

  • Gourmet meals on board including freshly baked pastries for the early risers, breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s cocktail welcome reception and farewell gala dinner
  • Open bar including free-flowing Charles Heidsieck Champagne, wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Complimentary in-room mini bar restocked daily, and 24-hour room service
  • Small group Zodiac® excursions and landings with Expedition Guides
  • Informative lectures, talks and entertainment in theatre
  • Complimentary access to wellness area: fitness room, sauna and heated pool
  • Optional guided two hour kayaking excursion in Antarctica, cost applies
  • Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Butler Service in select Suites

Buenos Aires pre-cruise inclusions:

  • Bonus one night accommodation in Buenos Aires pre-cruise, with breakfast included
  • Return economy flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia pre/post-cruise
  • Ground transfers to/from Ushuaia port, and to/from your Buenos Aires accommodation pre-cruise
  • Lunch in Ushuaia on the day of departure, or join an optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion on this day (cost applies)
            4Location & Access
            Location & Access

            This journey begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and includes return flights to Ushuaia where the cruise embarks on its return journey to the Antarctic Peninsula via the Drake Passage. Walk into Luxury will be happy to arrange pre and post-cruise extensions in Chile and Argentina including to Patagonia.

            View Ponant 10 Night Antarctica Cruise map

            WIL MAP SOUTH AMERICA Southern Patagonia
            6Season & Departure Dates
            Season & Departure Dates

            Select departure dates between November and February.

            7Itinerary
            Day-by-Day Itinerary

            Day 1

            You'll board your Ponant cruise in Ushuaia late afternoon in time for a welcome drink before sunset as L'Austral sets sail at 6.00 pm. Meet fellow guests over your first dinner in the Gastronomic Restaurant tonight.

            Included: Dinner

            Ponant Luxury Cruise Ship champagne on deck N242

            Days 2 and 3

            As L'Austral sails through the Drake Passage, the Ponant expedition team will take the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and prepare you for your Antarctic journey, including important IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region, information about your Zodiac­® excursions, and an overview of Antarctica's history and wildlife.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            Ponant L'Austral Ushuaia Cruise Clement Louineau

            Days 4 to 8

            Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day, depending on weather and ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings so you can explore Antarctica's glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks, volcanic beaches, pristine bays, as well as research stations and relics of the whaling industry.

            You'll also share the serene beauty of this magical place with its inhabitants, including penguins, humpback whales, elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, orcas and giant petrels. Rare encounters with Antarctica's unique wildlife will depend on the sites you visit.

            Back on board, share your day's adventures with your new friends over drinks in the bar lounge, or watch the magnificent landscape pass by from the observation deck or the comfort and privacy of your stateroom.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            Ponant L'Austral Antarctica Sylavain Adenot

            Days 9-10

            After an unforgettable few days surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula, L'Austral will sail back through the Drake Passage, the shortest route connecting Antarctica with Cape Horn at the tip of South America. But your adventure is not over yet. Due to its unique climate and limited land mass at the convergence of three of the world's largest oceans, this region is home to a diverse range of marine life and sea birds, including albatross and cape petrels, plus varying species of whales and seals.

            This is also an ideal time to make the most of the facilities on board, including the wellness space - indulge in a massage or treatment at the spa, visit the gym or find a quiet space to relax with a good book and a drink from your personalised minibar.

            Included: All meals and beverages

            Ponant L'Austral Ushuaia Julie Lacombe

            Day 11

            After an exceptional Antarctic adventure, you'll arrive at Ushuaia, affectionately known as "El fin del Mundo" (the end of the world) by the locals. It's time to farewell the crew and your new friends before disembarking at 7 am for your onward transfer.

            Included: Breakfast

            Ponant L Austral No 1952 No 1952