Expedition to Southern Lands - Antarctica & South Georgia Luxury Expedition
In South Georgia and on the shores of the White Continent, follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers during a 17-day polar expedition cruise. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, Ernest Shackleton, these legendary names evoke the most prodigious adventures, which PONANT is offering you the chance to discover during an unforgettable trip. Le Lyrial will leave Ushuaia, for South Georgia. It is there, amid the snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916, before returning to rescue the rest of his crew, left behind on the remote Elephant Island. You will travel back in time to (re)discover this fabulous saga and life at this little-known time in history. You will sail on the Southern Ocean to reach the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures. Throughout your trip, our team of naturalist guides will share with you the secrets of these faraway lands inhabited by unique wildlife. Discover the vast territory of the penguins – Adelie, king, chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, southern rockhopper – albatrosses, numerous species of seals, and majestic whales blowing on the horizon. To disembark in Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, you will have to sail along Drake Passage. At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter this mythical maritime route. The wind blows, the waves crash against the stem of the ship, and the cape petrels keep you company overhead until the end of your expedition.
The day before embarkation – Buenos Aires Meet at Ezeiza international airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative. A shuttle from the airport will permit you to join your hotel. Check-in from late morning. Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in 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 which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts. Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
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 the 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 the IAATO.
|
Book now |
Superior Stateroom
DeLuxe Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deluxe Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
Owner’s suite
Additional charges:
Port Taxes and Fees: $1,180 AUD
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
Length: 142 meters
Passenger Capacity: 264 (in twin cabins, 200 in Antarctica)
Built: 2011
A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, she is the fruit of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Le Boreal remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.
Superior materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful décor combined with exterior and interior lines to reflect a nautical mood, subtly revisited. On board, soothing neutral tones are enlivened by splashes of red, our signature theme linking tradition and innovation to create personal touches in the spirit of a “private yacht”.
Cuisine
Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.
Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberte Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.
Life On Board
Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, Le Boreal has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.
Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Carita™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available forfamilies either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting ser vice.Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.
Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Carita™ brand, the Beauty Centre on Le Boreal welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser, hammam, balneotherapy).
Special Offers
Online prices reflect the current brochure fare savings of up to 30%. Prices may change based on demand. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
The "all-inclusive" includes:
• Accommodation in stateroom
• The full meal plan
• The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. (Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar)
• Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day - depending on location
• Activities offered during expedition cruises ( each itinerary has specific activities)
• Access to all the common areas on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area, and on board of our three-masted Le Ponant: Solarium of 400 m², marina, lounge, Boutique & leisure area.
Paul Gauguin Cruises:
• All shipboard meals, in your choice of venues
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship
• In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
• All shipboard entertainment, including our troupe of Polynesian performers and live music in the evenings
• Presentations by onboard experts, and select sailings feature guest hosts
• Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff
• Watersports, including complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding from our marina or destination beaches
• Complimentary snorkel gear for use throughout the cruise
• Use of our secluded, white-sand beach in Bora Bora (T&C apply)
• A day on our private islet, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, featuring snorkeling, watersports, a barbecue, full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality (on select voyages)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
__________
• Night in Buenos Aires + flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia + visit + flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Exclusions
• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
Luxury Expedition
Highlights
• An expedition cruise to explore the stunning natural settings of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, in the wake of the great explorers of the high southern latitudes.• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
• Enjoy a magical experience as you are introduced to sea kayaking. Lead by experienced, State-Certified kayak guides, you will skim the water’s surface amid the ice. For more information about your kayak tour, please go to the section ‘PONANT activities’ and to book your kayak tour, contact your cruise advisor.
• Hiking opportunity.
• Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection and educational discovery in the respect of environment.
• Landscapes: drifting icebergs, ice floe, glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the Antarctic Peninsula; alpine landscapes, lush green plains and suspended glaciers in South Georgia.
• Wildlife: humpback whales; Gentoo, Adelie, and chinstrap penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals in the Antarctic Peninsula; king and macaroni penguins; elephant and fur seals in South Georgia.
• For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Buenos Aires the day before embarkation and the flights to/from Ushuaia (for details, see the “Included in your cruise” tab).
Our Associates Include
