PONANT EXPEDITIONS AND SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS – EMBLEMATIC ANTARCTICA

from $13,270

DATES: 2023 – Feb 20- Mar 03

Duration: 12 Days/11 Nights

EMBARKATION: Ushuaia

DISEMBARKATION: Ushuaia

Ships: Le Lyrial

From: $13,270* (Double)-*SAVE 10%-BOOK NOW!

All about the PONANT EXPEDITIONS AND SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS – EMBLEMATIC ANTARCTICA.

This classic Antarctica expedition voyage is part of a collection of PONANT voyages, in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, that are tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, these voyages include 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. Tabletop icebergs, growlers, drift or pack ice… the Antarctic has its own language, which you’ll soon speak fluently! This is a fascinating journey to the heart of this remote land, Penguins live in the thousands, waddling on the shores, whilst Humpback Whales come and swim alongside your ship.

PONANT and SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS invite 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 probably 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 19^th century, your encounters with the wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of your experience. The Gentoo, Adelie 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 decor 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 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

A voyage tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, a pre-cruise hotel night in Buenos Aires, round-trip flights to/from Ushuaia, an excursion in Tierra del Fuego, and an included activity in each port of call.
Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
Explore the magic of Antarctica with a sea kayak adventure. Led by experienced, state-certified kayak guides, you will skim the water’s surface amid the ice. Full professional equipment is provided, including tandem kayak, carbon paddle, full-body drysuit, lifejacket, and AIS beacon. For more information about your kayak tour, please go to the “PONANT Activities” tab, and to book the kayak tour, contact your cruise advisor.
Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist-guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, and environmental protection.
Hiking opportunity.
Visiting research stations and former whaling stations.
Landscapes: A multitude of drifting icebergs, ice floes, imposing glaciers and tall, snow-covered mountains.
Wildlife: Humpback whales, Gentoo penguins, Adélie penguins, Chinstrap penguins, Leopard seals, Crabeater seals, Weddell seals and numerous sea birds.
Educational discovery in the respect to the environment.

NOTE: THERE ARE MANY OTHER DATES FOR THIS ITINERARY WITHOUT SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

The highest concentration of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica; Minke and humpback Whales, Weddell seals, sea Leopards, and numerous sea birds: Cape Petrels, Albatrosses, imperial Shags, and snow Petrels.

Outings and shore visits in Zodiac^® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
Hiking opportunity: Grytviken, Deception Island.
Landscapes: mountain chains, imposing glaciers and lush green pastures in South Georgia. Drifting icebergs and sea ice in the Peninsula.
Wildlife: king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals in South Georgia. Gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins in the Peninsula.
Educational discovery in the respect of environment.
Transfers, City tour with Lunch, Dinner, and two nights at a deluxe hotel in Buenos Aires
Flights Buenos Aires-Ushuaia-Buenos Aires

ON BOARD-

Meet and Greet by our representatives in Ushuaia and direct luggage transfer from the airport to the ship for port clearance
Gratuities to ship crew
All meals onboard
24-hour room service
Taxes & Port fees
Butler service in the suites
Unlimited WiFi (new!)
Open Bar
On disembarkation days in Ushuaia direct transfer from the ship to the airport
Complimentary boot rental
Complimentary polar parka for you to keep

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

International airfare
Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
Meals ashore other than those indicated as included
Pre- and Post-cruise programs
Items of personal nature

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

You will transfer on own to your included deluxe hotel. Remainder of the day is free. Dinner this evening is included.

We recommend arriving earlier to see more of Buenos Aires and Argentina – visit the Mendoza wine country, Montevideo, Uruguay just across the river, or Iguazu Falls.
Day 2 Flight to Ushuaia – Embarkation

Transfer from your hotel to the city airport for your included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Meet and transfer to ship. Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel, at the country’s southernmost tip. Its colorful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike.

Capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the “Great White“ and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mondo” 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
Days 3-4 At Sea - Drake Passage

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarize yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac^®outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
Days 5-9 Exploration of Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby South Shetland Islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct your ship to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguin, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.

As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.

In 1996, the Port Lockroy base was renovated and is now a museum and post office operated by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for cruise-ship passengers in Antarctica. Proceeds from the small souvenir shop fund the upkeep of the site and other historic sites and monuments in Antarctica.

Visit Pleneau Island and its colony of Gentoo penguins.
Days 10-11 Cross back across Drake Passage.

Cross back across Drake Passage.
Day 12 USHUAIA - DISEMBARKATION

Transfer from ship to included flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Connect with flight home, or stay longer in Argentina.

We can arrange your programs before and after your Antarctica exploration to suit your interests.

LE LYRIAL

These superb mega-yachts, with 132 staterooms each, are the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. They remain faithful to our philosophy – to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give them their distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. A welcoming atmosphere of relaxed sophistication revolves around shades of grey, taupe, white and ivory enlivened by touches of cinnamon, caramel and tan.. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

Fast Facts:

Length: 466 ft
Beam: 59 ft
Draft: 15.3 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
Guest decks: 6
Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 264 PAX
Normal crew size: 140
Gross tonnage: 10 992 UMS

RESTAURANTS

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 Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompanied by fine wine.

At the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportunity to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Afternoon tea, lounge, live music, dance floor and cocktail bar

Access to the outside terrace

Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Open-air Bar (Pool deck)

Overlooking the pool deck

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD

Elegance and flexibility of the suites and staterooms, decorated by French interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.

Flexible capacity: from 112 to 122 suites & staterooms.
Maximum configuration: 13 suites & 108 staterooms.
Maximum number of suites configuration: 24 suites & 86 staterooms.
Magnificent ocean views: 114 staterooms and suites with balcony
Individually-controlled air-conditioning
Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
Minibar
Flat screen satellite TV
IPod™ players
Desk with stationery
Electronic safe
French bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Bath robes
Satellite direct line telephone
110/220 volt outlets
24hr room service
WiFi