Luxury Expedition
- Guests
BEYOND THE POLAR CIRCLE - WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Antarctica Expedition

Cross the mythical line of the Antarctic Circle during this 17-day polar expedition cruise to the far reaches of the Southern Hemisphere, brought to you by PONANT.


 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A cruise in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions offering enrichment with a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert onboard.
  • 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, environmental protection…
  • Antarctic Polar Circle crossing.
  • Hiking opportunity.
  • Landscapes: moors scattered with moss and lichen, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in the Falkland Islands; alpine landscapes, lush green plains and suspended glaciers in South Georgia; drifting icebergs, ice floe, glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Wildlife: black-browed albatrosses, snowy albatrosses, Magellanic penguins, Gentoo penguins and southern rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands; king penguins, elephant seals, fur seals and macaroni penguins in South Georgia; humpback whales, Gentoo penguins, Adelie penguins, chinstrap penguins, leopard seals, crabeater seals and Weddell seals in the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Educational discovery in the respect of environment.
  • New: for your comfort and convenience, an optional premium package including one night in Ushuaia on the eve of boarding your ship and an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park (Please contact us for more information and bookings).

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateSuperior StateroomDeluxe StateroomPrestige Deck 4Prestige Deck 5Prestige Deck 6Deluxe SuitePrestige Deck 5 SuitePrestige Deck 6 SuiteOwner's Suite
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight for your trip and provides transfers and visits. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Meet and greet at the airport (English-speaking assistance) 

Depending on your choice made when booking your cruise (options not combinable):

Departure from the airport for your transfer to the Arakur Hotel, one of the newest hotels built in Ushuaia. It overlooks the town and its bay.

In the Yamanas’ language, “Ushuaia” means “the bay which looks towards the east”. This native tribe was established here long before the arrival of the “white” people. At the tip of the Beagle Channel, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Ushuaia is a unique place in this world and is proud to be the southernmost city. Rising on an island, it seems to float between two oceans. The snow-capped mountains draw the border with Chile in the background. Here you truly feel at the end of the world…

After lunch at the Arakur Hotel you will have some time at leisure and/or will be invited to join a walk through the Natural Reserve of the Cerro Alarken. Arakur is a unique starting point for discovering a preserved area which covers 100 hectares (248 acres); this is a sheltered place for flora and fauna species typical to the Tierra del Fuego area (please note that the observation of fauna is not guaranteed). The unique location of the Arakur close to the Mount Alarken makes it as well the perfect setting to enjoy lovely panoramas over the bay.

The walk is selected in order to suit most guests’ walking ability. You will be escorted by a guide to discover the park.

OR

When booking the cruise, guests willing to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park will be able to sign up for an optional group excursion, with extra cost. If you decide to do so, please note that immediately upon arrival in Ushuaia airport, you will leave towards the Park where you will have lunch before starting the tour.

Created in 1960, the park which covers 63 000 hectares (155 670 acres) is located in the south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia.

Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes. If you get lucky, you may encounter beavers, dams, birds, wild orchids, etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers!

Lunch will be served in a restaurant within the Park.

(Please note that the Tierra del Fuego excursion is subject to a minimum of participants: if this number is not reached, our operator will not be able to guarantee the departure – In this case, you will be given the option to join the Arakur programme.)

At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.

– Cruise on board your ship

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Disembarkation.

Meet and great at the port (English-speaking assistance).

Transfer to the airport for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Your programme includes:

  • Transfers, flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires in economy class
  • Lunch at Arakur Hotel and beverages during lunch (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee) on embarkation day
  • English-speaking local guide during the transfers.
  • The walk through the Cerro Alarken Reserve starting from the Arakur Hotel and leaded by English speaking guide (except if you select optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion)

For your optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion, your programme includes:

Please note if you choose this excursion, it is not combinable with Arakur Hotel programme and therefore replaces it.

  • The excursion by local bus and the entrance fees to the National Park
  • The lunch with the beverage package including: 1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + tea or coffee
  • Transfers and visit as mentioned in the programme
  • The services of a local English speaking guide

Your programme does not include:

  • Tips for the local guide.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

Please note:

  • 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, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
  • Summer season: temperatures vary between 41F and 65F
  • We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes either for the visit to the Reserve or if you book the optional excursion to the National Park.
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd Date(Starting from)
Superior Stateroom
(Mid-range)
Prestige Deck 6
(High-end)
Owner's Suite
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight for your trip and provides transfers and visits. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia

Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Meet and greet at the airport (English-speaking assistance) 

Depending on your choice made when booking your cruise (options not combinable):

Departure from the airport for your transfer to the Arakur Hotel, one of the newest hotels built in Ushuaia. It overlooks the town and its bay.

In the Yamanas’ language, “Ushuaia” means “the bay which looks towards the east”. This native tribe was established here long before the arrival of the “white” people. At the tip of the Beagle Channel, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Ushuaia is a unique place in this world and is proud to be the southernmost city. Rising on an island, it seems to float between two oceans. The snow-capped mountains draw the border with Chile in the background. Here you truly feel at the end of the world…

After lunch at the Arakur Hotel you will have some time at leisure and/or will be invited to join a walk through the Natural Reserve of the Cerro Alarken. Arakur is a unique starting point for discovering a preserved area which covers 100 hectares (248 acres); this is a sheltered place for flora and fauna species typical to the Tierra del Fuego area (please note that the observation of fauna is not guaranteed). The unique location of the Arakur close to the Mount Alarken makes it as well the perfect setting to enjoy lovely panoramas over the bay.

The walk is selected in order to suit most guests’ walking ability. You will be escorted by a guide to discover the park.

OR

When booking the cruise, guests willing to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park will be able to sign up for an optional group excursion, with extra cost. If you decide to do so, please note that immediately upon arrival in Ushuaia airport, you will leave towards the Park where you will have lunch before starting the tour.

Created in 1960, the park which covers 63 000 hectares (155 670 acres) is located in the south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia.

Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes. If you get lucky, you may encounter beavers, dams, birds, wild orchids, etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers!

Lunch will be served in a restaurant within the Park.

(Please note that the Tierra del Fuego excursion is subject to a minimum of participants: if this number is not reached, our operator will not be able to guarantee the departure – In this case, you will be given the option to join the Arakur programme.)

At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.

– Cruise on board your ship

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Disembarkation.

Meet and great at the port (English-speaking assistance).

Transfer to the airport for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Your programme includes:

  • Transfers, flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires in economy class
  • Lunch at Arakur Hotel and beverages during lunch (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee) on embarkation day
  • English-speaking local guide during the transfers.
  • The walk through the Cerro Alarken Reserve starting from the Arakur Hotel and leaded by English speaking guide (except if you select optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion)

For your optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion, your programme includes:

Please note if you choose this excursion, it is not combinable with Arakur Hotel programme and therefore replaces it.

  • The excursion by local bus and the entrance fees to the National Park
  • The lunch with the beverage package including: 1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + tea or coffee
  • Transfers and visit as mentioned in the programme
  • The services of a local English speaking guide

Your programme does not include:

  • Tips for the local guide.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

Please note:

  • 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, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
  • Summer season: temperatures vary between 41F and 65F
  • We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes either for the visit to the Reserve or if you book the optional excursion to the National Park.


ITINERARY

Day 1: USHUAIA
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 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.

Day 2: AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.

Day 3: NEW ISLAND
This island with its distinctive jagged relief is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands and is home to a tiny village of two families. Step onto the golden sand of its flower-lined beaches, beside which an old stone house still stands, and you'll feel like you've entered a natural paradise. A narrow pathway weaves around typical Falkland moorlands. Follow it and in under 20 minutes you'll find yourself at the heart of a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and imperial shags. It's the perfect opportunity to watch the albatross swoop down from the cliffs and skim the waves that crash against the rocks on the exposed side of the island.

Make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the beach. As you step off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you might find yourself escorted by a few hospitable Commerson's dolphins, elegantly adorned in black and white.  A stroll along the grassy dunes will lead you to a vast plain of lush green grass, tended by a few sheep. On the other side of the island you'll find one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. With some luck, you'll also glimpse a sea lion scouring the waves for his next meal.

Day 4: AT SEA

Day 6: SOUTH GEORGIA
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.

Day 9: AT SEA

Day 10: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Weather permitting, we'll cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle, located along 66°33’ south of the Equator. This iconic area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 consecutive hours at least once a year. Crossing this line, an experience known to few people, is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise through the polar regions.

Day 14: AT SEA

Day 15: CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
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 Antarctica. 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.

Day 17: USHUAIA

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Gratuities are included
  • Free Expedition Jacket to Keep and boots are available for rent
  • Bottled Water, Bar Drinks, Beer, House Wines and Soft Drinks are included with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary onboard WiFi (beginning in 2019)
  • Complimentary Traveler's Valet laundry servicce (beginning in 2019)

 

Contact Epic Polar!
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.