Embark for an Antarctic expedition cruise and sail along the continent's incredible coasts, admire its unique wildlife — from king penguins to whales — and navigate through immaculate white scenery, where icebergs glimmer and shine in an explosion of blues, from turquoise to the darkest of tones.
Antarctica is one of those dream destinations, those remote lands at the end of the world that are difficult to access and offer a change of scenery at every moment. Here are five reasons to go on a cruise to Antarctica.
Far from heavily populated areas, Antarctica remains one of the few preserved areas on the planet. Tourism is regulated there; thus, ships departing for the White Continent do not carry more than 200 guests at a time. This provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy an extraordinary experience and create unforgettable memories.
A true sanctuary for wildlife, Antarctica is home to a wide variety of marine mammals and birds that come ashore to breed. In the water, Weddell seals, Minke whales, humpback whales, leopard seals and fur seals offer an enchanting ballet to travellers. On land or in the air, king, royal, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, gentoo penguins, albatrosses and petrels frolic and soar to complete the spectacle.
The blue-tinged icebergs, the sparkling ice cathedrals, the pristine ice floes, the imposing mountain ranges, and the millennia-old glaciers provide a backdrop for enchanting scenes. Here, everything is shades of white, blue, and gray sometimes leaning towards violet. Sunsets give a reddish hue to the ice. The vastness of the setting and the majesty of the elements are imposing and give rise to moments of pure emotion.
If Antarctica remains as enigmatic today as it was over a century ago, think about what it represented back then! As early as 1773, the British explorer James Cook ventured there; a handful of intrepid individuals followed in his footsteps. From Commander Charcot to Sir Ernest Shackleton, and including Roald Amundsen – who first reached the South Pole – or more recently, Paul-Émile Victor, people have always tried to uncover the mysteries of the ice floes.
Even today, the White Continent has not revealed all its secrets. Scientific bases are established there to conduct research, particularly on the climate. The former whaling stations – genuine open-air museums – bear witness to the ravages of seal and whale hunting that raged in the early 20th century. Situated at Port Lockroy is the southernmost post office in the world, from where one can send a postcard stamped with the Antarctic postmark to loved ones! So many reasons to embark on this unique continent and live an exceptional experience.
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dunedin - Dunedin
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Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
In 2028, PONANT EXPLORATIONS once again pushes the boundaries of modern polar exploration with the complete circumnavigation of Antarctica.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS visits all seven continents, delivering its signature “French Touch” around the world. The fleet of 12 ships embodies the company's French heritage in refined exploration, infused with the vibrant art de vivre, the philosophy that embraces elegance, culture, and the enjoyment of life’s pleasures, such as fine dining, travel, and appreciation for art and beauty. You will enjoy an attentive crew, discreet service, refined cuisine, and unique experiences onboard and ashore.
✓ One shore excursion or landing activity in each port of call
✓ All gourmet meals aboard ship
✓ Open bar aboard ship, including select wines served with lunch and dinner
✓ Complimentary 24-hour room service
✓ Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi access
✓ Gratuities
✓ Port taxes and charges
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