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A mythical land that has long captivated the greatest explorers, the White Continent continues to stir curiosity today. Embark on an expedition to Antarctica and explore these striking shores. Admire unique wildlife – from royal penguins to large cetaceans – and sail through pristine landscapes where icebergs glisten in the sun in a burst of blues, from turquoise to the deepest navy.
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
1 night pre-cruise stay
17 nights voyage
Aboard Le Lyrial: November 14; December 21, 2028; February 16, 2029
Aboard Le Boréal: February 23; November 1, 2028
Overnight in Buenos Aires + Flights from/to Buenos Aires/Ushuaia + Transfers
Discover the Southern Ocean as you have never seen it before! Embark on a polar expedition to the highest latitudes, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.
Your expedition to the heart of the South Atlantic begins with the exploration of the Falkland Islands: as you sail in this archipelago of 200 islands, you will be escorted by sei whales. Composing the wild beauty of the shorelines are beaches of white sand, jagged cliffs, windswept moors and tall grass swaying with the wind.
Your ship will soon take to the seas once again, to reach the mountainous island of South Georgia. It is there, in the midst of gigantic glaciers, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916. Today, king penguins, elephant and fur seals that have taken over the black-sand beaches dominated by the tall peaks that reveal the Scotia Arc.
You will ultimately land on 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. Above all, you are in the realm of the penguins – Adelie, Gentoo, chinstrap – seals, whales and seabirds that accompany you on this unforgettable trip.
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.
Day 1 – Buenos Aires
Day 2 – Flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Day 3 – At Sea
Day 4 – Grave Cove and The Neck, Saunders Island
Day 5-7 – At Sea
Day 8-10 – South Georgia
Day 11-12 – At Sea
Day 13-16 – Antarctic Peninsula
Day 17-18 – Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 19 – Flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
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.
