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Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys

In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys

Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys

  • Itinerary
    Ushuaia to Ushuaia
    Duration
    12 days
  • Dates
    Prices from
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Come aboard L'Austral for an unforgettable voyage.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes 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.

PONANT invites 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 likely 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 19th century, your encounters with wildlife will no doubt be one of the highlights of your experience. The Gentoo, Adélie, 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 landscape 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 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 IAATO. 

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Antarctica

Ushuaia to Ushuaia

Duration

12 days, 10 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Expeditions

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Ann Bancroft

Ann Bancroft, Michelle Thaller, Jim Preston

Overnight in buenos aires + roundtrip flights buenos aires/ushuaia/buenos aires + visit + transfers included

No single supplement, null

Kayak Discovery Antarctica

Kayak Discovery Antarctica

Ref: UUHN45US - AU090126

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-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. For more information, see the “Included in Your Cruise” tab.
  • Engaging lectures and discussions on board with three Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including polar explorer and educator Ann Bancroft, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller, and Jim Preston, former photographer for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
  • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
  • Lectures and information sessions hosted by your naturalist guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, and environmental protection.
  • Hiking opportunities.
  • Visits to research stations and former whaling stations if conditions allow.
  • 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.
  • Opportunity to 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 (additional cost).
Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Customize your journey:

Guests

Sharing your journey with

Ann Bancroft null

Ann Bancroft

Michelle Thaller null

Michelle Thaller

Jim Preston null

Jim Preston

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Itinerary