Emblematic Antarctica
11 Days from Ushuaia, Argentina
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stern of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists share with you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adelie, chinstrap: these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning scenery bathed in polar light.
Your Itinerary
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Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent 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…
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Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise 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. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
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Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
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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 connect Antarctica to South America. 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.
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Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent 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
A Journey Into the White Continent
Exploration lies at the heart of every Antarctic voyage. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, guests have opportunities to explore by Zodiac, step ashore at selected landing sites and observe the wildlife that calls this frozen wilderness home. Every expedition is shaped by the weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity, ensuring that no two Antarctic journeys are ever exactly the same.
Throughout the voyage, onboard lectures and presentations provide fascinating insight into Antarctic history, geology and wildlife. The expedition team works closely with the Captain to create the richest possible experience while navigating one of the world's most dynamic and remote environments.
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For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included program for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation
Day Before Embarkation – Buenos Aires
Upon arrival at either Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque), you will be met by a local PONANT representative in the arrivals hall.
A transfer will be provided to your 5-star hotel, Alvear Art Hotel (or similar), where your room will be available from 11.00am. A PONANT hospitality desk will be available at the hotel to assist with any questions prior to your voyage.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to relax or explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a hosted dinner at the hotel before your overnight stay.
Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Class Economy Approximate flight duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you will be welcomed by a local representative and transferred to the port for embarkation. Depending on flight arrival times, PONANT may adjust pre-boarding arrangements accordingly.
Your Expedition Voyage
Cruise aboard your selected PONANT vessel.
Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be met at the port and transferred to the airport for your included return flight to Buenos Aires Class Economy Approximate flight duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Your Included Package Features
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, the day before embarkation.
1-night accommodation in Superior room (or similar) in a 5* hotel Alvear Art (or similar) the night before embarkation.
Studio room (or similar) available from 11:00 a.m.
Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
Return flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.
Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Not Included
Gratuities for local guides
Personal expenses
Meals and services not specifically 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.
In summer, temperatures in Buenos Aires generally range between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
In Ushuaia, summer temperatures average between 5°C and 15°C.
We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Flight schedules, durations and the order of visits are provided for information purposes only and may be subject to change depending on operational constraints.
PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel expert; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
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Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included
Butler service for certain suites
Unlimited internet access onboard
Evening events, shows, and other entertainment
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship
All port and security charges
One included activity per person, per day, and per port, supervised by naturalist guides (hiking, Zodiac outings, etc.)
Solo Travel at No Extra Cost with PONANT’s Free Solo Supplement Offer for Select Departures in 2027 & 2028.
Cruise Highlights
Crossing the Legendary Drake Passage Follow the route taken by generations of explorers as you sail through one of the most storied stretches of ocean on the planet. Along the way, watch for albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds gliding across the Southern Ocean
The Ice-Covered Landscapes of Antarctica Witness an extraordinary world of glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, sea ice and drifting icebergs that create an ever-changing polar landscape
Wildlife Encounters in Their Natural Habitat Look out for Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, along with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. Lucky travellers may also spot humpback whales feeding in Antarctic waters
Expedition Exploration by Zodiac Venture beyond the ship with guided Zodiac cruises and shore landings, offering unique perspectives of Antarctica's wildlife and scenery
Learn From Antarctic Experts Gain a deeper understanding of the White Continent through presentations, discussions and guided interpretation from PONANT's experienced expedition team and naturalist guide
From $31,375* per person share twin in a Balcony stateroom, or in a Suite from $45,320 per person share twin
Note Pricing is based on the departure date 28 Nov 2027. *Prices displayed are per person/double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Pricing is to be used as a guide only and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Travel agent service fees and credit card fees may apply. For full terms & conditions, current availability and pricing for your preferred departure date, please contact our Wanderlust Travel Experts for details
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1261 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.