In alliance with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
This Antarctica voyage is designed in collaboration with scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the world’s leading ocean science non-profit organization, as a living expression of its scientific work. PONANT and WHOI invite guests to experience the Southern Ocean—a dynamic system shaping global climate, circulation, and life on Earth—as researchers do. Science unfolds in real time through briefings, deck-based observation, and conversation shaped by conditions, curiosity, and discovery. This voyage is specially tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world.
Antarctica is often described as remote, pristine, and untouched. But for ocean scientists, it is something else entirely. It is a driver of planetary systems—regulating climate, circulating heat, storing carbon, and sustaining life far beyond the polar regions. Embark on an unforgettable 11-day polar expedition voyage to the heart of the icy realm that is the Antarctic Peninsula and succumb to the enchantment of the breathtaking landscapes inhabited by astonishing wildlife.
The start of your voyage 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. 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 are sure to 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.
- A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with scientists, transfers before and after your cruise, a pre-cruise hotel night in Buenos Aires, round-trip flights to/from Ushuaia, and included activities on land and by sea.
- Engaging interactions with scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, including daily scientific briefings translating complex processes into human understanding; informal conversations focused on inquiry, not advocacy; deck-based observation connecting visible phenomena to deeper systems; and moments of quiet reflection designed to let insight emerge naturally.
- Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- 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 and Minke whales; Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins; Leopard, Crabeater, and Weddell seals; and numerous sea birds.
- An 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 the kayak experience, please go to the "Activity" tab, and to book the kayak tour, contact your cruise advisor. (Additional Cost)
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Le Lyrial
| Length: | 142 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2015 |
A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises.
Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves
A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
- accommodation in stateroom,
- the full meal plan,
- the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
- free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
- access to all the common areas:
- on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.