Antarctica: The White Continent with Smithsonian Journeys

11 Days Ponant Cruises

About This Itinerary

Come aboard L'Austral for an unforgettable voyage. 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.

Areas Visited

Antarctica Peninsula

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Ushuaia
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.
Day 2: Crossing the Drake Passage
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.
Day 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic.
Day 4: Antarctic Peninsula
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. 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.
Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 6: Antarctic Peninsula
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 7: Antarctic Peninsula
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 8: Antarctic Peninsula
Continue exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 9: Crossing the Drake Passage
If there is one place dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, 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!
Day 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Continue crossing the Drake Passage.
Day 11: Ushuaia
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole.

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

Transfers to and from the ship
Talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call
Overnight in Buenos Aires
Roundtrip flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park
1-night accommodation Hotel Madero (or similar) pre-cruise
Hospitality desk at hotel
Services of English speaking guides during excursion
Meals as mentioned in the program
Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions

What's Not Included

Other meals and services not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)

Upcoming departures

Departure month

3 upcoming departures

Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys
Jan 16, 2027 · L'Austral
Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys
Feb 13, 2028 · Le Boréal
Antarctica: The White Continent – with Smithsonian Journeys
Jan 27, 2029 · Le Lyrial

All departures loaded.

Quick Facts

11 Days

Sail

Departs From Ushuaia

Returns To Ushuaia