STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPOLLA
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Montevideo, Uruguay
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: LE LYRIAL
Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia
7/11/2023
All Meals Onboard The Ship, Including In Room Dining, Beverages (Excluding Premium Labels) And In-Room Mini Bar (Excluding Champagne)
Charter Flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires & Transfers to/from the ship
Cabin on board a ship
Daily Antarctica Landings, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
This incredible 16-day cruise takes you from the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo to wildlife-rich South Georgia and then on to the Antarctic Peninsula, before ending your cruise back in Tierra del Fuego’s capital, Ushuaia. Explore the remote yet ruggedly beautiful sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, with its immense colonies of king penguins and rich history. See the relics of whaling activities and the grave of the famous British explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Then it’s further into the heart of the White Continent as you sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, a stunning desert of ice where drifting icebergs, glaciers, snow-capped peaks and a fascinating array of wildlife is waiting.
Perched on the far southern tip of Uruguay, Montevideo is a white city, and one of the loveliest capital cities of South America. Come and admire the beautiful historical remains dating from Spanish rule; you’ll find the most interesting within the Cuidad Vieja, formerly fortified, its old town dates from the 18th century. The best preserved are the cathedral and the former governmental palace of the Cabildo, both listed historical monuments. In the crook of a vast blue bay, the city is also blessed with beautiful beaches.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
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.
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.
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.
Fly back to Buenos Aires on your included charter flight.
Encounter unique wildlife including a vast array of sea birds, seals and a number of different penguin and bird species.
Undertake this incredible voyage on board the Le Lyrial, a luxury mega-yacht, which perfectly combines luxury and elegance, with sleek design and a focus on sustainable technology.
This Antarctic itinerary is easily combined with a land based tour of Latin-America, allowing you to experience two of the most extraordinary continents in just one incredible journey.
This itinerary includes a visit to the beautiful South Georgia, the most stunning gateway to Antarctica, where crescent peaks and hardy wildlife reign superior.
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, has joined 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.
Ice Class:
Length: 142m (466ft)
Breadth: 18m (59 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:260
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreHiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreThe Great Adventure - From Montevideo | Le Lyrial from AUD 19,300 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
07 Nov 2023 | 22 Nov 2023 | 16 |
Accommodation in your cabin onboard the ship
All meals whilst on board including snacks
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team
Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep)
A pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
Flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires on disembarkation day
Group transfer to/from pier
Open Bar (excluding premium brands)
Room Service
All port taxes
Exclusions
Airfares other than specified
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry, on-board communication (telephone calls, faxes)
Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
Optional Activities whilst on-board
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, season, availability & currency fluctuations