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Emblematic Antarctica | L'Austral

12 Days
From USD 15,220

STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise 

Trip Code: ACPOAEB

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina

SHIP: L'Austral

DestinationDestination

Antarctic Peninsula

DestinationDeparture Date

22/12/2024, 29/01/2025, 08/02/2025, 23/11/2025, 02/12/2025, 29/12/2025, 18/01/2026, 28/01/2026, 07/02/2026, 17/02/2026 

MealsMeals

Dinner in Buenos Aires, Lunch in Ushuaia, All Meals Onboard The Ship, Including In Room Dining, Beverages (Excluding Premium Labels) And In-Room Mini Bar (Excluding Champagne) 

TransportTransport

Charter Flight to/from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia & Transfers to/from the ship 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team

OVERVIEW

Sail through the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula into an enchanting polar desert, a final frontier surrounded by a gigantic ice sheet. Set in the most spectacular scenery of imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, awe-inspiring glaciers and beautifully sculptured icebergs, this is a fascinating journey to the heart of this remote land. Penguins live in their thousands, waddling on the shores, whilst humpback whales and seals swim in the ship’s wake. On board L'Austral you will find the highest degree of comfort and luxury as you cruise through the pristine sites of the Antarctic Peninsula.

 

Prices are correct at time of publishing (20 Feb 2024) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking and terms and conditions apply. Please contact us for more information and enquire for details and availability.

ITINERARY

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Your cruise package includes an overnight in Buenos Aires. You will be met at the hotel by our local representative where you will receive a quick briefing before having the rest of the day at your leisure.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.

Flight to Ushuaia and Embarkation

You will have an early morning breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your included flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Ushuaia you will be met at the airport and then depending on your choice made when booking your cruise either transferred onto an optional excursion or to lunch then on to your vessel to begin your incredible voyage to Antarctica. (Approximate flight time, 3 hours and 30 minutes. Embarkation is scheduled for 4pm).

Crossing The Drake - Day 3 & 4

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. From the ship’s bridge, you will experience exceptional sailing moments before joining the naturalist guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

Antarctic Peninsula - Day 5 to 9

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.

Crossing The Drake - Day 10 & 11

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.

Disembarkation in Ushuaia

Today comes the end of your magnificent journey. You will disembark in Ushuaia at approximately 8AM where you will be met and transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Buenos Aires (Approximate flight time, 3 hours and 30 minutes)

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
L'Austral

L'Austral

The French ship L’Austral is a sleek mega-yacht that blends luxury with intimacy and well-being. It offers an elegant ambiance and refined personalized service combined with gastronomic cuisine. Chic yet casual, L’Austral can accommodate up to 264 passengers in 132 outside cabins ranging from staterooms to suites. The ship has 7 decks with elevators connecting all decks. Features of the ship include an open air bar, sundeck, pool, library, panoramic lounge, spa, hairdressing salon and terrace, fitness centre, beauty corner and medical centre in addition to the main lounge and lecture theatre. There are 2 restaurants, the Gastronomic Restaurant serving French and International cuisine, with the Grill Restaurant serving buffet lunches and themed dinners outside.

All guests have room service included and you will be able to enjoy the finer things while onboard. As this is a smaller ship that takes under 200 guests you will still be able to get off the ship and enjoy everything that the Polar regions have to offer, with the expert expedition crew onboard. In the evening enjoy a range of entertainment and lectures.

 

Ice Class: Length: 142 m (466 ft)
Breadth: 18m (59 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
264

View Ship Details

Accommodation

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.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More

Pricing per person & date

Emblematic Antarctica | L'Austral from USD 15,220
Departing Ending Duration
22 Dec 2024 02 Jan 2025 12
29 Jan 2025 09 Feb 2025 12
08 Feb 2025 19 Feb 2025 12
23 Nov 2025 04 Dec 2025 12
02 Dec 2025 13 Dec 2025 12
29 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 12
18 Jan 2026 29 Jan 2026 12
28 Jan 2026 08 Feb 2026 12
07 Feb 2026 18 Feb 2026 12
01 Jan 1970 12 Jan 1970 12

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS 

    Cabin accommodation whilst on board L'Austral
    Group Transfer from Hotel to Airport on Day of Embarkation
    Group Arrival & Departure Transfers in Ushuaia
    All meals whilst on board
    Open bar (no premium brands)
    Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
    All scheduled landings and excursions
    Guiding and lectures by expedition team 
    Complimentary Polar expedition jacket
    Free use of rubber boots for shore excursions
    All port taxes 
    Comprehensive pre and post voyage informational material 
    Free WIFI    


    EXCLUSIONS 

    Arrival Airport to Hotel Transfer in Buenos Aires
    Visa fees (if applicable) 
    Travel and medical insurance
    Beverages (other than tea and coffee) 
    Personal expenses such as laundry, on board communication (telephone calls, faxes, email) 
    Gratuities for the crew
    Pre or post cruise travel expenses
    Optional activities

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • No single supplement on select departures. Please contact us for more information.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated for triple/quad cabins) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time. 

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions

  • Departure date,  fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.

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