Available on 8 Jan 26 & 16 Jan 27 Departure
Not available on Superior Staterooms or Owners Suites
Contact us for the latest availability and pricing
See additional promotional T&Cs below
STYLE: Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPOWAS
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula
08/01/2026, 16/01/2027
All Meals & Beverage Package Whilst On board the Ship & Breakfast in Buenos Aires Hotel
Group transfers in Buenos Aires to the hotel & in Ushuaia to/from the ship. Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (return, economy class)
Cabin on board a ship & hotel
Daily Antarctica Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Enjoy exploring the White Continent on the luxury expedition ship, L'Austral. On this 11 day voyage you will explore the icy realms of Antarctica. Start by crossing the infamous Drake Passage, where you will be able to spot a range of seabirds who accompany the ship on it's jouney south. On arrival in Antarctica you will enjoy a range of excursions that are guided by the expert onboard expedition crew. Look out for Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, Humpack whales, seals and a range of birds. Onboard you will enjoy a range of dining, entertainment and lectures.
This voyage is run in conjunction with Smithsonian Journeys and in addition to the usual elements of the experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Your cruise package includes a pre-voyage night in Buenos Aires. Here you will have a meet and greet at your hotel by our local representative.
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.
Please Note: Check in is scheduled for the late morning. You will have time at your leisure to explore the city in the afternoon.
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.
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.
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.
Explore the wonders of Antarctica onboard the premium expedition vessel L'Austral.
See a range of wildlife in Antarctica including various species of whales, penguins, seals and marine birds.
Explore Antarctica via zodiacs and on landings with your expert expedition crew acting as your guides to this fascinating destination.
The French ship L’Austral is a sleek mega-yacht that offers a luxury experience. This is paired with an elegant ambience and refined personalised service combined with gastronomic cuisine. Chic yet casual, L’Austral accommodates up to 200 guests in 132 outside cabins ranging from staterooms to suites. Expedition cruising with the feeling of a private yacht WHY WE LOVE L’AUSTRAL
FEATURES OF L’AUSTRAL
Harmonious design, muted hues, and French style will welcome you back onboard after a day of exploring. The ship has a small, intimate feeling, with exceptional attention to detail. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the full Antarctic experience, with twice daily zodiac rides or shore landings. Guests can also enjoy kayaking as an optional activity.
Fine French and international cuisine
Guests can select from two 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. An open bar is included on many sailings.
Luxurious amenities and common spaces
The ship has seven 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. 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
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.
These are included in your cruise fare. Activities vary by itinerary and destination and are subject to regulations, weather conditions and other factors.
These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary and destination.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service
12 Days FROM USD 15,780 Enquire Now* Single Supplement Offer
No Single Supplement available on 8 Jan 26 & 16 Jan 27 Departure Only
Not available on Superior Staterooms & Owners Suite
Offer is correct at the time of publishing however availability is strictly capacity controlled and only available until sold out
This promotion may be withdrawn or varied without notice by the operator at any time
Prices from the operator are dynamic in nature and includes any Booking Bonus Discounts. They are correct at time of publishing (9 June 2025) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking. Please Contact us for the most current availability and up to date cabin pricing.
Pricing is subject to change based on currency fluctuation, selected cabin, availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice.
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
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.
1 night of accommodation in Buenos Aires
Group transfers to/from the Airport in Buenos Aires
Cabin accommodation whilst on board L'Austral
Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (economy class)
Group transfers in Ushuaia from Port to Airport
All meals whilst on board
Open bar (no premium brands)
Mini bar in your stateroom (Champagne additional fee)
All scheduled landings and excursions, conditions permitting
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
Airfares other than specified
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry
Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
Optional Activities not mentioned in itinerary
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.