Journey to Austral Lands and Valdes Peninsula

Passionate and alive with an infectious energy, Buenos Aires is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays and expertly seared steaks, this city is a fiery fiesta for the senses.

Visitors can choose to visit Caminito, the colourful street museum, shop at San Telmo Market, stroll through Recoleta Cemetery or cruise the Tigre River delta. Ships will dock at the Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin which is a 30 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute drive to the city centre.

Located at the southernmost end of South America, Ushuaia is is often called a doorway to Antarctica. The town boasts incredible natural beauty through its national parks like the Tierra del Fuego National Park with cultural institutions like the Museo del Fin del Mundo, or the End of the World Museum. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia:

• ride the steam-powered End Of The World Train
• Spend the day walking the Tierra Del Fuego National Park
• Martial Glacier affords spectacular vistas from its 1,050-meter summit

The body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica is named the Drake Passage. This is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge and they’re some of the choppiest waters in the world.

It takes the average cruise ship about 48 hours to sail from one end of the Drake Passage to the other. Some days the water will be surprisingly calm, others will present your cruise with sizable swells.

If you’re prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to see your doctor before you sail, and even if you're the type who laughs at roller-coasters, there's a good chance the Drake is going to test that cast-iron stomach of yours.

Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle.

It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait. In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colours ensure never-ending wonderment. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes. Aboard, on shore, on the ice, you will be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, you will get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.

South Georgia, a remote island in the southern Atlantic Ocean, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its rugged terrain is home to vast colonies of king penguins, seals, and other seabirds, set against the backdrop of breathtaking glaciers and mountains. The island played a pivotal role in Antarctic exploration, and the remnants of whaling stations, alongside the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in Grytviken, offer a poignant glimpse into its past.

For visitors, South Georgia offers unparalleled opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. Despite its remote location, the island's rich biodiversity and historical sites make it a must-visit for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.

The Falkland Islands, a remote South Atlantic archipelago, offer a unique blend of rugged landscapes and rich wildlife. Stanley, the capital, is known for its quaint British charm, with colorful houses, cozy pubs, and the historic Christ Church Cathedral. The Falkland Islands Museum provides fascinating insights into the islands’ history and culture.

For nature enthusiasts, the islands are a paradise. Visit Volunteer Point to witness one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies. Gypsy Cove offers excellent opportunities for spotting Magellanic penguins and other bird species. The pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines make the Falklands a perfect destination for hiking and wildlife photography.

Your ship will anchor in Port Stanley’s harbor and you'll be tendered ashore. The town center is just a short walk from the tender pier, allowing for easy exploration on foot. This charming capital of the Falkland Islands offers a glimpse into British heritage with its quaint streets and vibrant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the historic Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch to exploring the Falkland Islands Museum. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Gypsy Cove, just 7 km (4.3 miles) away and home to Magellanic penguins and other seabirds.

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.

Puerto Madryn, located on the shores of Golfo Nuevo along Argentina’s Patagonian coast, is a prime destination for observing unique wildlife. This city serves as a gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its diverse fauna, including Southern Right whales, elephant seals, and orcas. The ecological importance of this region is highlighted at the EcoCentro, a museum dedicated to marine life and environmental education.

Puerto Madryn itself offers a pleasant urban experience with its waterfront promenade, ideal for leisurely strolls with views of the vast Atlantic. The city also boasts a range of local cuisine, particularly seafood, which reflects its coastal heritage. With its combination of natural wonders and a welcoming community, Puerto Madryn provides a captivating insight into Argentina’s wildlife and cultural richness.

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.

Passionate and alive with an infectious energy, Buenos Aires is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays and expertly seared steaks, this city is a fiery fiesta for the senses.

Visitors can choose to visit Caminito, the colourful street museum, shop at San Telmo Market, stroll through Recoleta Cemetery or cruise the Tigre River delta. Ships will dock at the Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin which is a 30 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute drive to the city centre.