L'Austral, 17 Night Expedition to Southern Lands ex Ushuaia, Argentina Return

In South Georgia and on the shores of the White Continent, follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers during a 18-day polar expedition cruise. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, Ernest Shackleton, these legendary names evoke the most prodigious adventures, which PONANT is offering you the chance to discover during an unforgettable trip.

L’Austral will leave Ushuaia, for South Georgia. It is there, amid the snow-covered mountains, that Sir Ernest Shackleton miraculously ran aground during the famous Endurance Odyssey in 1916, before returning to rescue the rest of his crew, left behind on the remote Elephant Island. You will travel back in time to (re)discover this fabulous saga and life at this little-known time in history.

You will sail on the Southern Ocean to reach the frozen shores of the nearly inaccessible White Continent, Antarctica. White shades take on a thousand nuances as it covers the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and frozen sea all around you. You will be one of the rare few travellers to have laid eyes on this legendary land, the theatre of the greatest expeditions and the witness of the most extraordinary adventures.

Throughout your trip, our team of naturalist guides will share with you the secrets of these faraway lands inhabited by unique wildlife. Discover the vast territory of the penguins – Adelie, king, chinstrap, Gentoo, Magellanic, southern rockhopper – albatrosses, numerous species of seals, and majestic whales blowing on the horizon.

To disembark in Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, you will have to sail along Drake Passage. At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter this mythical maritime route. The wind blows, the waves crash against the stem of the ship, and the cape petrels keep you company overhead until the end of your expedition.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, raffined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...