Emblematic Antarctica

Today, you can arrive in Argentina’s capital at your leisure. You’ll be able to check-in to your hotel any time from the late morning onwards, where you’ll be met by the local Ponant Representative. Take the afternoon to explore vibrant Buenos Aires, a city alive with Latin passion and flare, with a touch of European opulence thrown in. Sample some succulent meat, freshly grilled in front of you at a street-side parrilla, sip a glass of mouth-watering Malbec and try your hand at the steamy Argentine tango – arguably Buenos Aires’ greatest contribution to the world. Then it’s back to your hotel to get a good night’s rest before the cruise begins tomorrow.

Our day starts bright and early this morning, with breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to the airport for our included three-and-a-half-hour flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. On arrival, you have the choice of heading to a local restaurant for an included lunch, or joining us on an optional excursion to the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park. This spectacular landscape is a nature lover’s dream, with beavers, wild orchids, exotic bird species and the exclusive Fuegian foxes all being common sight. At 4pm, our ship, will be waiting to welcome us aboard. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome cocktail reception, before we set sail for the undiscovered continent of Antarctica.

The next two days give you the perfect opportunity to fully explore the ship and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. As we cross the mighty Drake Passage, you can grow your knowledge of the Antarctic and learn everything you need to know about the adventure that lies ahead. Your Expedition Leader will present the IAATO rules of conduct that you’ll need to follow for all landings in the region and will explain all about the Zodiac© outings. As well as relaxing and enjoying the ship, there’ll be fascinating lectures that you can attend, detailing the history and wildlife of the Antarctic. Visit the ship’s bridge for an exceptional vantage point of this magical region, or join the naturalist-guides up on deck and catch a glimpse of albatrosses, cape petrels and other seabirds making the crossing alongside us.

For the next few days, we’ll experience the staggering beauty of the wild and remote White Continent. Undiscovered until the early 19th century, there’s something intriguing, unpredictable and extreme about Antarctica’s vast and breathtaking landscape, with its glassy mountain peaks, floating icebergs, volcanic beaches and rugged glaciers plunging deep into the depths of the icy ocean below. It just begs to be explored. The conditions will dictate each day’s activities, meaning no two cruises are the same. But trust in the knowledge and expertise of your Captain and Expedition Leader to pick the best landings and Zodiac© outings for you to enjoy. Discover penguins, humpback and minke whales, seals, orcas and other incredible marine wildlife frolicking in their natural habitats, sharing the charm and wonder of their mesmerising home with you.

Our final two days at sea are spent sailing back across the Drake Passage, the shortest route connecting Antarctica to South America, where the Furious Fifties roar. After all, as any seasoned navigator will tell you, the unbeatable experience of the Antarctic has to be earned! Reward yourself with a relaxing treatment in the spa, enjoy a drink in the bar, indulge in a spot of retail therapy in the onboard boutique or meet the PONANT photographers. You can take advantage of the fun and informative shows or conferences put on for your pleasure, too, allowing you to continue learning about your time ‘On the Ice’, even after you’ve left.

Today, we arrive back in Ushuaia, otherwise known as ‘El Fin del Mundo’ (The End of the World). We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together, then it’s time to bid farewell to your captain, crew and ship. A transfer will take you to the airport, ready for your return flight back to Buenos Aires.