TEL: 503-227-7220
PONANT - LE LYRIAL
ANTARCTICA
Be ready to be captivated. To know Antarctica is to love it. It is a remarkable living system. In collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), this voyage transforms expedition travel into a platform for science, discovery, and dialogue.
Explore the Southern Ocean as researchers study the interconnected forces shaping global climate, circulating heat, and storing essential carbons for life on Earth. Share in real-time research. Move beyond sightseeing and into understanding an extraordinary environment.
PONANT AND LE LYRIAL
Ponant is a French based cruise line. Have no fear, everyone on board speak English. You sit back and bask in the pampering and luxury of Le Lyrial, as some of the most stunning beauty in the world passes your balcony. The pool, spa, and gym expand your experience that leaves you telling stories for the rest of your life.
In addition to a high level of creature comforts, Ponant is seriously committed to sustainability, and the protection and preservation of nature. Witness this on their purpose-built vessels with the latest technology. Your smooth voyage is also safe and respectful of the environment. They are the first company in the world to switch from heavy fuel to LSMGO, reducing emissions of NOx by 90%. Ponant complies with all IAATO regulations to ensure a healthy future for Antarctica.
Those quiet, clean engines are but one piece of what makes cruising through the Southern Ocean such a pleasure. With time and space to listen and watch for petrels, whales, penguins, seals, skuas, albatrosses, dolphins, and so many more, you are sure to be mesmerized by the majesty and magic of this continent.
Le Lyrial carries only 244 passengers. Antarctica sailings are very limited. To have a chance to have the resources of WHOI at your fingertips is something few people ever experience.
Cuisine aboard PONANT’s fleet is elevated through its longstanding collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and his consulting firm Ducasse Conseil. This partnership has shaped a refined culinary identity rooted in contemporary French gastronomy, emphasizing balance, elegance, and authenticity. Menus are inspired by each destination, incorporating fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, while onboard chefs are trained to deliver consistently high standards across the fleet.
from$15,050
12days
DEC 6-17, 2027
ITINERARY
December 6
ARRIVAL BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Hotel Casa Lucia (or similar) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is 4 hours ahead of PST.
(R)
December 7
BUENOS AIRES | USHUAIA | EMBARKATION
After breakfast, transfer by group charter flight to Antarctica’s Gateway, Ushuaia, and Le Lyrial.
(B,L,D)
December 8-9
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Crossing the Drake Passage is both a physical and intellectual threshold. Cold polar waters meet warmer northern seas — WHOI briefings explain the invisible boundaries of the Southern Ocean. Overhead, seabirds trace wind and current patterns, offering real-time cues to ocean circulation. This is a time of orientation: learning the rules of safe Antarctic travel, while seeing exactly how scientists read the ocean itself.
(B,L,D)
December 10-14
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The Antarctic Peninsula reveals a world of striking contrasts — towering glaciers, sculpted icebergs, volcanic beaches, and wildlife thriving in extreme conditions. Days unfold according to ice, weather, and opportunity, guided by the Captain and Expedition Leader. This home to microscopic algae that sustain krill, penguins, seals, and whales appears pristine and silent, but in fact, biologically active and
deeply interconnected. Zodiac cruises and landings allow close observation of glaciers, sea ice, and wildlife. Research stations, historic sites, and natural harbors provide further context for human presence and scientific inquiry in this remote region. No two days are the same and that variability is part of the story.
(B,L,D)
December 15-16
CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
Returning across the Drake Passage offers time for processing. Look at how the Southern Ocean influences global systems, and how new understanding reshapes perspectives. This is not a call to action, but a moment of clarity: seeing the ocean not as scenery, but as infrastructure for life on Earth. (B,L,D)
December 17
USHUAIA, ARGENTINA | CHARTER FLIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES | DEPART
Disembarkation in Ushuaia concludes the voyage. The included flight returning to Buenos Aires allows for your return home. What began as a journey to the end of the world becomes a new understanding of the world itself.
(B)
INCLUDED
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Comprehensive 10-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Lyrial
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One pre-night at Hotel Casa Lucia (or similar) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Buenos Aires is 4 hours ahead of PST.
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Welcome reception (dinner on own)
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Group charter flights: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on December 7,2027 | Ushuaia to Buenos Aires on December 17, 2027
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Complete program of outings and shore visits in Zodiac with a team of experienced naturalist guides
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Panel lectures and additional informal discussions
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Captain’s gala dinners and cocktail receptions aboard ship
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All meals aboard ship including early riser’s coffee & pastry, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
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Open bar aboard ship, including select wines with lunch and dinner
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24-hour complimentary room service
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Comprehensive pre-departure materials
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Unlimited WiFi (as available via satellite)
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Airport/hotel transfers and handling of luggage on official arrival and departure days
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Port taxes and charges
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Gratuities to shipboard personnel, porters, guides, and drivers on tours
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Offered on board: Complimentary water-resistant polar parka for adult travelers to keep
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Offered on board: Complimentary boot rental of half calf rubber boots for adult travelers, for use during voyage
EXCLUSIONS:
Passport and visa fees and/or immigration reciprocity taxes (if applicable): Argentina: Visas are not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days. Airfare; airport taxes; trip cancellation and baggage insurance; medical and repatriation insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses (such as telephone, laundry service, hair salon services, a la carte spa treatments, etc.); gratuities to drivers of transfers from/to airport; transfers outside of official arrival/departure dates.
DETAILS
A 25% deposit will secure your space. Travel insurance is highly recommended. You Go Tastefully can provide a quote upon booking. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Itinerary is subject to change without notice. Final payment due September 1, 2027.
DEPOSIT
• 25% of tour fare to be taken by PONANT for Initial Deposit
• Final payment due 90 days prior to departure, or September 7, 2027, payment due to PONANT.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
• From confirmation of booking date up to September 6, 2027 (91 days prior departure): 10% of deposit to be kept by PONANT
• From September 7, 2027 (within 90 days prior to departure): 100% of full fare to be kept by PONANT