Ponant and National Geographic Expeditions launch three new Antarctic cruises
The unique cruise itineraries, catered to adventure-seeking clients, will explore the most remote places on the planet.
Ponant and National Geographic teamed up last year with a shared vision to create unique experiences for passengers onboard Ponant’s luxury expedition cruises. Today, they offer a range of itineraries to some of the most remote places in the world, allowing guests to experience the region’s culture, landscape and wildlife.
Continuing in this tradition, the pair has launched three new cruises to the Antarctic. The first, The Antarctic Odyssey, is an all-new itinerary which promises to be the most comprehensive in this region. During this epic 21-day voyage, guests will be allowed to step ashore to capture the region’s renowned wildlife sites, guided by an expert National Geographic photographer.

Among the ports of call are the Falkland Islands, South Georgia (known for its colonies of king penguins), the Antarctic Peninsula and, for the first time, the South Orkney Islands, known to be a hunting ground for leopard seals. Finally, the cruise will conclude in Ushuaia via Drake Passage. This 21-day itinerary, from Montevideo to Ushuaia, aboard Ponant’s Le Lyrial, takes place from 19 November 2019 to 9 December 2019 and is from £14,423 (Ushuaia to Buenos Aires economy-class flight and transfer included).
The second itinerary, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica, is a polar expedition cruise discovering the beautiful sites of the southern region, including glaciers in South Georgia and wildlife in the Antarctic Peninsula. The highlight of the cruise will be to explore the island’s west coast and the sites where British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton came ashore before starting his great crossing. The cruise, aboard Le Soléal, takes place from 14 to 29 November 2019 for 16 days from £12,735, with Buenos Aires to Ushuaia round-trip flights and transfers included.
Finally, the third itinerary, Beyond the Polar Circle, includes a 17-day polar expedition cruise through the southern lands aboard L’Austral, which will cross the mythical line of the Antarctic Circle. Journeying through the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, the National Geographic photographer and expert will educate guests on board about the beauty of the region, as well as taking them on outings and shore visits in the Zodiacs with an experienced team of naturalist guides. From 15 to 31 January 2020, the 17-day cruise is from £15,577, again with Buenos Aires to Ushuaia round-trip flights and transfers included.
Like its other itineraries, a portion of all proceeds from the cruises go back to the non-profit National Geographic Society that supports researchers and explorers who work to preserve and protect the planet and its people.