Ponant: Bookings are opening for Antarctic cruises in 2019-2020
On 22 March, Ponant, the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in expedition cruises to the polar regions, is opening bookings for more than 22 departures to the Antarctic for the 2019-2020 Winter season. On the programme, a selection of 5 itineraries to discover the White Continent, including 1 that is all new.
From November 2019 to March 2020, during summer in the Southern Hemisphere, PONANT will be offering 22 cruises aboard 4 of its luxurious ships: L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and Le Soléal. The cruise line offers its passengers the opportunity to discover extraordinary landscapes and experience a unique adventure, sailing in the wake of the great explorers of these uninhabited lands.
A new season with several new offerings
In addition to its emblematic itineraries, PONANT is drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the polar regions to introduce wonderful new offerings for this new season:
• On The Antarctic Odyssey, a brand-new itinerary, Le Lyrial will be sailing to the South Orkney Islands, a resurgence of the Andean Cordillera. The islands are more than 85% glaciated and are home to leopard seals and numerous penguin species.
• For this new season it is not just one but three expeditions that will be taking passengers beyond the polar circle, at latitude 66° 33’ 39’’ South.
• For increased convenience and peace of mind, a new premium package is available for all cruises departing from Ushuaia. It includes an overnight stay in the luxurious Arakur Resort, as well as an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Responsible luxury expeditions
Aboard superb limited-capacity vessels specially designed for expeditions, PONANT guests access the most remote parts of the globe in conditions offering unrivalled standards of comfort and service. The expedition cruises to the polar regions provide many opportunities for landings in Zodiac® dinghies in the company of expert naturalist-guides, in order to get as close as possible to the unspoiled natural surroundings, always with the utmost respect for this precious environment.
With more than 20 years’ experience in these remote regions, PONANT considers environment protection to be one of its highest priorities. The cruise line carefully considers its itineraries, educates passengers and crew, and is an executive member of the IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). The mission of the IAATO is to promote responsible tourism in the Antarctic.
5 reasons to sail to the Antarctic aboard a PONANT ship
• Experience a unique adventure in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great explorers of these uninhabited lands.
• Discover exceptional landscapes in an incredible setting: glaciers, icebergs, ice floes, mountain chains… And encounter exceptional wildlife: whales, seals, penguins, fur seals, albatrosses and other seabirds.
• Travel in the total comfort that is PONANT’s hallmark: staterooms facing the sea, most equipped with a private balcony; gastronomic dinners elaborated by Ducasse Conseil and paired with a selection of wines…
• Set off with total peace of mind thanks to the experience of the global leader in Antarctic cruises: a fleet of 4 ships designed and certified for extreme regions, 20 years of experience in the polar regions, and more than 100 expert naturalist-guides.
• Benefit from an all-inclusive price: flights to/from Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, transfers, full board,open bar and minibar on board, all lectures and Zodiac® landings with an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
EMBLEMATIC AND BRAND-NEW ITINERARIES IN THE ANTARCTIC
The Antarctic Peninsula
Emblematic Antarctica, from Ushuaia to Ushuaia
11 days/10 nights, 12 departures possible starting from 24 November 2019
Prices from € 7 880*
The Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia
The Great Adventure, from Ushuaia to Montevideo
16 days/15 nights, from 28 February to 14 March 2020
Prices from € 8 130*
The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula
The Great Austral Loop, from Ushuaia to Ushuaia
16 days/15 nights, 2 departures possible starting from 15 November 2019
Prices from €10 950*
Christmas and New Year in Southern Lands, from Ushuaia to Ushuaia
17 days/16 nights, 2 departures possible starting from 19 December 2019
Prices from €12 430*
Beyond the Polar Circle, from Ushuaia to Ushuaia
17 days/16 nights, 3 departures possible starting from 15 January 2020
Prices from €13 050*
The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Odyssey, from Montevideo to Ushuaia
21 days/22 nights, from 19 November to 9 December 2019
Prices from €12 950*
The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the British Overseas Territories
From Antarctica to Africa, from Montevideo to Cape Town
22 days/21 nights, from 25 February to 17 March 2020
Prices from €7 550*
(Ponant)
