Beyond the Polar Circle Antarctica Cruise with National Geographic - Buenos Aires - Up to -70% | Voyage Privé

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  • Venture beyond the Polar Circle on this fantastic Antarctica cruise to discover some incredible remote landscapes!
  • Explore sights such as the Antarctic Penninsula, the Drake Passage and New Island and Grave Cove on this 17-night adventure.
  • Board one of two luxury cruises for the ultimate comfort and style during your trip and be treated to an itinerary full of intriguing and breathtaking sights.
  • Guests who choose the 14/01 departure date will have the added experience of a National Geographic team who will join the cruise, share their experience and work with the passengers.

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Carefully selected by our experts especially for you

Your Destinations

Buenos Aires

The city of Buenos Aires is the capital of the Argentine Republic and is located in the southern hemisphere. Including the metropolitan area, the total population of Buenos Aires is above ten million, making it one of the 10th most populated urban centres in the world. The Río de la Plata and the Riachuelo are the natural borders of the city on the east and south, respectively. Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating cities in both Latin America and the world. Be it for its splendid and varied architecture, with its old Colonial buildings, French palaces and state-of-the-art skyscrapers; for its vibrant nightlife and endless cultural options; or maybe just for the rich identity of the Porteños, who proudly bear the European heritage of their ancestors, more and more are coming to visit.

South Georgia

South Georgia Island is located on the southern Atlantic Ocean and is a wonderful place to spot plenty of antarctic wildlife. It is home to elephant seals and king penguins and is one of the only known habitats for these birds. Here, adventurers can experience snow-covered peaks, blue glacier ice and stunning rugged landscapes.

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is a 800-mile extension of Antarctica and is a spectacular landscape of ice and mountains with the highest point being Mount Jackson. This penninsula is made up of a string of bedrock islans with deep channels joined by a grounded ice-sheet. This area is also a breeding ground for many seals and penguins with its countless islands and stunning mountainous scenery.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is known as a bustling port and mix of streets and buildings below the Martial Range. It is located on the southern coast of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and is often considered a gateway for adventurers and explorers alike. There is much to be explored here whether you are experiencing the city by boat or opting to take a hike up the mountainous terrain.  

Our Offer

17 Nights
1-night stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5* 
16-Night luxury PONANT cruise onboard the either Le Soleal or Le Lyrial

Our members will embark on a fantastic cruise to some of the most remote, breathtaking and awe-inspiring locations! On certain dates, this cruise is in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions which includes a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert onboard! There are also plenty of lectures and information sessions hosted by naturalist guides who can help guests further understand and learn about their incredible surroundings. Enjoy shore visits on Zodiac®inflatables, hiking opportunities, Antarctic Polar Circle crossing and a vast excursions program. With almost 20 years of experience in the extreme regions, PONANT, the world’s number 1 polar cruise company, is a real polar specialist. Dive into the chance to experience the most remote regions of the world with a specialist and knowledgeable crew.

Our members will embark on a fantastic cruise in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions which includes a National Geographic Photographer and an Expert onboard!

Your Itinerary In Brief

17 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires 
Day 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
Day 3: At Sea 
Day 4: New Island and Grave Cove
Day 5: At Sea 
Day 6: At Sea 
Day 7: South Georgia
Day 8: South Georgia
Day 9: South Georgia
Day 10: At Sea
Day 11: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 12: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 13: Antarctic Peninsula
Day 14: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Day 15: At Sea
Day 16: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 17: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 18: Ushuaia

Your Cruise Itinerary

During their tour, our members will follow the itinerary as seen below.

Please note: Some of the activities and excursions are optional and can be purchased directly on board.

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires 
Upon arrival at the airport, take your transfer before enjoying a meet and greet at your hotel. The official check-in time will be 3.00 pm. A local representative will be able to greet you at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have. At 5pm at the reception desk, meet your fellow travellers for the transfer from your hotel to a local argentine steakhouse restaurant. After tasting the famous grilled meat, part of the Argentine national identity, you will return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5* or similar.

Enjoy an early morning breakfast before transfer to Buenos Aires Airport.

Day 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
Early in the morning, you will take your flight to Ushuaia. From here you will make your way to embark on the boat for the next step of your journey.

The capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.

Day 3: At Sea 
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 4: New Island and Grave Cove
This island with its distinctive jagged relief is located on the western edge of the Falkland Islands and is home to a tiny village of two families. Step onto the golden sand of its flower-lined beaches, beside which an old stone house still stands, and you'll feel like you've entered a natural paradise. A narrow pathway weaves around typical Falkland moorlands. Follow it and in under 20 minutes you'll find yourself at the heart of a colony of southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and imperial shags. It's the perfect opportunity to watch the albatross swoop down from the cliffs and skim the waves that crash against the rocks on the exposed side of the island.

Make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the beach. As you step off the boat and onto the white-sand beach, you might find yourself escorted by a few hospitable Commerson's dolphins, elegantly adorned in black and white. A stroll along the grassy dunes will lead you to a vast plain of lush green grass, tended by a few sheep. On the other side of the island you'll find one of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the area. With some luck, you'll also glimpse a sea lion scouring the waves for his next meal.

Day 5: At Sea 
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. 

Day 6: At Sea 
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. 

Day 7, 8 & 9: South Georgia
Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.
Day 10: At Sea
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. 

Day 11, 12 & 13: Antarctic Peninsula
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac® outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula.  Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 14: Crossing the Antarctic Circle
Weather permitting, the ship will cross the mythic line of the Antarctic Polar Circle, located along 66°33’ south of the Equator. This iconic area demarcates the point from which it is possible to view the midnight sun during the December solstice. Within this circle, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 consecutive hours at least once a year. Crossing this line, an experience known to few people, is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise through the polar regions.
Day 15: At Sea
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. 

Day 16 & 17: Crossing the Drake Passage
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 18: Ushuaia
Use your final day to explore more of Ushuaia and make the most of your time here before you head to the airport for your flight back from Ushuaia and Buenos Aires.

Your Buenos Aires Hotel

At the beginning of their trip our members will enjoy a 1-night stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5*.

Here, our members will enjoy one dinner including the beverage package: bottled water and 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or 1 tea. 

The Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5* is a contemporary style hotel in an ideal location known for its neoclassical architecture. Guests will be charmed by the artistic styling of the hotel's interiors which provide a space for local artists to showcase their work and give the hotel its contemporary flare. 

Along with its easily accessible location and close proximity to main tourist attractions, the hotel boasts elegant rooms as well as a pool, restaurant and bar providing guests everything they may need for a convenient, stylish stay in the city.

Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults

Your Ship

You will enjoy a 16-night cruise on the either Le Soleal or Le Lyrial, in a Deluxe Stateroom or Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4, 5 and 6 on a Full Board Basis with a large selection of drinks included during the day and at lunch/dinner.

The Open Bar: from the moment of embarkation, and throughout the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, cold drinks, wines, beer, Henri Abelé Brut champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served at discretion and at any time of the day. Some premium brand alcoholic beverages are not included in the Open Bar.

On an adventure like no other, board either the Le Soleal or Le Lyrial mega-yacht for a luxurious voyage through breathtaking destinations. Experience the elegantly designed interiors of the ship as you gaze out of the arched windows onto the incredible scenes beyond. Stay in on of the modern staterooms for a comfortable yet stylish retreat from the busy days onboard. 

The ship will take you through captivating landscapes and across intriguing polar scenes all while being a haven of relaxation and luxury for guests to rest in. Enjoy the modern interior designs of the ship along with the range of facilities onboard including a spa, fitness room, theatre and a selection of bars and restaurants including a panoramic lounge and an open-air bar and pool.

Your Stateroom

You will stay in either a Deluxe or Prestige Cabin.

Deluxe Stateroom

Your Stateroom
The ship's Deluxe Staterooms are cosy and modern offering guests the perfect place to rest after a busy day of sightseeing and exploring. They feature a private balcony along with a range of other convenient amenities that make your time onboard comfortable and luxurious. 

Prestige Stateroom

Your Stateroom
When opting for the Prestige Stateroom guests may choose between a cabin on deck 4, 5 or 6 to further customize their trip. Enjoy ultra modern interiors and a spacious, homely feel in these charming cabins. 

Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults

Please note: Views from some staterooms may be obstructed.

Important Information
Expedition programs include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact the company for more information.

Clothing tips

  • A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with the logo “Free Parka” (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka)
  • Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the logo “Free Boot Rental” appears
  • Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
  • Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – Mandatory
  • Pullover, sweatshirt or fleece jacket
  • Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
  • A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- Mandatory
  • Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
  • Thick, warm socks (ideally woollen)
  • Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water)
  • Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing)
  • Highly protective sunglasses
  • Walking poles (highly recommended)

Your Journey

Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.

The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.

Transfers: Return transfers are included for flight-inclusive offers.

An internal flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is also included.

For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly. 

Weather

Jan
min : 20°C max : 31°C
Feb
min : 19°C max : 29°C
Mar
min : 17°C max : 27°C
Apr
min : 14°C max : 23°C
May
min : 10°C max : 19°C
Jun
min : 8°C max : 16°C
Jul
min : 7°C max : 15°C
Aug
min : 9°C max : 18°C
Sep
min : 10°C max : 19°C
Oct
min : 13°C max : 22°C
Nov
min : 16°C max : 25°C
Dec
min : 18°C max : 28°C

Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information please click here.

 

Please note that the advice can change, and you should continue to check all advice until you travel. 


Entry Requirements 

You must ensure you have a valid passport to travel on. 

If your passport describes you as a British Citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Argentina. For non-British citizens, you should check the current entry requirements on the website of the Foreign Ministry and if necessary, confirm with the Argentinean Embassy. 


Health
 

For information about important health advice and any vaccinations required please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

If vaccinations or other preventive measures are required, you will need to visit your health professional at least 8 weeks before your trip. In the event that you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately. 

UK health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Please note that passport, visa and health requirements can change. It is every traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport, any required visas, and all the necessary vaccinations/health requirements as well as adequate insurance. 

In More Detail

On Your Cruise

Please find practical information about the property and your trip: 

This ship is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. 
The number of cabins on Le Soleal: 132
The number of cabins on Le Lyrial: 122
Check-in time: 3 pm
Check-out time: before 11 am

Our price doesn’t include a city/accommodation/tourism tax which may be payable locally.

Please Note: 
All media material copyright PONANT and Voyage Privé
Check-in outside the hotel's standard times may incur additional fees. Check out times are subject to change, please check these with the hotel upon arrival.
Schedules and prices are subject to change. 
If the property is accessible to people with reduced mobility, this is subject to availability. To book a room for reduced mobility, please contact our Customer Services Team. 


Le Soleal or Le Lyrial


What's Included?

  • 1-night stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5* (or similar)
  • 1 dinner including the beverage package: bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or 1 tea
  • 16-night cruise on board Le Soleal or Le Lyrial Ship
  • Deluxe Stateroom, Prestige Stateroom (Deck 4), Prestige Stateroom (Deck 5), or Prestige Stateroom (Deck 6)
  • Full Board with Open Bar (large selection of drinks include during the day and lunch/dinner)
  • Excursions and activities as per itinerary
  • Services of a local English-speaking local guide
  • Shared transfers as per itinerary
  • Internal flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Not Included

  • Drinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
  • Surcharge for special requests on food, and meals.
  • Entrance fees, permits and guide service during free time not mentioned
  • Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
  • Surcharge for public holidays

Ship Facilities

  • Lobby
  • No of guest desks: 6

Cabin Facilities

  • Private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen
  • Satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery
  • Ipod™ players
  • Video on demand
  • Safe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volts outlet
  • French bath products
  • 24-hour room service
  • Wi-Fi

Restaurants

  • Gastronomic Restaurant
  • Grill Restaurant
  • Outdoor bar

Leisure Facilities

  • Fitness centre
  • Spa & Beauty area
  • Theatre
  • Pool
  • Library

Your Contract

If you book a package which includes flights, your contract will be with Voyage Privé. The air holiday package(s) shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10170.

If you book a package which does not include flights, then ATOL protection does not apply. Your contract will be with the provider of the accommodation and not Voyage Privé. Voyage Privé acts only as agent for the accommodation provider.

Please read our booking conditions before confirming your holiday.

Important Information

If booking as a single traveller, room occupancy is not guaranteed. You may be placed in either a single, double or twin room, based on the availability of the property at the time. 

The location shown on our map is to be used as a guide only and the actual location of the property may differ.

Your contact details may be passed on to the hotel so that they can make contact with you to discuss your booking in advance of your arrival.

You may be asked to provide a credit/debit card deposit on arrival to cover any purchases made in the hotel.

Although we endeavour to provide up to date information we cannot guarantee that all hotel facilities and services will be available during your stay, especially when travelling out of the main holiday periods.

Star rating standards may differ to that of the UK, depending on the country of travel.

The Voyage Privé Promise

  • A unique selection of high-end accommodation
  • Exclusive perks and discounts of up to -70%
  • For all inquiries, refer to our help centre available 24/7
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Our offers are distinguished by their quality and the level of their services.

- Curated offers carefully selected by our travel experts.

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- We are constantly improving the quality of our offers, thanks to on-going feedback from our members.


Exclusive prices and discounts of up to -70%

Our flash sales guarantee our members the best rates on the market.

- The 7-day flash sales can be extended or restocked in exceptional circumstances, when we have the opportunity to offer more available dates.

- We negotiate the best rates thanks to our highly regarded reputation and our evergrowing database of members.

- An exclusive discount based on the reference price provided by our partners and suppliers (maximum price advertised for a room and board basis, on a specific time period), guaranteed by means of contract for each sale.

- We offer reliable, responsive, high-quality service.


Quality service: informative, reliable & responsive

Our goal: to provide members with a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

- A simple, inspiring and innovative service, both on your computer and your mobile.

- On-site professional support for your queries.

- Our Customer Service team are available to support you before, during and after your trip.

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