Extraordinary Antarctica Cruise

Departure Dates
12th December 2018
6th January 2019

Embark on this amazing Cruise of the Southern Hemisphere – extraordinary Antarctica – discovering towering icebergs, impressive glaciers and wildlife in abundance. You will cruise for 10 nights aboard luxurious ‘Le Lyrial’ with guaranteed outside balcony accommodations for all guests.

Your journey starts in Buenos Aires, with a stay at the luxurious Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt on beautiful Alvear Avenue. With this cruise you have the benefit of travelling with expert scientists,  including an ornithologist, marine biologist and geologist, all deeply familiar with Antarctica.

Discover some of the world’s rarest wildlife and terrain on included excursions led by the region’s best guides. You will learn about Antarctica’s changing environment and efforts to conserve it. You can gain a deep understanding of the region with enriching lectures by award-winning experts, including historians, professional photographers and recipients of the Polar Medal

Experience the benefits of all-inclusive cruising with onboard gratuities, unlimited house drinks, gear, and all excursions, Zodiac rides, and port charges included on your voyage

Itinerary

DAy 1: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
This morning, you arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel, Palacio Duhau – Park HyattBuenos Aires, immediate check-in will be arranged. As complex as it is energetic, this port city has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Although reminiscent of a European city, the spirit of Buenos Aires is evident in its diverse local neighborhoods. Experience it firsthand during an afternoon tour of the city that includes the Plaza de Mayo, the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. In the evening, you will meet your fellow adventurers for a welcome cocktail reception.

DAY 2: USHUAIA | GATEWAY TO ANTARCTICA
In the morning, you will fly to the charming port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the Arakur resort and — time and weather permitting — the opportunity to take a guided trek in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve or simply relax with a cappuccino and enjoy the scenic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. This afternoon, you will arrive at your ship and settle in for your first night on board. Stylish and comfortable, ‘Le Lyrial’ features all-balcony staterooms and suites. Wander the decks to become acquainted with the ship, relax in the lounge and mingle with fellow guests in anticipation of your voyage. On departure, enjoy cruising through the beautiful Beagle Channel before heading out to sea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3–4: CRUISING THE DRAKE PASSAGE | EPIC PASSAGE
The journey south toward Antarctica is an exciting one. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Drake Passage is a 600-mile-wide swath of water where the Southern Ocean currents are squeezed between South America’s southern tip and Antarctica’s northernmost reaches. Its stormy waters and icy conditions once made the journey a difficult one, though the stabilizer-equipped ‘Le Lyrial’ handles it with ease. As you travel in the comfort of your luxury cruiser, enjoy enriching lectures from members of the Expedition Team on topics ranging from birdlife and geology, to photography and history. After lunch,  you can join your naturalists on the deck to look for various species of whales and abundant seabirds, which join other mammals in feasting on the krill-rich waters of the Drake Passage; it’s all just a taste of the wildlife you will encounter in the days to come. Later in the evening, chat with experts about the wildlife spotted today and discuss the next day’s itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5–9: ANTARCTICA | THE WHITE CONTINENT
While day-to-day itineraries depend on weather, ice and wildlife conditions, daily excursions carefully planned by your Captain and Expedition Team may include exploration of the following areas:

Antarctic Sound: At the northernmost tip of the Antarctic mainland, this body of water features some of the best sightseeing on the peninsula and a proliferation of giant icebergs. Noted for its vast numbers of bird species, the sound is home to the largest breeding colonies of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. Landings here may include Paulet, Vortex or Terror islands. You may also make your first continental landing at sites such as Brown Bluff or Esperanza Station at Hope Bay.

South Shetland Islands: Antarctic research stations, remarkable history, amazing geological features and abundant wildlife define these islands off shore of the Antarctic Peninsula. Island visits may include Penguin, Half-Moon and Deception, where you may cruise into this flooded caldera to explore geothermal black sand beaches and abandoned whaling stations.

Danco Coast: Bordering the South Shetland Islands along the Antarctic continent, the Danco Coast is famed for its scenic, jaw-dropping waterways. From the comfort of ‘Le Lyrial,’ you may sail through the Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay and photogenic Lemaire Channel. Landings may include Neko Harbour, Cuverville Island and Wilhelmina Bay.

Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast followed by a morning excursion on swift Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats). Guided by expert drivers, each Zodiac excursion is accompanied by lecturers and joined by groups of no more than 10 guests. After mornings discovering native species and striking terrain, return to ‘Le Lyrial’ for lunch, and time to relax and observe the wildlife-rich waters that surround you, searching for everything from fin whales, humpback whales and orcas, to Antarctic and imperial shags. By afternoon, set out for the day’s second excursion, which may include visiting a working scientific research station, hiking on a sheltered beach packed with basking Southern elephant seals, or circumnavigating colossal icebergs that serve as floating homes to seals and penguins. After full days of adventure, evenings aboard your luxury cruiser invite you to unwind over cocktails in the cozy lounge before dinner in the elegant dining room. At night, choose to recap the day’s discoveries with your naturalist guides; chat on deck with fellow guests; or seize the opportunity to capture photos in the stunning low light characteristic of Antarctica’s long, ethereal twilight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10–11: CRUISING THE DRAKE PASSAGE | MEMORABLE RETURN
Today, you bid farewell to wondrous Antarctica and begin your cruise back to Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection. While cruising through this historic passage, you may spot various species of whales and seabirds, including the elusive albatross.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: DEPART USHUAIA
The ‘Le Lyrial’ docks at Ushuaia this morning. After breakfast,  you bid farewell to your crew and fellow guests before disembarking. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires, where you connect to your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast