Emblematic Antarctica

Emblematic Antarctica a Ponant Expedition Voyage

Embark on the ultimate polar adventure with Ponant’s Emblematic Antarctica, a breathtaking 12-day expedition voyage into the heart of the White Continent aboard the luxurious small ship Le Lyrial. This extraordinary journey combines elegant cruising with immersive exploration of one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring and remote regions, Antarctica. 

A Journey of Discovery in the Far South

The voyage departs from Ushuaia, Argentina , the world’s southernmost city and gateway to the Antarctic, where guests board Le Lyrial and set sail into the vast southern seas. Over the next 12 days, you will cross the iconic Drake Passage, a storied stretch of ocean that has challenged explorers for centuries, before entering the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Once in Antarctic waters, each day unfolds as an opportunity to explore an extraordinary polar wilderness. Towering icebergs, shimmering glaciers, and colossal ice floes create a landscape of jaw-dropping contrasts, where the deep blues of the sea meet the stark whites of snow and ice. 

Wildlife and Natural Encounters

Antarctica’s rich biodiversity is one of the greatest highlights of this expedition. From the deck of Le Lyrial and during guided shore excursions, you may encounter:

• Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins waddling along ice-fringed shores

• Humpback whales breaching in frigid waters

• Leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals lounging on ice floes

• Soaring seabirds such as petrels and albatrosses riding the polar winds 

These remarkable encounters are guided by expert naturalists, professionals skilled in polar ecology and history, who help bring this extraordinary ecosystem to life. 

Expedition Experiences & Activities

What truly sets this voyage apart is the immersive expedition experience. In addition to Zodiac landings at carefully selected landing sites (weather and ice conditions permitting), you’ll have the chance to join specialized activities such as Kayak Discovery Antarctica, where small groups paddle quietly among ice formations and wildlife under expert supervision. 

These experiences offer an up-close view of Antarctica’s raw beauty and emphasize respectful interaction with the environment in line with international Antarctic conservation guidelines. 

Luxury at Sea, Le Lyrial

Despite the remote and rugged destination, your accommodation aboard Le Lyrial reflects Ponant’s hallmark luxury. Elegant staterooms and suites, many with private balconies are designed for comfort amid spectacular polar scenery. The all-inclusive cruise package ensures fine dining, excellent service, and engaging lectures on natural history and exploration enrich your time onboard.  

Travel Logistics & Inclusions

• Duration: 12 days, 10 nights on board, all-inclusive expedition cruise.  

• Route: Roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, through Antarctic waters, returning to Ushuaia.  

• Included: Land services associated with a charter flight to/from Ushuaia linked to your voyage.  

• Departure Period: 27 Jan 2026 - 6 Feb 2026 , 29 Jan 2026 - 8 Feb 2026 , 18 

Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026 , 27 Nov 2027 – 7 Dec 2027.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Polar Odyssey

From navigating historic waters to discovering pristine Antarctic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, Emblematic Antarctica promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, education, and luxury. For travelers seeking both the thrill of exploration and the comforts of refined cruising, this Ponant expedition offers one of the most compelling ways to experience the White Continent

Rates start from 11375€/person

Passport

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

List of items prohibited on board                                                                                                               

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.