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Luxury Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition on L'Austral

Discover the unique wildlife and remote landscapes of the Southern Ocean on this sweeping panorama of South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the antarctic Peninsula. accompanied by naturalist guides and leading experts, scan the seas from 'L'Austral' and set out on twice-daily excursions to learn about the remote and fragile environment that unfolds before you during this journey of a lifetime.

This luxurious expedition cruise sails from Ushuaia, visiting the Wildlife hotspot of the West Falkland Islands before continuing eastwards to the spectacular South Georgia. Here history, scenery and wildlife all compete for your attention in one of the world's great natural wonders. Sailing southwards to Antarctica, enter a world of icebergs, glaciers, stunning beauty and peaceful solitude. Sailing aboard the L'Austral is the most luxurious Antarctic Expedition option, but does not compromise your experience of these beautiful and pristine regions.


Departures

Luxury Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition on L'Austral itinerary:

Day 1: Ushuaia (Argentina)
Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego in the extreme South of Argentina on the shores of the Beagle Channel. This amazing little town of over 45,000 people is surrounded by mountains and fertile plains. Nature lovers will be bowled over by the Tierra del Fuego National Park and its amazing wealth of flora and fauna: beavers, albatrosses, guanacos, penguins. Here forests cover the slopes of the Andes mountains then give way to snow-capped peaks… a truly unique and unforgettable landscape.
Day 2: At sea
As you sail east toward the Falkland Islands, your lecturers begin their informal series of enlightening discussions on the flora, fauna and the history of the region. The waters here are rich in krill, making them a favorite with local wildlife searching for food. Alongside your naturalist guides, spot whale and seabirds from the cruiser’s deck.

Day 3: New Island / West Point (Falkland Islands)
Today, you have the opportunity to step back in time to a place where nature reigns supreme. Spend your day walking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, enjoy great views of Rockhopper Penguins, Black-browed Albatross and numerous other species. Join your expedition staff on excursions and learn about living on these remote islands from the local inhabitants.
Day 4-5: Cruising the South Atlantic
As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of whale, seal and other wildlife become more frequent. The time spent cruising to South Georgia is filled with informative lectures — as well as casual talks with your guides — that soon have you scanning the seas like an expert.

Day 6: Salisbury Plain / Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)
Zodiac ashore for expedition landings at Fortuna Bay and Salisbury Plain, both landings are home to vast numbers of King Penguins along with Elephant Seals and the always inquisitive Antarctic Fur Seals. Photographic opportnuities about as the penguins literally meet you on the beach, towering overhead are the snow-capped peaks of South Georgia

Day 7: Grytviken / St Andrews Bay (South Georgia)
In Grytviken you can explore the oldest whaling station in South Georgia alongside which sits the excellent South Georgia Whaling Museum, full of fascinating displays of history and natural history. Along the shoreline sits the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton where we pay our respects to the famous explorer.

Day 8: Gold Harbour / Drygalski Fjord (South Georgia)
Gold Harbour is iconic South Georgia at its very best, towering peaks, tumbling glaciers, countless penguins and seals. Stepping out of the zodiac here it can be difficult to move for the King Penguins and Elephant Seals that crowd the beach. On the hills above Light-mantled Sooty Albatross soar and breed. Sailing into the deep waters of Drygalskiy Fjord the mountains crowd around the glacial waters as the captian navigates deep into the heart of South Georgia's majestic hinterland.
Day 9-10: Scotia Sea
During your time cruising the deep-blue Scotia Sea — rich with marine mammals and fish — expert lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia.

Day 11-13: Antarctica
The ship’s itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands, which may include Half Moon, Penguin and Deception islands. Other possible island visits may include Cuverville, Paulet and Goudier islands. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with additional opportunities for exploration, including a stop at a scientific research station. While on board, you may view whale and birdlife from the deck or from your own cabin’s private balcony.

Mountains, snow, ice and nature in the wild combine to offer a unique landscape. The wildlife here is as abundant as it is exceptional, with gulls, Cape petrels and cormorants, as well as sea mammals such as seals, orcas and whales. Zodiac excursions bring you into the closest contact with the icebergs, or take you into the heart of the penguin colonies, or to observe a sea elephant lounging on the shore as the Antarctic terns wheel about overhead.
Day 14-15: Drake Passage
Return through Drake Passage, where there are more chances to observe marine and birdlife. Compare notes on your incredible journey with your fellow travellers, either on deck or in one of ‘L'Austral's comfortable gathering spots.

Day 16: Ushuaia
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Map for Luxury Antarctica & South Georgia Expedition on L'Austral

L'Austral

In may 2011, l'Austral will join La Compagnie du Ponant's fleet. This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is theresult of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”.

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, raffined and personnalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

  • From 224 to 264 passagers
  • Up to 132 outside cabins
  • Length : 142m (466ft) * Beam : 18 m (59ft)
  • Average speed : 16 knots
  • 139 crew members
  • Elevators to all decks
  • Dynamic positionning system
  • French flag


Cuisine

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.

 

Life On Board

Here you will find a special ambiance, La Companie du Ponant’s signature: a feeling that you are on board your own yacht.

Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.

Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available forfamilies either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting ser vice.Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.

Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser, hammam, balneotherapy).

 

Cabin layout for L'Austral