Antarctica · Antarctica and South Georgia
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
Route Map
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter route map image
Journey Overview
- Travel Dates
- Nov 10, 2027 - Dec 1, 2027
- Ship / Transport
- Le Boréal
Journey Gallery
Images capture the character of the journey. Wildlife sightings, scenery and landing sites vary by departure and operating conditions.
A 22-day Antarctica and South Georgia journey aboard Le Boréal, linking Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Route Map
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter route map image
Journey Highlights
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia · King Penguin Encounter
- The route is designed around remote coastlines, glacier scenery, wildlife search areas and flexible expedition cruising.
- Exact landings, wildlife encounters and cruising order are confirmed onboard according to ice, weather and sea state.
Proposed Expedition Guest · Xu Jingkun
Xu Jingkun’s life is an extraordinary story. From a boy who lost an arm in an accident, he went on to become a Paralympic athlete, set world records and complete the Vendée Globe, often described as the “Everest of sailing”. Each step reflects remarkable courage, backed by perseverance and effort that few can imagine.
A Unique Experience
Beyond a journey to Antarctica, this voyage offers the prospect of an inspiring encounter with an extraordinary explorer. Xu Jingkun is being invited to meet guests face to face and share the true story of his challenge on the “Everest of the seas”.
A Shared Spirit of Exploration
Xu Jingkun’s resilience, courage and spirit of exploration resonate with Antarctica’s sense of the unknown, challenge and purity, bringing a deeper dimension to the journey beyond sightseeing.
Invitation Status
Xu Jingkun is a proposed guest for this voyage. His attendance and any face-to-face discussions remain subject to final confirmation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Use the alongside the day-by-day itinerary for a clear view of the journey.
International Departure / Buenos Aires
Depart from Beijing or Shanghai and fly via a connecting airport to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to the hotel to rest and adjust to the time difference.
Buenos Aires
Visit Plaza de Mayo, see the exterior of the Casa Rosada and the Independence Monument, and pass along Avenida 9 de Julio. Visit the interior of Teatro Colón and the colourful La Boca district, followed by an evening Tango performance.
Buenos Aires / Embark in Ushuaia
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Ushuaia. If time permits, explore the town centre independently before transferring to the pier at the designated time. Board Le Boréal for a welcome meeting and safety briefing.
At Sea / Towards South Georgia
Sail towards South Georgia, complete equipment cleaning and prepare for landings. Attend lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife and expedition procedures, enjoy the ship’s facilities and meet fellow travellers.
Explore South Georgia
Explore South Georgia’s glaciated mountains, king penguin colonies, elephant seals and seabirds. Landings and Zodiac cruises may offer opportunities to learn about the island’s wildlife and whaling history. Gold Harbour, St Andrews Bay, Grytviken and Fortuna Bay are possible sites, subject to the captain’s and expedition team’s decisions.
At Sea / Towards Antarctica
Continue at sea with polar lectures and onboard activities. A first Antarctic Peninsula landing may be possible on the afternoon of November 20, subject to weather, sea conditions and the ship’s programme.
South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula region, with glaciers, volcanic landscapes and opportunities to observe penguins, seals and whales. A visit to China’s Great Wall Station on King George Island is provisional and depends on permits, weather, sea conditions and operational decisions.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula through landings, Zodiac cruises and scenic observation, with icebergs, fjords, glaciers and polar wildlife. Sites are not assigned to fixed dates. The locations below are indicative; the captain and expedition team determine the route and activities according to conditions.
Cross the Drake Passage
Leave Antarctica and sail north across the Drake Passage and Antarctic Convergence. Watch for seabirds and enjoy views from the deck as you reflect on the expedition.
Disembark in Ushuaia / Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy free time in Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule and fly to Buenos Aires, with an arrival transfer to the hotel.
Buenos Aires / Return Journey
After breakfast, the planned visits include Floralis Genérica, the El Ateneo bookshop housed in a former theatre, and free time in Chinatown. Transfer to the airport for the journey home, with arrival in China expected on December 1.
All landing sites are indicative. The captain and expedition team may change landings, Zodiac cruises, their sequence or alternative sites according to weather, sea and ice conditions, permits and safety assessments. No specific site is guaranteed.
South Georgia · Possible Landing Sites
These sites are not allocated to fixed dates. Actual landings and cruises depend on conditions.
- Gold Harbour: coastal habitats for king penguins and elephant seals.
- St Andrews Bay: large king penguin colonies and glaciated mountain scenery.
- Grytviken: former whaling station remains and island history.
- Fortuna Bay: mountain and bay scenery, wildlife and Shackleton’s exploration story.
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetlands · Possible Sites
The captain and expedition team decide the sites, sequence and activities. Channels are primarily explored by scenic sailing or cruising.
- Port Lockroy, Half Moon Island and Fort Point: history, island landscapes and opportunities to observe penguins and seals.
- Lemaire Channel and Paradise Bay: narrow waterways, glaciers and icebergs.
- Yalour Islands and Wilhelmina Bay: islands, penguin habitats and opportunities to observe whales.
- Admiralty Bay: King George Island’s bay and scientific station landscapes.
- China’s Great Wall Station: a provisional visit requiring permission; approval and landing are not guaranteed.
Your Ship & Accommodation
Le Boréal
Le Boréal is a PONANT small expedition ship used for polar routes, combining boutique shipboard service, expedition briefings and Zodiac-supported landings where conditions allow.
- Ship
- Le Boréal
- Route
- Antarctic Peninsula + South Georgia
- Details
- 1C
Public Areas
- Panoramic lounge
- Restaurant and bar venues
- Theater / lecture space
- Outdoor decks
- Expedition landing support
- Boutique expedition-ship public areas
Oceanview Stateroom
3 Deck, 19.5 sqm, sleeps 3 guests
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom
3 Deck, 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony
Prestige Balcony Stateroom
Apr 5/6 Deck, 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony
Deluxe Suite
6 Deck, 28 sqm + 5 sqmbalcony, sleeps 3 guests
Prestige Balcony Suite
May 6 Deck, 37 sqm + 8 sqmbalcony, sleeps 4 guests
Owner's Suite
6 Deck, 54 sqm + 10 sqmbalcony, sleeps 3 guests
Fares & Inclusions
Cabin Fares
| Cabin | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanview Stateroom | 3 Deck 19.5 sqm sleeps 3 guests | From CNY 159,900 |
| Deluxe Balcony Stateroom | 3 Deck 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony | From CNY 189,900 |
| Prestige Balcony Stateroom | 4 Deck 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony | From CNY 199,900 |
| Prestige Balcony Stateroom | 5 Deck 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony | From CNY 209,900 |
| Prestige Balcony Stateroom | 6 Deck 18.5 sqm + 4 sqmbalcony | From CNY 215,900 |
| Deluxe Suite | 6 Deck 28 sqm + 5 sqmbalcony sleeps 3 guests | From CNY 259,900 |
| Prestige Balcony Suite | 5 Deck 37 sqm + 8 sqmbalcony sleeps 4 guests | From CNY 275,900 |
| Prestige Balcony Suite | 6 Deck 37 sqm + 8 sqmbalcony sleeps 4 guests | From CNY 285,900 |
| Owner's Suite | 6 Deck 54 sqm + 10 sqmbalcony sleeps 3 guests | From CNY 399,900 |
What's Included
- Flights: return economy-class flights with taxes between China and Buenos Aires, and between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.
- Cruise: 15 nights aboard Le Boréal, based on two guests sharing a cabin.
- Hotels: three nights at a five-star hotel in Buenos Aires, based on twin occupancy.
- Meals: full board on the ship, hotel breakfasts and main meals marked as included in the land itinerary.
- Land arrangements: transport and entrance tickets for the South American land itinerary.
- Expedition activities: Zodiac cruises, landings, waterproof boot rental, onboard expert lectures, government taxes, port charges and South Georgia landing fees.
- Insurance: the Allianz travel insurance plan specified in the proposal; cover is subject to the policy terms.
- Services: Chinese-speaking tour support throughout, local drivers and Chinese-speaking guides in South America, including their gratuities.
- Gifts and services: an expedition jacket, customised fleece-lined sweatshirt, water bottle, travel adaptor and luggage strap; landing boot rental and unlimited onboard Wi-Fi.
What's Not Included
- Passport application costs.
- Visas: Argentina visa fee of CNY 1,800 per person, or US visa fee of CNY 2,000 per person, plus any notarisation and authentication costs required for the application.
- Flight upgrades: the business-class supplement for international sectors, subject to the airline’s price at ticketing.
- Single supplement: 50% for the full journey; a guest occupying a room or cabin alone pays 150% of the full per-person price.
- Optional paid activities offered by the cruise line, such as kayaking and spa treatments.
- Personal expenses, including mobile communications, satellite calls, laundry and shopping.
- Other costs: driver or guide overtime caused by personal requests, meals during international flight connections or waiting periods, meals listed as at own expense, and additional costs arising from force majeure.
Good to Know
Expedition Travel
All landing sites are indicative. The captain and expedition team may change landings, Zodiac cruises, their sequence or alternative sites according to weather, sea and ice conditions, permits and safety assessments. No specific site is guaranteed.
Gifts and Services
Gifts and services: an expedition jacket, customised fleece-lined sweatshirt, water bottle, travel adaptor and luggage strap; landing boot rental and unlimited onboard Wi-Fi.
Visa Notes
Visa fees are not included in the tour price. The proposal lists CNY 1,800 per person for an Argentina visa or CNY 2,000 for a US visa, plus any required notarisation and authentication costs. Your adviser will confirm the applicable entry and visa requirements for the time of travel.
Proposed Guest
Ocean sailor Xu Jingkun is being invited to share his experiences of offshore sailing and personal challenges. His attendance and any discussion sessions remain subject to final confirmation.
Booking Policy
Payment, cancellation and booking conditions are subject to the signed contract.