L'Austral · 12-Day Classic Antarctic Peninsula Cruise, Dec 27, 2026
Route Map
Route map is indicative. Actual ports, landings, cruising areas and activity order may change according to weather, sea state, ice and local operating conditions.
Product Overview
- Operator
- PONANT
- Ship
- L'Austral
- Route
- Classic Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
- Destination
- Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and Drake Passage
- Travel Dates
- Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 7, 2027
- Duration
- 12 days
- Reference Price
- From €15,285
Trip Images
Images are indicative. Scenery and landing arrangements depend on the actual departure.
A 12-day cruise-only PONANT departure aboard L'Austral, operating from Dec 27, 2026 to Jan 7, 2027. The itinerary focuses on Drake Passage sailing, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula scenery, wildlife viewing, Zodiac cruising and landings as conditions allow. Cabin space, pricing and operating details are confirmed by an advisor.
Route Map
Route map is indicative. Actual ports, landings, cruising areas and activity order may change according to weather, sea state, ice and local operating conditions.
Trip Highlights
Antarctic Peninsula Ice Coast
- The Antarctic Peninsula segment focuses on glacier bays, icebergs, snowy mountains, penguin areas, seals, seabirds and possible whale observations.
- Landing points, cruising time and activity order are decided by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea state, ice and safety.
Drake Passage, Sea Days and Lectures
- Sea days may include expedition lectures, destination briefings, safety preparation, photography sharing and deck watching.
- The onboard program and sailing pace are adjusted according to weather, swell and the ship's progress.
Antarctic Wildlife Window
- Seasonal opportunities may include penguins, seals, seabirds and whales around the peninsula, South Shetland region, Weddell Sea direction or sub-Antarctic islands.
- Wildlife sightings, viewing distance and landing access cannot be guaranteed and follow protection rules.
Zodiac Cruising and Landings
- When conditions allow, the expedition team may arrange Zodiac cruising, shore landings, brief walks, naturalist interpretation and photography opportunities.
- All activities follow daily safety briefings, environmental rules, weather, ice and the ship team's announcements.
Daily Itinerary
You may first check the alongside the daily itinerary.
Embarkation and Departure
Embark according to the final port and PONANT arrangements. Boarding time, luggage handling and onboard briefings follow the final departure documents.
At Sea
Spend the day at sea with expedition lectures, briefings, deck watching and shipboard service. The sailing pace and onboard program are adjusted according to weather and sea conditions.
At Sea
Spend the day at sea with expedition lectures, briefings, deck watching and shipboard service. The sailing pace and onboard program are adjusted according to weather and sea conditions.
Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Explore around the Antarctic Peninsula when weather, ice and sea state allow. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, glacier and iceberg viewing, and wildlife observation.
South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Explore South Shetland Island and Antarctic Peninsula waters when conditions allow, with possible Zodiac cruising, landings and wildlife observation.
Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Explore around the Antarctic Peninsula when weather, ice and sea state allow. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, glacier and iceberg viewing, and wildlife observation.
Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Explore around the Antarctic Peninsula when weather, ice and sea state allow. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, glacier and iceberg viewing, and wildlife observation.
Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Explore around the Antarctic Peninsula when weather, ice and sea state allow. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, glacier and iceberg viewing, and wildlife observation.
Antarctic Peninsula Exploration
Explore around the Antarctic Peninsula when weather, ice and sea state allow. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, glacier and iceberg viewing, and wildlife observation.
At Sea
Spend the day at sea with expedition lectures, briefings, deck watching and shipboard service. The sailing pace and onboard program are adjusted according to weather and sea conditions.
At Sea
Spend the day at sea with expedition lectures, briefings, deck watching and shipboard service. The sailing pace and onboard program are adjusted according to weather and sea conditions.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation according to the final port schedule. Luggage handling, timing and onward connection guidance are subject to PONANT and local port conditions.
Daily arrangements are subject to PONANT's final departure documents, weather, sea state, ice, port operations, environmental rules and expedition-team decisions.
Ship and Cabins
L'Austral
L'Austral operates this Classic Antarctic Peninsula Expedition voyage for PONANT. The ship provides accommodation, dining, public viewing spaces, expedition lectures, landing briefings and Zodiac-supported activities according to the final voyage plan.
- Operator
- PONANT
- Ship
- L'Austral
- Route
- Classic Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
- Departure Date
- Dec 27, 2026
Public Areas
- Expedition accommodation and onboard dining
- Expedition-team lectures, landing briefings and safety briefings
- Zodiac cruising and landing activities when opened by the expedition team
- Observation decks, lounges and onboard services according to the confirmed ship
Pricing Details
Cabin Pricing
| Cabin | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / Entry Cabin Category | Open cabin categories, size, deck, benefits, occupancy and inventory are subject to PONANT live availability and final confirmation. | From €15,285 |
| Balcony, Suite and Higher Suite Categories | Open cabin categories, size, deck, benefits, occupancy and inventory are subject to PONANT live availability and final confirmation. | From €15,285 |
Included
- Onboard accommodation, onboard meals and voyage-arranged onboard activities, subject to the applicable voyage terms.
- Expedition-team lectures, landing briefings and opened Zodiac cruising or landing activities, subject to weather, ice and on-site arrangements.
- Whether port charges, onboard gratuities, beverages, Wi-Fi and similar items are included depends on the operator, cabin category and contract terms; confirm before booking.
Not Included
- International flights, domestic flights, visas, insurance, pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers, land extensions and personal expenses, unless clearly included by PONANT or the signed contract.
- Optional activities such as kayaking, camping or other add-ons may require separate space, conditions or fees, subject to operator confirmation.
- Additional expenses caused by weather, ice, port, itinerary or force-majeure changes are handled according to PONANT terms and the signed contract.
Travel Notes
Route and Activity Adjustments
Antarctic, Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, South Georgia and Falkland expedition routes are affected by weather, sea state, ice, port rules, wildlife protection and environmental regulations. Landings, Zodiac cruising, activity order and time ashore may change.
Cruise-Only Booking
This page shows cruise-only reference information. Final cabin category, price, taxes, inclusions, optional activity space, payment terms and cancellation policy are subject to PONANT's written confirmation and the signed contract.
Travel Preparation
Travelers should prepare visas, insurance, polar clothing and health information according to Antarctica voyage requirements. Final meeting point, embarkation, disembarkation and luggage rules are subject to the pre-departure notice.