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L'Austral — official PONANT image
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Antarctica / PONANT

Emblematic Antarctica

A small-ship polar voyage with PONANT's French hospitality, expert expedition interpretation and flexible Zodiac exploration. Exact landings remain subject to weather, ice and wildlife.

LuxuryAntarctic PeninsulaDecember 2026
Antarctic Peninsula
11 days
L'Austral
AU181226

Planned itinerary

PONANT expedition plan

This independent page follows the official route rather than linking to another operator's itinerary. The captain and Expedition Team set the final order and landing sites.

Official PONANT voyage
Embarkation

Ushuaia, Argentina

Embark in Ushuaia and meet the expedition team before sailing through the Beagle Channel.

Southern crossing

Drake Passage

Lectures and deck watches prepare guests for the changing ocean and first ice sightings.

Expedition days

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Daily plans combine Zodiac cruising, shore landings and expert interpretation, always subject to weather and ice.

Return

Ushuaia, Argentina

Recross the Drake Passage and disembark after completing the official PONANT program.

L'Austral — official PONANT image

Your expedition ship

L'Austral

L'Austral blends an intimate yacht atmosphere with an Ice Class 1C hull and an 11-Zodiac expedition setup. Six guest decks, predominantly balcony accommodation and French-inspired dining make it a refined base for Greenland, the Northwest Passage and Antarctica.

264 guests / 132 stateroomsIce Class 1C11 Zodiacs145 crewSix guest decksFrench-flagged
Explore ship, cabins and spaces

What's included

  • Accommodation in the booked stateroom or suite
  • Full-board dining from dinner on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Open bar from the included selection and 24-hour room service
  • Expedition Team lectures, briefings and interpretation
  • Planned Zodiac cruises and shore landings where conditions permit
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi under the ship's published conditions
  • Port charges and onboard gratuities
  • Polar parka on qualifying expedition voyages
  • Transfers, flights or hotel nights only where expressly included in the official package

Not included

  • International and domestic flights unless listed in the confirmed package
  • Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Premium beverages, spa treatments, boutique purchases and other personal expenses
  • Optional excursions or activities not marked as included
  • Passport, visa and government fees not specifically included
  • Costs resulting from itinerary changes caused by weather, ice or operational conditions