Tierra del Fuego and the Drake Passage: Antarctica · Jan 2028
Classic Antarctica: French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
What makes the voyage of the Le Boréal to the Antarctic special?
Peninsula classic in early January: from Ushuaia, Le Boréal heads across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. In January the penguin chicks are growing and the weather often shows more stable phases. Landings follow IAATO standards with no more than 100 guests ashore. Zodiacs and the naturalist team shape the daily routine, the ship remains ice-strengthened but not an icebreaker. French on-board culture and premium all-inclusive dining are standard.
Route highlights
- Ushuaia: Beagle Channel harbour, starting point for peninsula voyages.
- Drake Passage: South Atlantic crossing between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands.
- Antarctic Peninsula: Ice-filled bays and penguin colonies, conditions permitting Wilhelmina Bay or Paradise Bay.
- Zodiac programme: Landings and coastal cruising from the marina platform.
- Naturalist team: On-shore support at every landing with scientific context.
- Polar wildlife: Gentoo penguins, crabeater seals and, with a little luck, leopard seals on ice floes.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to the Antarctic?
10 nights round trip from Ushuaia, including Drake Passage, Half Moon Island, Deception Island.
Ushuaia
10 nights
Ushuaia
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Ushuaia · Embarkation
Ushuaia in Argentina calls itself "the end of the world" and lies on the Beagle Channel, just short of Cape Horn. The town is the most important starting point for Antarctic expeditions and is surrounded by the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
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At sea
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Antarktische Halbinsel
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost reach of the white continent and the classic goal of expedition voyages. Amid glaciers, drifting icebergs and black volcanic shores live gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, seals and whales.
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At sea
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Ushuaia · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 2 | 1 | 0 | -3 | -6 | -8 | -9 | -9 | -6 | -3 | -1 | 1 |
| Sea °C | 1 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Antarctic Peninsula
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to the Antarctic?
Highlights of this route: Ushuaia · Drake Passage
Ushuaia
Ushuaia in Argentina calls itself "the end of the world" and lies on the Beagle Channel, just short of Cape Horn.
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is regarded as the stormiest stretch of sea on Earth.
Destination
What does the Le Boréal offer?
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
In Antarctica, Le Boréal brings its guests to the most remote coasts of the continent - accompanied by marine biologists and polar historians.
Impressions of the Le Boréal
What cabins does the Le Boréal offer?
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
What does the deck plan of the Le Boréal look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to the Antarctic cost?
From € 12,615 p.p., 10 nights, departure 07.01.2028.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 12.985 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 13.815 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 14.395 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 14.625 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 14.975 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite | € 20.825 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 21.645 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 22.695 | Available | Book |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 34.625 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Boréal?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
This voyage on other dates
Similar route, different departure
- 10.12.2026 – 20.12.2026 from € 13.565 view →
- 06.01.2027 – 16.01.2027 from € 13.935 view →
- 16.01.2027 – 26.01.2027 from € 14.525 view →
- 26.01.2027 – 05.02.2027 from € 13.935 view →
- 05.02.2027 – 15.02.2027 from € 13.935 view →
- 28.11.2027 – 08.12.2027 from € 12.615 view →
- 28.12.2027 – 07.01.2028 from € 13.705 view →
- 07.01.2028 – 17.01.2028 this page
- 14.02.2028 – 24.02.2028 from € 12.640 view →
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the Le Boréal to the Antarctic?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 12.615 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time for a cruise to the Antarctic?
The best time to sail this route is November to March (Antarctic summer, the only season).
Travelling to Earth's last untouched continent
Antarctica is the last continent on Earth without permanent human settlement - a unique ecosystem of ice, ocean and wildlife protected by international agreement.
The Antarctic Treaty (in force since 1961) dedicates the continent to peace and science and prohibits any military or commercial exploitation. The IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) translates these principles into practical visitor rules: defined landing sites, maximum group sizes, strict biosecurity, minimum wildlife distances, no souvenirs.
All shipping partners with whom we work in Antarctica are IAATO members and have committed to these rules. Their crews are trained accordingly, expedition teams document each landing, vessels meet ice class and emission requirements.
At the same time, every guest contributes: please follow the briefings, keep your distance from wildlife, leave nothing behind and take nothing - not even a small stone. Only then can we, as visitors, preserve what makes this region unique.
