New Zealand's Subantarctic and Antarctica: Ross Sea and Macquarie Island
Ross Sea Expedition: in the footsteps of Scott & Shackleton
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
New Zealand from/to Dunedin
Twenty-one nights to the Ross Sea: Le Soléal departs from Dunedin on New Zealand's South Island and sets a course into the high southern latitudes that are barely known in Europe. By way of the sub-Antarctic Snares and Macquarie Islands the route reaches the Ross Sea, scene of the Scott and Shackleton expeditions and one of the most remote polar regions of all. The voyage returns to Dunedin. A genuine expedition route, dependent on ice and weather, set against the history of the heroic age of polar discovery.
Route highlights
- Dunedin: Harbour city on New Zealand's South Island, a university town with Scottish heritage on Otago Harbour.
- Enderby Island: Sub-Antarctic island of the Auckland group, a breeding site for Hooker's sea lions and endemic birds.
- Snares Islands: Sub-Antarctic island group with no landings permitted, observation from the ship and by Zodiac, home to Snares penguins and Buller's albatross.
- Macquarie Island: Australian UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to king and royal penguins, geologically unique as exposed sea floor.
- Ross Sea: One of the southernmost marine regions, scene of the Scott and Shackleton expeditions, with the Ross Ice Shelf, the volcano Mount Erebus and historic huts at Cape Royds or Cape Evans subject to ice conditions.
- Scott and Shackleton sites: Historic expedition huts from the heroic age of polar discovery, maintained by the Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 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.
The Route
Dunedin
21 nights
Dunedin
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Dunedin · Embarkation
Dunedin lies on the south-east coast of New Zealand's South Island and, with a name borrowed from the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh, is considered the most Scottish city outside Scotland. On the nearby Otago Peninsula yellow-eyed penguins nest, along with the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the southern hemisphere.
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At sea
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Enderby Island, Aucklandinseln
Enderby Island is a small uninhabited island at the northern end of the subantarctic Auckland Islands, about 460 kilometres south of New Zealand, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the now rat-free island yellow-eyed penguins, royal albatrosses and the rare Auckland sea lion breed on fine sandy beaches between mega-herb meadows.
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At sea
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Region Rossmeer
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At sea
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Macquarieinsel
The subantarctic Macquarie Island sits some 1,500 kilometres south-east of Tasmania in the Southern Ocean and belongs administratively to Australia. Huge king penguin colonies and its UNESCO World Heritage status make it a unique geological showcase of oceanic crust raised above the sea.
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At sea
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Snaresinseln
South of New Zealand's South Island, the small uninhabited Snares archipelago rises from the wild Southern Ocean. The UNESCO World Heritage islands shelter a unique penguin and seabird fauna.
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At sea
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Dunedin · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Soléal
Le Soléal has sailed as the third ship of the Odyssée class since 2013. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French hospitality. Her name refers to the solar wind - and indeed Le Soléal has her finest moments in light: midnight sun, southern lights, sunsets over the sea.
In Antarctica, Le Soléal navigates through ice fields and to penguin colonies - the panorama lounge becomes a viewing platform for the greatest natural spectacle of the southern hemisphere.
The Ship
Cabins
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
Deck plan · Le Soléal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 28.090 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom - PONT 3 | € 30.260 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - PONT 4 | € 31.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - PONT 5 | € 32.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - PONT 6 | € 33.360 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - PONT 6 | € 48.870 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 51.050 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 53.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - PONT 6 | € 68.730 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
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. 21 nights from EUR 25.990 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Soléal?
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.
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
