Study Voyage: Tierra del Fuego and the Drake Passage
With French elegance and a pioneering spirit of discovery
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.
Antarctica & Tierra del Fuego from/to Ushuaia
Antarctica Classic with scholarly support: this ten-night peninsula itinerary aboard L'Austral runs as a Smithsonian Journeys charter, with a curator or scholar from the Smithsonian network accompanying the voyage and delivering on-board lectures. From Ushuaia the ship crosses the Drake Passage to the peninsula, landings are conducted in line with IAATO with no more than 100 guests ashore. The naturalist team and the Smithsonian programme complement one another, a format for travellers seeking depth beyond pure sightseeing.
Route highlights
- Ushuaia: Starting point on the Beagle Channel, linking Tierra del Fuego prehistory with modern polar logistics.
- Drake Passage: A guided crossing with lectures on oceanography and the history of polar expeditions.
- Antarctic Peninsula: Landings at penguin colonies and glacier bays, conditions permitting the Lemaire Channel or Wilhelmina Bay.
- Smithsonian study leaders: A curator or scientist on board with talks on wildlife, geology and polar history.
- Zodiac landings: Small-boat outings with optional photography workshops depending on the programme.
- Ice-strengthened vessel: Ice Class 1C for the peninsula season, the pack-ice of higher latitudes remains the preserve of the Charcot class.
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
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
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
In Antarctica, the ice-reinforced hull opens passages available to few ships - penguin colonies, icebergs and a silence found only at the end of the world.
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 · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 15.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 16.870 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 17.640 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 17.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 18.400 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 26.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 27.140 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 28.530 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 35.890 | On request | 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. 10 nights from EUR 15.430 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
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 to sail this voyage?
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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
