Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Patagonia: Antarctica
Adventure 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.
Ushuaia → Buenos Aires
Eighteen nights across the Southern Ocean: from Ushuaia, L'Austral crosses the Drake Passage, spends time off the Antarctic Peninsula, then heads for South Georgia, home of the king penguin colonies and of the Grytviken whaling station. By way of Stanley in the Falkland Islands the course leads north to the Valdés Peninsula in Patagonia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for marine mammals. The voyage ends in Buenos Aires. A comprehensive South Atlantic format with wildlife and historical focal points.
Route highlights
- Ushuaia: Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego, the starting point of the long South Atlantic loop.
- Drake Passage: Crossing to the Antarctic Peninsula, the actual transition into the polar world.
- South Georgia: King penguin colonies on beaches such as Salisbury Plain or St Andrews Bay, Grytviken with Shackleton's grave and the former whaling station.
- Stanley: Capital of the Falkland Islands, Victorian architecture and British heritage in the South Atlantic.
- Puerto Madryn: Gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for right whales, sea lions and penguins.
- Buenos Aires: Arrival in the Argentine capital, the Rio de la Plata and European-influenced city quarters.
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
18 nights
Buenos Aires
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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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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Südgeorgien
South Georgia is regarded as the most spectacular wildlife destination in the world. More than 100,000 king penguins nest in a single meadow at Salisbury Plain; fur seals and elephant seals occupy the beaches. Ernest Shackleton's grave at Grytviken is a must-see pilgrimage.
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At sea
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Port Stanley
Port Stanley (Stanley) is the capital of the Falkland Islands. Historic shipwrecks in the harbour, the Falklands War memorial of 1982 and the colourful corrugated-iron houses are all part of the picture of this remote British enclave.
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At sea
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Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula (UNESCO World Heritage), where orcas hunt sea lions in shallow water - one of the most spectacular animal behaviours in the world. Southern right whales, elephant seals and Magellanic penguins make Valdés the most species-rich ecotourism destination in Argentina.
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At sea
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Buenos Aires · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Ushuaia
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Sea °C | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 30 | 38 | 44 | 42 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 32 | 34 | 40 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Patagonia / Chilean fjords (Punta Arenas)
Disembarkation: Buenos Aires
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 29 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 120 | 110 | 120 | 110 | 90 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 100 | 100 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic South America (Buenos Aires)
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 | € 18.780 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 20.100 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 21.040 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 21.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 21.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 31.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 32.680 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 34.380 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 47.870 | 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. 18 nights from EUR 15.490 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?
For embarkation in Ushuaia the best time to sail is November to March (southern summer); for disembarkation in Buenos Aires it is October to April (southern summer).
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.
