French luxury line, Ponant, has announced its 2020/21 luxury expedition cruises to Antarctica, featuring 22 departures ranging from 10 to 21-nights.
The line has 20 years of polar exploration experience and claims to have taken the biggest number of passengers to the polar regions.
A comprehensive 20-night sailing on Ponant’s purpose built luxury expedition ship takes guests to the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Orkney Islands.
Some voyages are also operated in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions and they feature destinations such as Neko Harbour, Port Charcot, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island and Deception Island.
“Our compact expedition ships allow us to navigate narrow waterways such as the Lemaire Channel, or enter the caldera of Deception Island. Flexibility is one of the keys to successful expedition cruising, so do not be surprised if the Captain alters the ship’s course to admire the acrobatics of a humpback whale or land guests on a beach to meet a particularly impressive penguin colony,” explains Monique Ponfoort, Vice President PONANT Asia Pacific.
Passengers on the Antarctic expedition will also get to see the world’s largest icebergs and plenty of wildlife like fur seals, penguins, albatrosses, elephant seals, orcas and whales
“Each life-changing polar voyage is a unique experience, made all the more
interesting by Zodiac landings accompanied by the specialist expedition teams, and renowned polar specialists who share their views and passion for these polar ice lands which they have been exploring for years. Of course, as part of your voyage, you will need to cross the infamous Drake Passage for the privilege to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in all its grandeur, but that is part of adventure!” says Ms Ponfoort.
Return from polar excursions to enjoy Ponant’s French luxury and small ship ambiance, take a dip in the heated swimming pool on board or head to the spa to ease tired muscles.
Ponant’s 2020/21 Antarctic season is now open for sale. For those who cannot wait to get on board, 2019/20 are still available.
Sample Itineraries:
EMBLEMATIC ANTARCTICA: A 10-night expedition to the Antarctica Peninsula.
Departs November 2020 to February 2020. From $12,370 pp* (1) in a Superior Stateroom with ocean views.
THE GREAT AUSTRAL LOOP: One of PONANT’s most popular itineraries, this 15 night expedition visits the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Departs 3rd & 28th November 2020 & 19th January 2021. From $16,210 pp*(2) in a Superior Stateroom with ocean views.
THE ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY: A comprehensive voyage of 20 nights encompassing the very best Antarctica has to offer, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Orkney Islands.
Departs 9th November 2020. From $21,260 pp* in a Deluxe Stateroom with a private balcony.
*Ponant Bonus fare per person, in Australian Dollars, based on a double occupancy, including accommodation and all meals onboard, Open Bar and 24 hours room service. Price includes port taxes, yield managed, correct at time of writing – 07/05/2019. (1) For the 2nd Dec. 2020 cruise. (2) For the 3rd Nov. 2020 cruise. Refer to https://au.ponant.com for further T & Cs.
Vote in this year’s special Readers’ Choice Awards
No doubt 2020 will go down in cruise history as the year of the pandemic – a once in a generation event. And this year’s Cruise Passenger Readers’ Choice Awards will reflect it.