Antarctica

Expedition to Southern Lands

19 Days aboard Le Boreal. From USD $19,376pp.
Details

Overview

In South Georgia and on the shores of the White Continent, follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers during a 17-day polar expedition cruise. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache, Ernest Shackleton, these legendary names evoke the most prodigious adventures, offering you the chance to discover during an unforgettable trip.

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Itinerary Highlights

  • An expedition cruise to explore the stunning natural settings of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, in the wake of the great explorers of the high southern latitudes.
  • Lectures and information sessions hosted by the naturalist guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection and educational discovery in the respect of environment.
  • Landscapes: drifting icebergs, ice floe, glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the Antarctic Peninsula; alpine landscapes, lush green plains and suspended glaciers in South Georgia.
  • Wildlife: humpback whales; Gentoo, Adelie, and chinstrap penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals in the Antarctic Peninsula; king and macaroni penguins; elephant and fur seals in South Georgia.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Buenos Aires
  • Day 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia/Embarkation
  • Day 3-5: At Sea
  • Day 6-8: South Georgia
  • Day 9-11: At Sea
  • Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula
  • Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Day 19: Ushuaia

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Buenos Aires

On your first day, a representative will be waiting for your arrival to ensure a smooth transfer and assist you with your check-in at your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, explore the local area around your hotel.

Day 2: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia/Embarkation

But first, a delicious breakfast is in order to fuel your adventures ahead. The excitement of embarking on another adventure is palpable as you settle into your seat and prepare for your flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will transfer to the port for embarkation before your departure at 6pm.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Day 3-5: At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 6-8: South Georgia

Aboard your ship, discover South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife of the Far South can be found there: king and Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, fur seals… You might get the chance to discover the majestic glaciers of Gold Harbour and the vast plains of Fortuna Bay. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle: more than 300,000 king penguins, which you will recognise by the bright orange mark on their head and neck, have taken up residence there.

Day 9-11: At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 12-16: Antarctic Peninsula

Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.

Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.

Day 17-18: Crossing the Drake Passage

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Day 19: Ushuaia

Today is the final day of your journey. Before disembarking, we invite you to enjoy an early morning breakfast at 8am and transferring to Ushuaia airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…

Next Departure Date: 12 Feb 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
12 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025 USD$19376ppExpand to view offers
Superior Stateroom USD$19376ppContact us
Deluxe Stateroom USD$20752ppContact us
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4USD$21745ppContact us
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5USD$22134ppContact us
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6USD$22726ppContact us
Deluxe SuiteUSD$32586ppContact us
Prestige Suite - Deck 5USD$33962ppContact us
Prestige Suite - Deck 6USD$35739ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Superior Stateroom

21m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Superior Stateroom
Superior Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom

18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4

18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5

18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6

18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, WiFi access and butler service.

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deluxe Suite

27m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 5

36m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service and WiFi access.

Prestige Suite - Deck 5
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
Prestige Suite - Deck 6

36m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, 8m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, deck with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, WiFi access and butler service.

Prestige Suite -  Deck 6
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
Owner's Suite

45m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed, located on deck 6, French design, panoramic views, individually-controlled air-conditioning, bathtub and shower, minibar, flatscreen, satellite TV, desk with stationery, iPod players, video on demand, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220V outlets, French bath products, 24-hour room service, WiFi access, 1 private transfer (round trip: airport - hotel - port)

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Le Boreal Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Length: 466 ft 
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15.3 ft
  • Cruising speed: 14 knots
  • Ice class: 1C
  • Classification: Bureau Veritas
  • Flag: French
  • Guest decks: 6
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy):  up to 264 pax
  • Guest capacity Antarctica: 200 pax
  • Normal crew size: 140
  • Fleet of expedition Zodiac®: (Mark V HD)
  • Gross tonnage: 10 944 UMS
  • Electric motors: 2 x 2300 KW
  • Installed power: 6 400 KW
  • Construction: Fincantieri-Ancône-Italy

Whats included?

  • A shuttle towards Buenos Aires.
  • One pre-embarkation hotel night in Buenos Aires.
  • Economy class flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
  • Economy class flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
  • Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.
  • Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
  • Accommodation in your selected stateroom
  • Landings and zodiac outings
  • A full meal plan
  • Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar.
  • Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
  • Port taxes

What’s not included?

  • Tips for the local guide.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Expedition to Southern Lands

19 Days aboard Le Boreal. From USD $19,376pp.