The Great Austral Loop

About This Cruise

Explore the Southern Ocean, the kingdom of great expeditions and home to the most extraordinary adventures, during an expedition cruise to the highest latitudes, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.

Type

Ship

Le Boréal

Departure Date

28 January 2028

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

17 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Itinerary

Day 1

January 28, 2028

Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 3

January 30, 2028

Grave Cove, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Day 3

January 30, 2028

New Island, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Day 7

February 3, 2028

South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Day 8

February 4, 2028

South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Day 9

February 5, 2028

South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Day 12

February 8, 2028

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Day 13

February 9, 2028

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Day 14

February 10, 2028

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Day 15

February 11, 2028

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Day 16

February 12, 2028

,

Day 17

February 13, 2028

,

Day 18

February 14, 2028

Ushuaia, Argentina

Argentina

Ushuaia

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Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Grave Cove

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Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

New Island

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South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia Island

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South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia Island

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South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia Island

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Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

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Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

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Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

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Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

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Argentina

Ushuaia

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Overview

Explore the Southern Ocean, the kingdom of great expeditions and home to the most extraordinary adventures, during an expedition cruise to the highest latitudes, from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and the immaculate lands of Antarctica.

During this odyssey, where wild nature reigns supreme, you will discover, escorted by sei whales, the breathtaking landscapes of the Falkland Islands, featuring white sandy beaches, jagged cliffs and windswept moors. Then the mountainous South Georgia will guide you in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, into the heart of its glaciers shaped by time, where king penguins, elephant seals and fur seals populate the beaches of black sand. The inaccessible White Continent finally reveals itself, draping icebergs, glaciers, mountains and icy seas in thousands of shades of white. In this universe of silence and light, Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, seals, whales and seabirds will become your companions on this unforgettable journey imbued with adventure and dreaminess.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.

Suite

Owner's Suite

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A living/dining room with a sofa, armchair, second TV, 4-seater table, and sliding courtesy door
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
  • A private 9 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows

Suite

Prestige Suite

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
  • Two bathrooms with showers
  • A private 8 m² balcony
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows

Suite

Deluxe Suite

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • An armchair and sofa (167 x 70 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower and small bathtub
  • A private 5 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
Outside

Superior Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed or two single beds (180 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A window (except for stateroom 300: a round porthole only)
Outside

Prestige Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with bathtub (except staterooms 605 and 625: with shower)
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
Outside

Deluxe Stateroom

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Minibar
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Three ADA staterooms

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A private 4 m² balcony
  • A window and panoramic glazed swing door

french

La Licorne

A la carte meals are served at the table in the gastronomic restaurant. At lunch, a selection of dishes inspired by contemporary French brasseries will be offered. At dinner, it is time to sample the grand traditions of French fine dining, with menus to go with one of the best wines from our cellar, as recommended by our sommelier.

To the rear of deck 2 you’ll find a gastronomic restaurant big enough to seat all passengers together at one sitting.

  • 3,980 square feet
  • Capacity: 268
  • Breakfasts, lunches and dinners, French and international cuisine, elegance and refinement
  • Wine cellar
buffet

La Boussole

The atmosphere is more casual at the grill restaurant with its set buffet menu. From breakfast to dinner, there is a range of healthy, gourmet, hearty and sophisticated buffet options to satisfy all tastes.

Enjoy breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners in a relaxed atmosphere at the grill restaurant on Deck 6.

  • 2,530 square feet
  • Interior capacity: 150
  • Exterior capacity: 60
room

Room Service

Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your cabin, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, our Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night *.

Lounge

Main Lounge

The main lounge is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy the various activities that have been organised such as dancing classes or theme evenings. 

  • Deck 3
  • 2,740 square feet
  • Interior capacity: 110
  • Exterior capacity: 30
  • Tea rooms, bar, programme of live musical entertainment, dance floor
  • Access to the exterior terrace
Lounge

Panoramic Lounge

The cosy piano bar is a panorama lounge with breathtaking views of the horizon.

  • Deck 6
  • 1,185 square feet
  • Library, internet space, bar, live entertainment on certain evenings
  • Direct access to the panoramic terrace
Bar

Exterior Bar

The outside bar is a great space for relaxing and is handy for accessing the swimming pool* and its solarium.

  • Deck 6
  • Lounge area with seating for 50
  • Overlooking the pool deck
Theatre

Theatre

The Theatre* is the most unique meeting space on board. It’s the largest space on the ship and regularly accommodates all the passengers. It plays host to shows and entertainment as well as conferences from our experts, naturalist guides and guests of honours. The Theatre makes every cruise unique and enriching thanks to its constant and very accessible events.

There are performers on board all of our ships. Recruited for their talent in Paris and Rome, they star in multiple shows at the Theatre, after dinner. Throughout your voyage, they host the various entertainment events in the Grand Salon, with the support of our on-board musicians.

During Tea Time or before dinner, our musical duos consisting of a singer and an accompanying musician play classical repertoires for you. In the evening, they play in concert at the Theatere or invite you to show off your dance moves. Dance evenings are thus co-led by performance dancers who know just how to keep you in step, under the direction of the Cruise Director.

Films are regularly shown at the Theatre on giant screens. National Geographic features, documentaries related to our expedition route and feature films contribute to the cultural enrichment that is part of our cruise philosophy.

  • Deck 4
  • 2,690 square feet
  • Capacity: 250
  • Conference room, concert hall/multi-purpose auditorium
  • Audiovisual equipment

On-board events

There are performers on board all of our ships. Recruited for their talent in Paris and Rome, they star in multiple shows at the Theatre, after dinner. Throughout your voyage, they host the various entertainment events in the Grand Salon, with the support of our on-board musicians.

During Tea Time or before dinner, our musical duos consisting of a singer and an accompanying musician play classical repertoires for you. In the evening, they play in concert at the Theatere or invite you to show off your dance moves. Dance evenings are thus co-led by performance dancers who know just how to keep you in step, under the direction of the Cruise Director.

There’s plenty of themed entertainment to enjoy in the evenings. Both a soirée blanche (dress-in-white party) and an officers’ evening are held on all long cruises. Other types of parties or evening events may also be on the programme, such as karaoke parties, a Casino parties or games evenings.

Films are regularly shown at the Theatre on giant screens. National Geographic features, documentaries related to our expedition route and feature films contribute to the cultural enrichment that is part of our cruise philosophy.

Lounge, Games Room, Library

Leisure Areas

Dedicated to leisure and relaxation, the libraries onboard all our ships stock a range of books and board games. This space is also equipped with Wi-Fi connected computers.

All the ships have a special area for children onboard known as the Le Kids Club. Books, television, board games and consoles (PS4 or Wii™) are all provided for their use and enjoyment.

Sun Deck, Pool Deck

The Sun Deck

The outdoor areas on our ships, comfortable and conducive to relaxation, have been designed to merge into the sublime scenery and surroundings of the sea and horizon. There is a heated seawater pool featuring its own sun lounge on the top deck of our sister ships (Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and on the third deck of the PONANT EXPLORERS (Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-D’Urville, Le Jacques Cartier and Le Bellot). Le Ponant is equipped with a 400 m² (4,300 ft²) sun deck.

Reception

Excursion Reception and Office

On board the sisterships (Le Boreal, L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.

Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.

The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all times to tell you about the onshore programmes, organise group or private excursions and to manage transfers at the start or end of the cruise.

On Le Ponant, the receptionist will answer all your questions about excursions.

Studio, Photographers

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Spa

The Spa

All our ships feature an onboard spa. Equipped with massage cabins and a Turkish bath (Sister ships) or a sauna (Explorers), the spa offers a wide choice of top-of-the-range treatments provided in association with SOTHYS™ or CLARINS (Le Bellot and Le Jacques-Cartier only), leading French spa and wellness centre brands.

Discover a range of facial treatments, aromatic baths, exfoliation and body massage treatments designed to provide moments of complete relaxation. You can also supplement your beauty ritual with additional services such as hair-removal, makeovers, manicures and pedicures.

The wellness area – Deck 5

  • Spa in partnership with SOTHYS™: massage and treatment cubicles, beauty salon cubicle, balneotherapy cubicle
  • KÉRASTASE / L’Oréal Paris hair salon
  • Free access hammam (open during the day)
  • Fitness studio (open during the day)
Gym

The Gym

The gyms on our ships are equipped with the very latest Technogym© equipment and machines. Treadmills, exercise bikes, Kinesis Wall© strength training machines and many other types of equipment are all provided in a laid-back relaxing environment. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea add undeniable charm to the exercise sessions.

Each day also begins with organised morning workout sessions, either out in the open air or in the theatre. These are supplemented by water aerobics in the pool, or in the sea off the beach for PONANT passengers, when the situation allows it.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair’s shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.