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Travelers experiencing glacier during Antarctic trip

South Georgia & Antarctica: The Penguin Kingdom

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Le Boreal
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Founded by the Spanish in 1726 at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital is a thriving commercial centre and pleasant seaside resort. Once fortified, the town has retained its colonial charm which you will discover in the Ciudad Vieja historic district, the colonnades of Plaza Independencia and Plaza Constitucion, the oldest in Montevideo to retain an image of its distinguished past.

Then comes the moment when you enter south Georgia. This sub-Antarctic region is a peak which emerges from the Scotia Arc, a vast submarine mountain chain extending from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. All the wildlife species of the Great South are to be found here. You will disembark at the splendid Gold Harbour or Fortuna sites among the penguins and be allowed to approach the sea elephants lounging in the weak southern sunshine. But the big spectacle is still to come with Salisbury Plain. This glacial expanse surrounded by high mountains is home to over 250,000 Royal penguins. Here you will also find the first whaling station and the Grytviken museum which houses the tomb of the famous navigator, Shackleton.

Le Boréal then sets course for the Antarctic Peninsula, slipping slowly through the sometimes iced-up waters escorted by orcas, whales and other cetaceans. You then cruise through the Weddell sea before Neko and Paradise bay emerge on the horizon, a former weather station shrouded in mist and encircled by walls of ice and mountains. You can almost taste the silence in this extraordinary, spell-binding and totally serene atmosphere. You will discover secret locations of fur seals, penguin colonies, albatrosses, giant petrels and sea elephants in large numbers, all of whom live side by side in this vast lunar landscape. Deception Island for example has the largest colony of Chinstrap penguins – more than 120,000 couples!

Eventually you will leave the mythical White Continent and cross the notorious Drake Passage named after the famous explorer, Sir Frances Drake, who navigated these waters way back in 1578.

Throughout your cruise, you will never tire of the amazing spectacle of translucent glaciers, rocks and icebergs which seem to loom up out of the ocean. Zodiac excursions will bring you into the closest contact with the natural charms of the “sixth continent”: an intense and unforgettable journey, a truly unique experience.
GlacierA contemplative Chinstrap penguinA humpback whale lifts its fluke The sun sets over polar mountainsKing Penguins on South Georgia Travelers experiencing glacier during Antarctic trip
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina / Embark

Day 2: Montevideo, Uruguay

Day 3-5: At Sea

Day 6: Salisbury Plain / Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)

Day 7: Grytviken / St Andrews Bay (South Georgia)

Day 8: Gold Harbour / Drygalski Fjord (South Georgia)

Day 9-10: At Sea

Day 11: Cruising the Wedell Sea & Brown Bluff (Antarctica)

Day 12: Deception Island / Half Moon (Antarctica)

Day 13-14: At Sea, Drake Passage

Day 15: Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark

Ship/Hotel

Le Boreal

Ship Exterior

Le Boreal

A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the Le Boreal is the fruit of blending French service and sophistication with Italian engineering. Emphasizing the planet's polar regions as well as Latin America, Easter Island and Polynesia, Le Boreal gives passengers the feeling they are on a private yacht and give them access to harbors and coves that large cruise ships can't access.
Le Boreal
Enjoy the pool on the sun deck.
Enjoy the view from the bar.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Antarctica Cruises & Tours.
Superior Stateroom
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Prestige or Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Deck 4, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Deck 5, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suites
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Prestige Suite
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Owner's Suite
Owners Suite
1 suite, 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone.

Notes

Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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