Antarctic Cruise Adventure: A Changing Landscape - Le Lyrial

Travel to Antarctica with a renowned climate scientist. Experience the best of this region, plus learn about how the habitat is changing and what can be done to mitigate the change.

SPECIAL OFFER

7.7*

ECO SCORE

199 PASSENGERS

13 DAYS

3/5

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Antarctica: Drink It In

Welcome Aboard the

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Le Lyrial

Embark on the Luxury Expedition Cruise of a lifetime to extraordinary Antarctica, where towering icebergs and massive glaciers showcase flawless beauty. Discover the effects of rising global temperatures firsthand with enthralling lectures by climate scientist Dr. James McClintock, enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to the White Continent and witness rare and thrilling wildlife up close — from lively flocks of penguins to several species of whales. Dr. McClintock is a noted climate change expert who has led 14 expeditions to the White Continent. On this voyage, he outlines the effects of climate change on Antarctica and offers a hopeful plan for future action.

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SPECIAL OFFER:

Save $3,000 per person on all categories in 2023! Rates below reflect the special.

Rates:

From $13,995 per person

Covid-19 Policy:

Policies and protocols provided before you book.

Dec 10-22, 2024
Ask us for later dates.

December dates. Hover here for specific dates

Departures:

Trip Sustainability Awards

Conservation

Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe

Education

Provides schooling opportunities for local children

Local Community

Funds healthcare projects in local communities

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Day 2: Buenos Aires | Vibrant Latin American City

Latin passion and European romance define the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, a dynamic mecca known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historic arts, and culinary pleasures and parrillas (steakhouses). This morning, choose from a selection of included excursions and experience the city’s best treasures, such as a panoramic city tour complete with a tango demonstration alongside local guides. Later this afternoon, meet with your fellow adventurers for a welcome cocktail reception.

(Breakfast is included on Day 2)

Accommodation: Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Day 3: Ushuaia | Gateway to Antarctica

Fly to the charming port town of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. On arrival, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Arakur Resort, enjoying panoramic city and mountain vistas while you dine. Time and weather permitting, take a guided walk in the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve or simply relax with a cappuccino and enjoy scenic views of Ushuaia. This afternoon, transfer to your ship and settle in for your first night on board. Wander the decks to become acquainted with the ship, relax in the lounge and mingle with fellow guests in anticipation of your voyage. From your private balcony or the outside decks, take in views as you cruise the beautiful Beagle Channel before heading out to sea.

Day 4-5: The Drake Passage | Legendary Waters

The journey south toward Antarctica is an exciting one, furthered by singular, voyage-long access to our knowledgeable Expedition Team and enrichment experts both on board and on shore. Set out into the Drake Passage, a 600-mile-wide swath of water where the Southern Ocean currents are squeezed between South America’s southern tip and Antarctica’s northernmost reaches. An important trade route in the 19th and early 20th centuries, its stormy waters and icy conditions once made the journey a difficult one, though the stabilizer-equipped ‘Le Lyrial’ handles it with ease.

Day 6-10: Antarctica | The White Continent

As the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands appear on the horizon, a sense of excitement begins to build. Dependent on weather, sea, ice and wildlife conditions, Antarctic expeditions demand spontaneity and no two are ever the same. With that in mind, your Captain and Expedition Team carefully plan your active, curated itinerary and daily excursions that may include the following areas:

Antarctic Sound: At the northernmost tip of the Antarctic mainland, this body of water features some of the best sightseeing on the peninsula and a proliferation of giant icebergs. Noted for its vast numbers of bird species, the sound is home to the largest breeding colonies of Adélie penguins in Antarctica. Look forward to opportunities to land on remote, wildlife-laden islands as well as possible opportunities to experience a continental landing on the northwest tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

South Shetland Islands: Antarctic research stations, remarkable history, amazing geological features and abundant wildlife define these islands off the shore of the Antarctic Peninsula. Your Expedition Team looks for opportunities to visit a wide range of sites: working research stations, volcanic islands and historic sites as well as gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguin rookeries.

Danco Coast: Bordering the South Shetland Islands along the Antarctic continent, the Danco Coast is famed for its scenic, jaw-dropping waterways. From the comfort of ‘Le Lyrial,’ you may sail through some of its most stunning and photogenic channels, straits and bays.

Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast followed by a morning excursion on swift Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats). Piloted by expert A&K drivers, each excursion is accompanied by lecturers and joined by groups of no more than 10 guests. After mornings discovering native species and striking terrain, return to ‘Le Lyrial’ for lunch and time to relax. Or observe the wildlife-rich waters that surround you, searching for everything from fin whales, humpback whales and orcas to

Antarctic and imperial shags.

By afternoon, set out for the day’s second excursion, which may include visiting a scientific research station, hiking on a sheltered beach packed with basking southern elephant seals or circumnavigating colossal icebergs that serve as floating homes to seals and penguins. After full days of adventure, evenings aboard your luxury cruiser invite you to unwind over cocktails in the cozy lounge before dinner in the elegant dining room. At night, choose to recap the day’s discoveries with your naturalist guides, chat on deck with fellow guests or seize the opportunity to capture photos in the stunning low light characteristic of Antarctica’s long, ethereal twilight.

Day 11-12: Memorable Return

Bid farewell to wondrous Antarctica and begin your cruise back to Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina. The ship’s return through the Drake Passage is an interlude for recap and reflection offering time to compare notes with your expert lecturers on the wildlife, history and geology of the White Continent. Spend time on board with newfound friends in the comfortable common spaces of ‘Le Lyrial,’ enjoy quiet relaxation on your own private balcony or absorb more fascinating lectures by your captivating Expedition Team.

While cruising through this historic passage, you may spot various species of whales and seabirds, including the elusive albatross and the giant petrel, an opportunistic predator and scavenger nicknamed the “stinker.” The immense albatross is an especially stunning sight to behold — these wandering birds boast a wingspan approaching 12 feet and are capable of gliding through the air for hours at a time in search of food.

Day 13: Depart Ushuaia

‘Le Lyrial’ docks at Ushuaia this morning. After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and fellow guests before disembarking. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where you connect to your international flight home, or join your Ushuaia Post-Tour Extension.

Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond this operator's control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Internal Air: Economy class from $895 per person, Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Activity Level: Moderate. This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Suite Amenities: Categories 4-9 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.

Extensions: Iguazu Falls pre-cruise extension and Ushuaia post-cruise extension available. (Ask your Travel Curator.)

First group event: welcome reception on at 6:30 on Dec 10, 2021.

Last group event: disembarkation at 9:00 a.m. on Dec 22, 2021.

Special Offer Terms & Conditions: Offer subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

Le Lyrial

First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind. For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colors of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves. Distributed across decks 3 to 6, the Le Lyrial's 122 staterooms and suites embody the unique atmosphere so dear to this operator: a subtle combination of luxury, intimacy and serene well-being. Enjoy views of the sea in a setting conducive to escape and getting away from it all in each and every one of the staterooms.

• Capacity: 199 Guests (Carries 244)
• Cabins: 122 Cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists & Experts, 1.1.3 Guest to Staff Ratio

ACHIEVEMENTS

Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020

"Le Lyrial is one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea, and when operated by this world-class company, her voyages come alive with expert guiding and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. If you're looking for a way to see the world in comfort and style with Continental-style service, enthusiastic staff, and a fantastic education program, we heartily recommend this lovely ship."

Wild Nectar