DISCOVERING THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT
from
22 December 2024
to
04 January 2025
14
days,
12
nights on board
Ushuaia – Ushuaia (via Buenos Aires, Argentina)
From
12 480 €
9 360 €*
- Your expedition
- Itinerary
- Activities on board
- Staterooms & Fares
- Your crew
- Extension Tours
- Special Guests
- Gallery
YOUR EXPEDITION
DISCOVERING THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT
All hands on deck! Your dream of sailing south towards Antarctica is finally coming true. This cruise has been specially designed to allow our passengers to take in all the riches that this “great white continent” has to offer, in only ten days.
The best of the continent, all in one trip: ice and snow as you’ve never seen them before, colonies of emperor penguins, marine mammals, the history of the heroic exploration of these lands, and much more.
An unmissable trip for any wildlife lover or adventure traveller.
Why choose this expedition?
Crossing the Drake passage alongside sooty shearwaters
Sailing through the icy straits of the Lemaire Channel
Seeing historical sites and the scientific stations that track the constant evolution of these fragile environments
The observation full of surprises of the giant colonies of penguins
Following in the footsteps of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the famous French « polar gentleman ».
Itinerary
01
Day 1 Sunday 22 December 2024
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You will stay at the 5* Palladio MGallery Hotel (or equivalent). Check-in from 4 pm.
Free evening
02
Day 2 Monday 23 December 2024
Ushuaia, Argentina
In the morning, you will take a domestic flight to Ushuaia.
Before boarding Exploris One, you’ll have the chance to go on an excursion to discover the Tierra del Fuego, after which you’ll make your way back to the ship which will be docked off Ushuaia’s shore. Its captain and crew will welcome you aboard for the first night of your Antipodean stay. Being at “land’s end” allows us to shift perspectives: the city looks tiny in contrast to the never-ending horizon. On our first night aboard the ship, we will begin our navigation on the Beagle Channel, one of the most important maritime routes of the Tierra del Fuego, second only to the Magellan Strait.
Day 2
Tierra Del Fuego , Ushuaia
Duration of excursion : Half day
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Upon your arrival to Ushuaia, you will be greeted by a French-speaking guide.
Thus will begin your adventure for the day, as you discover Patagonian landscapes, jagged peaks, and the forest of the Tierra del Fuego. Lunch will be provided during the excursion.
The Tierra del Fuego region spreads over the entirety of the Argentinian South-West and spreads over the border with Chile. You’ll admire diverse flora as you follow the hiking trail and stop to take photographs. With nature at its most splendid, you’ll think you’re admiring a painting…
At the end of the excursion, we will make our way back to Ushuaia and board Exploris One in the late afternoon.
03
Day 3 Tuesday 24 December 2024
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
Depending on weather conditions, we will have two days – perhaps even less – to prep for the day when we will finally step onto the “great white continent”. During the first conferences and information meetings, our expedition team will further hone your explorer’s spirit. Our common desire for exploration goes hand in hand with our desire to preserve this environment.
As environmentally conscious sea travellers, we put into practice what we preach: for example, our equipment is cleaned so that no foreign elements can reach Antarctic lands.
As we edge closer towards the continent, beanies and gloves will be needed as we go out onto the deck to admire the waves and the birds’ synchronised movements. Cape petrels, southern giant petrels and albatrosses follow our ship as we head towards land.
04
Day 4 Wednesday 25 December 2024
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
05
Day 5 Thursday 26 December 2024
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
During five whole days, Exploris One will sail from one natural wonder to the next. Our itinerary is dictated by sea and weather conditions: our expedition leader will decide which stops to make based on these factors. The itinerary laid out below is subject to change.
We might come across some interesting marine animals, for example. Indeed, we’re not the only ones who are aware that Brabant Island and Anvers Island form a shield against the tumult of the Antarctic Ocean. Both humpbacks and minke whales seek shelter in the tranquil waters of the Gerlache Strait. There, we will delight in the majestic sight of these mammals, as delicate as they are gigantic.
06
Day 6 Friday 27 December 2024
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
A little bit further, a ride on a Zodiac will allow us to get up close to an ice sheet that has detached from the continent, with Southern Hemisphere summer heat. Our naturalist guides will help us to decipher this icy geometry, and with their help, we might spot some blue-eyed cormorants hiding in the nooks of the surrounding cliffs.
The Antarctic is full of sounds: the crackling of a humongous glacier as it melts; the yelps of the gentoo penguins as they build their nests. Their constant bickering is probably not the best example of cooperation…! You might spot a Weddell seal – which you will be able to correctly identify, thanks to our naturalists’ lessons – lounging on the ice. Cameras at the ready! Today, we are in intimate conversation with the wildlife.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.
07
Day 7 Saturday 28 December 2024
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarcticas
As often as possible, we’ll disembark via our Zodiacs. This allows us to explore more remote areas, without the need for a quay or pontoon. For example, at Port Charcot, we have to navigate through a maze of icebergs to reach the shores on which the members of the first French Antarctic expedition spent their first winter, in 1905.
Weather conditions might prevent us from using the dinghies. In this case, we sail up Lemaire Channel aboard Exploris One. An unforgettable moment, that our captain and his officers make us privy to as they allow us to take in the sights from the bridge.
You’ll feel like an old-school explorer as you watch small icebergs (also known as “growlers”) sink under the ship. These are usually less than 1 metre tall and 5 metres long.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.
08
Day 8 Sunday 29 December 2024
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
The British researchers who spend the whole Southern Hemisphere summer doing research in their base of Porto Lockroy seem just as heroic as old-school explorers. They welcome us into the only available shop for thousands of kilometres, from which you can send postcards via the southernmost postal service in the world. They spend a few hours with us on board Exploris One, describing the daily life of their “summering” under a sun that never really sets.
We have one last stopover in the Peninsula at Cuverville Island before heading towards the South Shetland Islands. Atop the island’s highest hill, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama that looks onto the Gerlache Strait. Our stopovers, however, are never set in stone: deviations from our itinerary are not only likely – they are welcome!
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.
09
Day 9 Monday 30 December 2024
Sailing in the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Exploris One is already heading North, towards civilisation. We’ll find traces of civilisation already at Deception Island, where the defunct whaling station of Whalers Bay is still standing. Even from afar, the vestiges of this now-decried activity are impressive: there are ovens to melt whale fat, wooden houses for the workers, and cemeteries for those who perished while working this perilous job. This era of mass whale hunting has long since ended in Antarctica, an industry as damaging to men as it was for the survival of these species. All that remains is the melancholy poetry of these ruins.
This completes the animal panorama of our cruise. Weather permitting, the expedition team might suggest a hike to reach the summit of the island, so that we can be at one with this beautiful nature for a few more hours.
This program is subject to change: depending on the weather conditions and the flora and fauna we encounter, our itinerary may vary.
10
Day 10 Tuesday 31 December 2024
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
Exploris One once is heading once again for the Drake Passage. As we pass the Antarctic Convergence (the line beyond which the water temperatures rise) we leave the Southern Ocean for the South Atlantic. We enter the world of the Furious Fifties and the Roaring Forties. Every so often, these wild winds are tamed, and the crossing becomes much more peaceful.
A few last conferences will be given by our naturalists as you and your fellow passengers exchange photos, addresses, contacts... The end of this journey – to quote a classic of the silver screen – could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
11
Day 11 Wednesday 01 January 2025
At sea – Drake Passage, Antarctica
12
Day 12 Thursday 02 January 2025
Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembarkation in the morning.
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires.
13
Day 13 Friday 03 January 2025
14
Day 14 Saturday 04 January 2025
Activities on board
Zodiac© Cruises
Explore inaccessible zones, admire spectacular glaciers and icebergs. Our Zodiacs© allow you to get as close as possible to nature, in complete safety.
Sea Kayaking
Silent, discreet, and easy to handle, kayaks are perfect to explore less accessible areas and to get closer to places of incredible beauty.
Guided Hikes
Hikes for all levels will be offered during your expedition. Explore historic landmarks, walk on gorgeous sandy beaches or pack ice. Admire the fauna and flora and take in the spectacular sights.
Photography Workshop
Our photography experts will offer conferences and workshops on board the ship and on dry land so you can get the best out of your camera and capture the most incredible landscapes.
Polar Plunge
The polar plunge is a rite of passage for daring explorers. Dive into waters reaching -3 degrees Celsius for a (brief) swim that you’ll never forget. This activity is available on a limited number of expeditions, weather permitting.
Birdwatching
Observe the most beautiful species of birds in their natural habitat, alongside renowned ornithologists and wildlife specialists.
Informative lectures
Our experts, scientists, naturalist guides, historians and special guests will offer unique lectures on the fauna, flora, history and biology of the regions we visit
Staterooms & Fares
Select your cabin on board Exploris One
L'Exploris One
The best an expedition cruise has to offer
Exploris One, which sails under the French flag, has been especially designed to navigate the world’s most demanding waters, both in open water and in the polar regions. Equipped with a reinforced hull, it is the ideal ship for exploring glacial regions in a completely safe environment: in fact, it is regarded as a global benchmark in terms of safety.
Thanks to its recent renovations (2018 & 2023), Exploris One is able to offer both adventure and comfort, along with an excellent personalised service, making our expeditions truly unique. It features 60 cabins and 12 suites, among the most spacious available on board any expedition ship today. It boasts a fitness and wellness area, panoramic decks and lounges, as well as outdoor Jacuzzis, so that our passengers may relax in between calls.
The ship is also equipped with twelve Zodiacs©, which allow all of our passengers (depending on weather and sailing conditions) to disembark at the same time, several times a day, on territories which are not usually accessible.
Ice class
Class 1A
Tonnage
6,158 GT
Length
108 meters
Breadth
16 meters
Average speed
12,5 knots
Zodiacs
12
Passenger decks
5 decks
Crew
102
Maximum number of passengers
144 (120 in polar regions)
Flag
French Flag (2023)
Officers
French & International
Classification
Lloyd's Register
Cabine PREMIUM , Au pont 3, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 3
- 14-15 m²
- 2 hublots
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
Cabine SUPERIEURE , Au pont 4, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 4
- 16-18 m²
- Fenêtre - Sabord (80cm x 80cm)
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
OCEAN Stateroom , Deck 3
On deck 3
- 18 m²
- Window - porthole (80cm x 80cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DELUXE Stateroom , Deck 4
On deck 4
- 18 m²
- Large window - porthole (120cm x 110cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
BALCONY Stateroom , Deck 5
On deck 5
- From 19 to 20 m², including a 1.5 m² French-style balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
NAVIGATOR Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 37 m², including 1 large 8 m² balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DISCOVERY Suite , Deck 5
On deck 5
- 39 m² including two french balconies (1,5 m² each)
- Two Sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Coffee machine
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
GRAND Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 57 m² including a large 8m² private balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
SHIPOWNER'S Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 67 m² including a large 15m² private terrace
- Two sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with large lounge equipped with a sofa bed
- Large dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
* This price is per person based on double occupancy, including our “Discovery Offer -25%” - Limited time offer.
Gallery
