Le Lyrial – Beyond the Polar Circle

• USHUAIA - ARGENTINA

  Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.

  On arrival into Ushuaia, you will be met and transferred either directly to the port for embarkation, buffet lunch and access to the main lounge, or to Arakur Resort, located inside Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve. Here you can relax at the resort, join a guided walk through the Reserve, or take an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. (Please note that this excursion must be booked at the time of cruise booking. The excursion is accompanied by a French speaking guide).

  Embarkation begins in the afternoon at the port in Ushuaia. Embarkation time is between 4:30pm and 5.30pm, at which time cabins and suites will be ready to check in to.

  The ship sets sail this evening towards the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), known for their rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds and waterfowl.

• AT SEA

  As the ship heads towards the Falkland Islands, look out for marine life and enjoy the views of the open ocean. These waters are home to an interesting group of seabirds, including albatrosses and petrels that often ride the currents created in the wake of the ship.

  The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago that lies 490kms east of Patagonia in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by decades of controversy, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina) have been settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina. The islands have much to offer with a wide variety of spectacular wildlife, beautiful rugged scenery as well as an interesting history. Five species of penguin breed on the islands (gentoo, king, macaroni, magellanic and rockhopper).imply admire the vastness of the ocean from the panoramic lounge.

• FALKLAND ISLANDS

  Grave Cove boasts spectacular scenery and is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins and other interesting birds including ruddy-headed geese, speckled teal and crested ducks. Sea lions are often observed here.

  A former whaling station, New Island is now a Nature Reserve and one of the most beautiful islands in the Falklands archipelago, with sheer sea cliffs and white sand beaches that lead into crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. The island boasts a diverse range of wildlife including rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins, oystercatchers, prions and numerous other bird species. Peale's porpoises, Falkland fur seals and southern sea lions and whales are also found in the area.

• AT SEA

  Leaving the Falkland Islands, the ship charts a southeast course bound for the island of South Georgia. Time can be spent scanning the horizon in search of whales and other marine mammals as well as seabirds that join us in the Southern Ocean.

• AT SEA

  During your time at sea you may wish to visit the theatre to view a film or attend an information session or perhaps you would like to relax by the heated pool.

  You may wish to spend some time on your private balcony spotting sea birds or keeping your eyes peeled for some whales heading south.

• SOUTH GEORGIA

  Majestic snow-covered mountains greet us on the island of South Georgia - the most rugged island in this region.

  South Georgia has been a British Overseas Territory since 1775. It is the largest island in the territory and one of the wildest and most remote places on earth with dramatic scenery of snow-capped mountains and huge glaciers. In the 19th century South Georgia was a prominent whaling base, but whaling ceased in the 1960’s and the only remnants are museums and well-preserved buildings. South Georgia teems with wildlife due to the currents that bring nutrients to the island from the Atlantic. Huge numbers of penguins and seals breed here.

  The former whaling station of Stromness lies on the northern coast of South Georgia Island, and was the destination of Ernest Shackleton's epic rescue journey in 1916 after his ship “The Endurance” sank in the Weddell Sea. Whaling activities began at Stromness in 1907 when the bay was used as an anchorage for a floating factory ship. Some remnants of the whaling station that was built in 1912 can still be seen.

  King penguins and seals inhabit the beaches of Fortuna Bay, named after the Fortuna, one of the Norwegian-Argentine whaling expedition ships under Larsen that participated in establishing the first permanent whaling station at Grytviken.

  We also plan to visit the wildlife haven of Salisbury Plain, home to tens of thousands of king penguins, as well as elephant and fur seals, southern giant petrels and the occasional gentoo penguin, complete with large glaciers that add a stunning backdrop.

• SOUTH GEORGIA

  Grytviken is the largest of South Georgia’s whaling stations, situated at the head of Cumberland Bay. It is here where the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton can be found in the whaler’s cemetery. There is an excellent museum at Grytviken, maintained by the South Georgia Heritage Trust, and the restored church, built by the original Norwegian whalers, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

  St Andrews Bay hosts the largest colony of king penguins on South Georgia and early in the season, the beach is also carpeted with fur and elephant seals.

• SOUTH GEORGIA

  Cooper Bay is home to one of South Georgia’s most accessible macaroni penguin colonies. The island is covered in tussock grass and is home to snow petrels, Antarctic prions, black-browed albatross, chinstrap penguins and fur seals.

  Gold Harbour has not only spectacular scenery but also a vast range of wildlife. It is a breeding ground for king and gentoo penguins as well as sooty albatrosses. Elephant seals also breed here, in particular at the western end of the beach where a glacial stream runs into the sea.

• AT SEA

  Leaving South Georgia, we cross the Scotia Sea heading towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Watch for wildlife from the deck, catch up on some reading, check through and edit your photos, or simply to reflect on the magical experiences of your time on South Georgia.

• ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

  We plan to visit the enigmatic, historic and desolate Elephant Island. In 1916 Sir Ernest Shackleton was forced to leave 22 of his men stranded on these shores for months, while he and five others embarked on an unbelievable rescue attempt. What followed is one of the greatest rescue and survival stories of all time.

• ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

  Astrolabe Island lies in the Bransfield Strait. It was discovered by the 1837-40 French expedition, under Captain Jules Dumont d'Urville, and named after his chief expedition ship, the Astrolabe. This 5km-long island is home to several thousand pairs of chinstrap penguins. A small group of huge rocks, known as the Dragon’s Teeth, lie off the northeast coast of the island.

• ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

  Petermann Island was discovered by the 1873-74 German expedition who named the island after August Petermann. The island supports the southernmost colony of gentoo penguins with Adélie penguins, imperial shags, Wilson's storm petrels and south polar skuas also nesting here. An Argentine refuge hut built in 1955 can still be seen along with a cross commemorating three members of the British Antarctic Survey who died in 1982 attempting to cross the sea ice from Faraday Station to Petermann.

  Deep in Andvord Bay, this little corner of paradise sits at the foot of an immense glacier. Neko Harbour is without doubt one of the most beautiful sights of the Antarctic Peninsula. Wildlife is as abundant as it is exceptional with sea birds such as gulls, Cape petrels and cormorants, as well as marine mammals such as seals, orcas and whales. Excursions aboard the Zodiacs allow you to sail close to blue-tinged icebergs or disembark near colonies of penguins, observe leopard seals basking on the shore or watch the Antarctic terns flying overhead.

• ANTARCTIC PENINSULA - CROSSING THE POLAR

  Our goal is to cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33' S. This is a part of the world visited by few people. As you toast the first explorers who ventured this far south, you can take pride in knowing that you’ve made it as far as the Polar Circle. The area is home to Weddell seals and beautifully sculptured ice formations.

• DRAKE PASSAGE TO USHUAIA

  We leave Antarctica and head north back towards the Drake Passage, searching for seabirds and whales as we sail and reflecting on our time spent not only on the Antarctic Peninsula, but also on the beautiful islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, with their fascinating histories and prolific wildlife.

  The notorious Drake Passage was named after the famous explorer, Sir Frances Drake, who sailed in these waters back in 1578. En-route the ship traverses the Polar Front which marks the area where waters from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans meet. The Antarctic Convergence is a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters.

• DRAKE PASSAGE TO USHUAIA

  As you brave the Drake Passage you will have time to sort through your photos.

  You can use the onboard facilities, attend lectures, visit the spa for some relaxation or relax in the lounge areas sharing stories with fellow travellers of your adventure.

• DRAKE PASSAGE TO USHUAIA

  The final leg of the journey sees us sailing along the Beagle Channel and into the port of Ushuaia. The Beagle Channel separates the larger main island of Tierra del Fuego from various smaller islands and links the Southern Pacific Ocean with the Southern Atlantic Ocean. It was named after the ship HMS Beagle.

• DRAKE PASSAGE TO USHUAIA

  At morning after breakfast you will disembark

The Owners Suite

The Owners Suite sleeps up to 2 guests and is situated on Deck 6. It has been decorated by French interior designers and will provide you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view. The suite features: a king or twin-size bed, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi and butler service. The suite is a luxurious 54 square metres

Grand Privilege Suite

This Grand Privilege Suite sleeps up to 4 guests. The cabin features at 12 square metres private balcony, king bed or 2 twin beds, individually-controlled air-conditioning, butler service, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, dressing table and hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi. The suite is a luxurious 54 square metres.

Grand Deluxe Suite

The Grand Deluxe Suite sleeps up to 2 guests. The cabin features: king bed or twin beds, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi and butler service. The suite is a spacious 45 square metres.

Privilege Suite

The Privilege Suite sleeps up to 2 guests. The cabin features an 8 square metre balcony, king bed or twin beds, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi. The room is service by your own butler. The suite is a spacious 36 square metres.

Prestige Deck 5

The Prestige Deck 5 Suites sleep up to 4 guests. The cabin features an 8 square metre balocony, king bed or twin beds, private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi. The room is a comfortable 36 square metres.

Deluxe Suite

The Deluxe Suite sleeps up to 2 guests. The cabin features: king bed or twin beds, a private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi and butler service. The room is a spacious 27 square metres.

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4,5 & 6

The Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 sleeps up to 2 guests. The cabin features: king bed or twin beds, a private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi. The rooms is a comfortable 18 square metres.

Superior Stateroom

The Superior Stateroom sleeps up to 3 guests. The cabin features: individually-controlled air-conditioning, minibar, flat screen satellite TV, iPod™ players, desk with stationery, electronic safe, French bath products, hairdryer, bath robes, satellite direct line telephone, 110/220 volts, 24hr room service, WiFi. The rooms are 21 square metres.

DECKPLAN

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Accommodation in suites or staterooms with en-suite
• All meals while on the cruise. Continental breakfast, buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, a three-course dinner and a late-evening snack are served daily.
• Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
• Open Bar – A wide choice of refreshments such as wine, beer, cocktails, fruit juices and aperitifs are served in each bar and with lunch and dinner. This does not include premium alcoholic drinks. List available upon request.
• Mini Bar – the mini bar in your cabin is restocked every day and in included in the fare.
• Complimentary Parka to keep.
• Waterproof rubber boots to loan for duration of cruise.
• Highly experienced bilingual (French-English) Expedition team
• Excursions with expedition guides – Zodiac, land and sea tours and shore-side activities
• Complimentary wifi on board – Please note the wifi may be slow due to a satellite connection and the remote areas you will be visiting.
• Evening entertainment and events
• Luggage transfer from pier to the ship and vice versa
• Room service 24h (special selection)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Tips for the local guide
• Personal expenses
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
• Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme

NOTES:

• This trip is also available on board the Le Boreal and L’Austral. Contact us for more details
• Voyages are subject to ice and weather conditions. The itineraries described for expedition voyages illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
• Water sports activities (except scuba diving) are included in the tour price, using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by shipmaster according to safety and sea conditions on-site
• Passenger numbers are limited to 200 for Antarctic voyages.