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Aerial view of Bartolome Island with lake and mountains, Galapagos
Seal laying on ice, Antarctica
MC Elite sailing in the ocean

South America and Antarctica | Expedition Cruising

South America's landscapes in the Galapagos Islands are evocative collages of colour, culture, beauty and history. Travelling by water allows passengers a closer look at the fascinating wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Additionally, get up close to the unparalleled glacial scenery of Antarctica on a luxury cruise.

Zodiac of passengers watching penguins on glacier, Antarctica

Spectacular Antarctica

Explore the pristine Antarctic wilderness on an unforgettable 10-night cruise aboard your luxurious ship Le Boreal with a maximum of 200 guests on board.
View of Galapagos Islands vegetation, Ecuador

Glorious Galapagos Islands

Navigate the rugged coastlines of the Galapagos Islands. Travel by pangas and experience the spectacular marine life in secluded bays usually inaccessible by ships.
Two Blue Footed Boobies facing each other standing on rocks

See the local fauna

Visit seal colonies and spot rare species native to the Galapagos Islands along your journey. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.

Destinations

Zodiac exploring Antarctic Ocean

Antarctica

Experience the wonders of Antarctica during a range of shore landings and Zodiac excursions tailored to the conditions and the wildlife. Experience some of the most unique wildlife viewing in the world as you're taken to visit gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguin rookeries. You're also likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, leopard and Antarctic fur seals, as well as orca, and whales.

View All Antarctica Small Ship Cruises
Aerial view of Bartolome Island on the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

Sail through the Galapagos Islands on luxury catamaran, the MC Elite in 2023 and La Pinta in 2024. Journey along rugged coastlines and spot rare wildlife on this 4 night cruise. Learn from naturalists about this unique ecosystem and the programs in place to rehabilitate the marine life.

View All Galapagos Small Ship Cruises
View All South America Small Ship Cruises

A Day on Board

Passenger sipping hot drink on deck

Morning

Wake to spectacular Antarctic views from your stateroom or suite and enjoy breakfast in bed, at La Licorne gastronomic restaurant or at La Boussole grill restaurant. Your mornings on the White Continent will be rich in adventure; enjoy Zodiac cruises through Antarctica’s serene bays, and marvel at awesome ice formations up close. You may also visit seal colonies and view other polar wildlife from the water - be sure to keep an eye out for orca, humpback and minke whales.

Chef cooking on the deck, Le Boreal

Midday

Enjoy lunch on board Le Boreal at the gastronomic restaurant, or for more casual dining, head to the grill restaurant or opt to order room service in your stateroom or suite. All beverages enjoyed aboard Le Boreal are included in your cruise. If you’d like to indulge in some pampering, book a massage or treatment at the spa, relax by the outdoor heated pool or enjoy an afternoon tipple in the panoramic lounge. For those looking to build up a sweat, your luxury ship Le Boreal also features a fitness centre and hammam.

Passengers hiking in Antarctica

Afternoon

Every day spent in Antarctica will be uniquely calibrated, with your captain chartering a course based on the most exciting sights and the most favourable ice and weather conditions. In the afternoon, head ashore on Le Boreal’s Zodiacs to visit penguin rookeries and be spellbound by the playful antics of Antarctica’s most lovable residents. You may also enjoy an excursion to Deception Island, an active volcano and once home to a whaling station. And a stop at the Port Lockroy scientific base allows you to send a postcard with a rare Antarctic stamp.

Passengers dinning onboard the Ponant Le Boreal Ship

Evening

Relive the day’s unforgettable adventures on board while enjoying pre-dinner drinks in one of the ship’s two lounges. You may also relax at Le Boreal’s spa, in the hammam or at the ship’s heated pool. Dinner can be enjoyed at the ship’s fine dining gastronomic restaurant, at the more casual grill restaurant or from the comfort of your stateroom – 24 hour room service is available and included throughout your cruise. In Le Boreal’s theatre, learn about the adventures ahead during informative, interactive and entertaining presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of Antarctica, delivered by your expert Expedition Team.

Best-in-Class Fleet

Exterior view of the Le Boreal Ship in Antarctica

Le Boreal

Explore the spectacular Antarctic region aboard a floating oasis of polar luxury. Le Boreal is purpose-built for cruising glacial waters with a combination of elegance and manoeuvrability.
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La Pinta Ship External View

La Pinta

Cruise the Galapagos Islands onboard La Pinta in 2024. With exceptional service from friendly staff, a glass-bottom boat and naturalist talks, this luxury yacht has it all.
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MC Elite Ship external view

MC Elite

With a sleek exterior and spacious interior, the Galapagos Island luxury catamaran provides a safe and steady journey through the stunning islands off Ecuador.
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Explore More

Couple pushing their bikes in Bamburg, Germany

Land Journeys

Explore the world on APT’s fully escorted, all-inclusive Land Journeys. Each luxury journey is completely personalised to ensure the best luxury travel experience.
Explore by Land
Christ the Redeemer from the distance

South America

Journey through amazing landscapes, ancient landmarks and vivacious cities to encounter the very best that South America has to offer.
Discover South America
View of a ship cruising along the river in front of a European Town

River Cruise

Life-enriching, relaxing and unique - an APT river cruise is the ultimate holiday experience. Discover unforgettable destinations as you travel in total comfort and style.
Explore by River