Ross Sea Exploration with Ponant

Enjoy a lazy morning or continue your exploration of Dunedin. This afternoon, you will be transferred to Dunedin cruise terminal to board Le Soleal. Embarkation will commence from 3pm. The ship will depart at 5pm. Farewell New Zealand as your ship sets sail for the frozen land. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

During your days at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Campbell Island is the most southerly of the five New Zealand Subantarctic groups. Described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker as having a “flora display second to none outside the tropics.” You will have the opportunity to undertake a guided walk on the Col Lyell Saddle boardwalk as well as undertake a zodiac tour around the coastline of Perseverance Harbour.

At Sea 25th - 27th January

The Ross Sea - From the 28th Jan to the 4th Feb, you will be able, weather and ice conditions permitting, to discover several emblematic sites in the region that may include; Cape Adare, Terra Nova Bay, Ross Island, Cape Royds and Franklin Island.

The Balleny Islands are an extremely remote series of islands extending for about 160 kilometres in a northwest-southeast direction straddling the Antarctic Circle some 270 kilometres north of the Antarctic mainland. The volcanic islands are heavily glaciated and have received few human visitors since their discovery in 1839. Their isolated location within the rich waters of the Southern Ocean has resulted in a species diversity rivalling the entire Ross Sea region. Humpback, fin and minke whales are regular visitors to the rich feeding grounds along with Crabeater, Weddell, elephant and leopard seals. Several of the islands are home to significant colonies of Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the spectacular coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiac.

Tue 7 – Wed 8 Feb 2023

Thu 9 – Fri 10 Feb 2023 Long celebrated as one of the wonder spots of the world, Macquarie Island is an island of great beauty and outstanding natural diversity, a breeding place for more than 3.5 million seabirds, most of which are penguins. There are four species breeding on Macquarie Island: Royals, Kings, Gentoos and Rock Hoppers. There are also three types of fur seals and one seventh of the world’s population of elephant seals breeding on the island. In 1948 The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions established its expedition headquarters on Macquarie Island. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to land ashore and view the prolific wildlife that resides here.

At Sea Sat 11 – Sun 12 Feb 2023

After breakfast you will commence disembarkation from 9.00am. You will be transferred from the cruise terminal to Hobart Airport for your flight home.