February 15 to 28, 2012

Argentina, Antarctica
aboard the m.s. Le Boreal

“Everything wears an aspect of unreality,” Ernest Shackleton wrote. “Icebergs hang upside-down in the sky, the land appears as layers of silvery or golden cloud, cloud banks look like land, and icebergs masquerade as islands.” This is Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Normal human scales and reference points disappear amid fantastically shaped icebergs, lively penguin rookeries and breaching whales. This is nature in its most pristine form.

Few travelers have followed the adventuresome explorers Shackleton, Amundsen and Scott to the Antarctic. Now, you have an opportunity to experience this untouched wilderness aboard the finest vessel cruising the Antarctic waters, exclusively chartered, deluxe m.s. Le Boreal. This state-of-the-art vessel launched in 2010 raises the small ship cruise experience to new heights, combining innovative design with personalized service in a welcoming and intimate setting and featuring private balconies in 95% of the deluxe, outside accommodations.

To enhance your Antarctic experience, the ship is staffed with an expert expedition team of naturalists who will guide you on excursions ashore. Under their direction, you will board sturdy Zodiac craft for landings on rocky shores and beaches to observe the antics of Antarctica’s bountiful wildlife—penguins and seals, especially, are unafraid of human visitors—and discover the secrets of the White Continent.

Experience Antarctica now in its unspoiled state. You will sail for nine nights during the lingering light of the austral summer, when long sunrises paint the icescape in soft shades of pink and gold as whales, seals and penguins flock to glimmering turquoise glaciers and sparkling icebergs.