Compagnie du Ponant Unveils Winter 2014/2015 Antarctic Program

THE ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE

Revealing all the promise of this once in a lifetime destination, the Antarctic expeditions highlight Compagnie du Ponant's expertise in this part of the world where it has been offering a range of exceptional cruises since 1999.

Aboard Le Soléal, the company's newest luxury yacht launched in June 2013 with 132 staterooms and suites, guests gain privileged access to exceptional wonders of nature, thanks to its small capacity and latest generation technology designed specifically for polar cruises. An exclusive experience awaits them in the company of renowned South Pole experts. The difference? The unique 5-star expedition concept which has become the company's signature, and the opportunity to explore these extreme regions in luxury and comfort comparable to the world's top hotels.

ACCESS TREASURES OF THE WORLD BY SEA

From November 2014 to January 2015, Compagnie du Ponant offers three different Antarctic itineraries, embracing some exceptional ports of call (nine Ushuaia-Ushuaia departures). A haven for truly unique flora and fauna, these strictly protected sites can only be reached by small ships, which in this region must limit their onboard guests to 200 maximum.

Aboard Le Soléal, cruises are punctuated by fascinating cultural, historic and geological encounters, as a select group of expert speakers and guides share their passion for the region. On intimate ships like Le Soléal the discussions often carry on over dinner. At sea, every Zodiac® outing provides a different spectacle, be it coming face to face with vast colonies of penguins or Weddell seals, elephant seals, albatrosses or a group of humpback whales. On land, naturalist guides organize exclusive walks along the slopes of a submerged caldera or to the whale station in Whaler's Bay on Deception Island.

• Emblematic Antarctica: A full immersion in the Great White Antarctic Peninsula, discovering tabular icebergs and the drifting pack ice where fur seals and colonies of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins live.

Ushuaia - Ushuaia (11 days / 10 nights) - 7 Departures from November 2014 to February 2015

From USD $6,737 per person, all-inclusive (direct flights and transfers from Buenos Aires included)

• Historic Antarctica: Sail along the awesome white expanses of the Antarctic Peninsula and explore the grassy moorlands of the Falkland Islands.

Ushuaia - Montevideo (16 days / 15 nights) - Departs February 28, 2015

From USD $7,604 per person, all-inclusive (direct flights and transfers from Buenos Aires included)

• The Great Southern Loop: Highlights of three regions: Falklands and the black-browed albatross, South Georgia with its Emperor Penguins and the northern side of the Antarctic Peninsula with its majestic icebergs. A truly unforgettable voyage.

Ushuaia - Ushuaia (16 days / 15 nights) - Departs December 19, 2014

From USD $11,238 per person, all-inclusive (direct flights and transfers from Buenos Aires included)

Available for booking now, these cruises offer a PONANT BONUS of up to 30% off the brochure fare, for a limited period. They include Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires flights, allowing the flexibility to board in advance or to book a shore excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Guests also have the option to discover Iguazu Falls or enjoy a pre-cruise break in Buenos Aires.

Visit website: https://en.ponant.com