Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to the seldom visited Ross Sea from New Zealand and walk in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers on this exciting expedition.
Sailing from Dunedin in New Zealand on board Le Soléal, start in Campbell Island, part of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, and discover the island’s spectacular endemic flora and fauna, including six species of albatross.
While you enjoy some time at sea and take advantage of talks and lectures on board by your team of expedition guides, be prepared to reach the Ross Sea, the Southernmost sea on Earth.
Alongside your expedition team, you will have the privilege of exploring this fascinating region and learn all about its history and natural environment, all in one of the most pristine, spectacular settings. Observe the largest Adelie penguin rookeries in the world, sail pass gigantic icebergs and thundering glaciers during a zodiac excursion, or spot Weddell Seals as they relax or hunt on icefloes.
You will have the opportunity to visit historic buildings including Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds, and reflect on the heroic polar journeys of some of the world’s most intrepid polar explorers.
On your way back to New Zealand, enjoy some time on Australia’s Macquarie Island, and its impressive colony of king penguins, as well as the Snares islands and their unique wildlife sanctuary, before disembarking in Dunedin. A truly memorable adventure not many have the chance to experience!
We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO. Any disembarkation on the Subantarctic Islands is subject to weather conditions and on obtaining the authorisation of the local authorities. To preserve the wild environment of these islands, the number of visitors is in fact strictly controlled. Wherever possible, we will run Zodiac excursions around their shorelines in order to guarantee the best possible experience for all guests if it is not possible to disembark.
Ref : SO260126
Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Macquarie Island* and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands (Campbell and the Snares...
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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
Accessories:
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
ACCESSORIES:
PONANT activities
*This port of call is subject to permission being granted by the Australian authorities.
Embarkation 26/1/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 26/1/2026 at 6:00 pm
Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Arrival 27/1/2026
Departure 27/1/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 28/1/2026
Departure 28/1/2026
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." It is known for its megaherbs, herbaceous, perennial wildflowers characterised by their great size, with huge leaves and very colourful flowers, which have developed as an adaptation to the harsh weather conditions on the islands. Campbell Island is also home to six species of albatross, and several critically endangered endemic birds including the Campbell Island teal and snipe. 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.
Arrival 29/1/2026
Departure 31/1/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 1/2/2026
Departure 8/2/2026
The Ross Sea, the southernmost sea in the world, owes its name to Sir James Clark Ross, both a naturalist and a Royal Navy officer, who first explored the area in 1841 with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. It is bounded on the east by Roosevelt Island and the Edward VII Peninsula in Mary Byrd Land, on the west by Ross Island and the coastal mountains of Victoria Land, and on the south by the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica located some 320 km from the geographic South Pole. The history and treasures of the world's ultimate marine sanctuary will be revealed during this extraordinary expedition.
You will be able, weather and ice conditions permitting, to discover several emblematic sites in the region. Among the possible stopovers, Cape Adare, at the northern end of the Borchgrevink coast, home to the world’s largest colony of Adélie penguins. We will attempt to reach Terra Nova Bay where the Italian and South Korean scientific stations are located to the north and the Drygalski Ice Tongue to the south. Dating back at least 4000 years, it extends 70 km offshore from the David Glacier and is 24 km at its widest point. On the Inexpressible Island, discover the exceptional survival conditions of a group of six men of the Terra Nova expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott (1910-1913), forced to winter in a cave dug in the ice, today classified as an Antarctica historical monument. On Ross Island, follow in the footsteps of the polar explorers Sir James Clark Ross and discover Sir Ernest Shackleton's hut, classified as an Antarctica historical monument. Built at Cape Royds during the British expedition Nimrod (1907-1909), it proudly stands at the bottom of Mount Erebus. Sixty years earlier, while Captain James Ross was trying to reach the South Magnetic Pole, he discovered Franklin Island, located 130 km east of Cape Hickey in Victoria Land. He named it after Sir John Franklin, Arctic explorer and governor of the territory of present-day Tasmania. You will be offered there, a privileged position to observe Adélie penguins in their daily ballet as well as Weddell seals, resting on the shore.
Arrival 9/2/2026
Departure 11/2/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 12/2/2026
Departure 12/2/2026
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 (ANARE) established its expedition headquarters on Macquarie Island. If time and weather permit, guests will have the opportunity to land ashore and view the prolific wildlife that resides here.
Arrival 13/2/2026
Departure 13/2/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 14/2/2026
Departure 14/2/2026
Amongst the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Consequently, it is a remarkable haven for wildlife. The island boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. Four species of Albatross are listed as breeding on the Snares along with 35,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. There are also approximately 1,000 New Zealand fur seals and 500 New Zealand sea lions. Landing on the Snares is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of zodiac.
Arrival 15/2/2026
Departure 15/2/2026
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 16/2/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 16/2/2026 at 8:00 am
Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Dunedin
Meet at Dunedin airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be then transferred to the Fable Dunedin Hotel 5*.
Check in, afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Dunedin
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy some free time to relax or to discover the city on your own, before your mid-morning hotel check-out.
Lunch will be at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel :
Built in 1862, the Fable Dunedin 5* is housed in a beautifully renovated and elegant Victorian-era building. It is located in the heart of Dunedin, just a short walk from the Octagon city centre and the many shops and restaurants. The hotel has 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites and a café-style restaurant offering regional cuisine. It features a modern and contemporary style, with luxury amenities.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes :
Your programme does not include :
Please note :
Contact of your hotel :
Fable Dunedin (Wains) Hotel 5*
310 Princes Street
Dunedin , New Zealand
Telephone : +64 3 477 1145
For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$630
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Between lakes, gorges and mountains, take advantage of three days in Queenstown and discover the natural beauties of the Southern Alps and their wondrous landscapes. This discovery-rich programme will be the ideal prelude to your journey.
Day 1 – Queenstown
Meet at the airport - Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT, or any other flight.
You will be directly transferred by coach to the hotel Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa 5*.
Queenstown is a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Settled as a gold mining camp in the 1860s, Queenstown now has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It is dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, which means amazing views from everywhere. There is also a permanent buzz in the downtown area, where you will find a lively café and bar scene as well as excellent shopping.
This region has captured hearts and imaginations since the first Maori came here in search of pounamu (greenstone) and the giant Moa bird. More recently, gold miners, adventurers, filmmakers, wine enthusiasts, Hollywood stars and US Presidents have all been drawn to this magical region and its intense alpine energy.
Check-in at the hotel and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Mount Aspiring National Park
After breakfast, you will head to the Mount Aspiring National Park, which is around a 2-hour drive away. Named after Mount Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. After an extremely picturesque journey, you will go on a 1-hour walk through valleys and forest to the blue pools, which are deep, crystal clear and flow into the Makarora River. You will enjoy this moment of tranquillity!
After a 90-minute drive, you will take a tour and have lunch in an artisan distillery. You will discover the secrets to artisan spirits and see where the malt is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled, and matured before you embark on a tutored tasting.
On the way back to Queenstown, you will stop in Arrowtown, an historic goldmining town, which still looks the way it did over 100 years ago, when Chinese goldminers settled in the area. You will see where they lived and hear about their history. You will also have some free time to do some shopping and explore the area.
The rest of the day and the dinner will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 – Te Anau
Breakfast at the hotel.
After a 2-hour drive, you will experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms !
Your trip will begin with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. The caves are 12,000 years old and they are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, you will be taken on a small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will take on a beautiful road trip through the backroads for a quintessential Kiwi experience. Dive into the high country, where you will see fabulous scenery and big landscapes everywhere you look.
You will then see a demonstration of sheep shearing and dog handling at a local and welcoming farm. Sheep farming is a significant industry in New Zealand; it was established by the 1850s and has played an important role in the country’s economy ever since. For several decades, wool accounted for more than a third of New Zealand's exports by value.
After a scrumptious barbecue dinner at the homestead, you will cross the Wakatipu Lake aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the oldest passenger-carrying steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. What a blissful way to appreciate the magnificent alpine scenery!
Transfer to your hotel and overnight.
Day 4 – Queenstown / Dunedin
After breakfast and check out, you will take the beautiful Central Otago Route, which will lead you to Dunedin.
The Central Otago Touring Route is a journey through spectacular landscapes full of natural wonders, from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean via the beautiful Strath Taieri and Maniototo Plains. You will enjoy the jaw-dropping views and quaint villages.
You will then enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. At 45 degrees south, the Otago region is the world’s southernmost wine-growing region, which means unique soil and climate conditions, with over 200 vineyards.
You will then be transferred to Dunedin pier to embark on your ship.
Your hotel:
Located in the heart of Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa 5* offers accommodation with a blend of French luxury and art de vivre. It offers 82 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, featuring Left Bank Café open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 1789 Wine & Jazz Lounge and Jervois Steak House. Enjoy the tasteful combination of French antique elegance and local avant-garde design !
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa 5*
8 Duke Street
Queenstown 9300
New Zealand
Telephone : +64 3 450 0045
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$4,720
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.