Trip Code: ACPORS26
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Dunedin, New Zealand
Finish: Dunedin, New Zealand
SHIP: Le Soleal
Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica
26/01/2026
All meals, snacks, drinks, tea and coffee onboard (excludes premium beverages)
Transfers not Included
Cabin on board a ship
Daily Excursions in location, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on government regulations, weather & ice conditions
Set off on an incredible journey from New Zealand to the seldom seen Ross Sea and follow in the footsteps of renowned arctic explorers on this thrilling voyage.
Discover the amazing indigenous flora and fauna of Campbell Island, one of New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, as you cruise there on board Le Soléal, departing from Dunedin. The island is home to six different kinds of albatross. As you relish your time at sea and benefit from the discussions and instruction provided by your group of expedition leaders, be ready to arrive to the Southernmost Sea on Earth—the Ross Sea. In one of the most pristine, breathtaking locations, you will have the honor of visiting this interesting region with your expedition team and learning everything there is to know about its natural environment and history. Take a zodiac tour past massive icebergs and roaring glaciers, see the world's largest adolescent penguin rookeries, or see Weddell Seals lounging or hunting on ice floes. Visits to historic sites, such as Sir Ernest Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds, will provide you with the chance to think back on the valiant polar expeditions of some of the most daring explorers in history. Before disembarking in Dunedin, spend some time exploring Australia's Macquarie Island, home to a magnificent colony of king penguins, and the Snares Islands, home to a unique wildlife refuge. A really unique adventure that not many people get to go on!
*Itinerary is subject to change depending on government regulations, weather and ice conditions.
Prices are correct at time of publishing (13 August 2024) but are subject to change at any time until the time of booking and terms and conditions apply. Please contact us for more information and enquire for details and availability.
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.
Embarkation will take place from 4pm to 5pm, with departure scheduled for 6 pm.
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 local 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.
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.
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 local 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.
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.
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 local 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.
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.
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 local 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.
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.
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 local 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.
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.
Disembarkation is scheduled for 8 am.
Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.
You will undertake this voyage on board Le Soleal - This extraordinary voyage perfectly combines adventure on a luxury scale.
With landscapes of a breathtaking scale you will have the opportunity to see at least 9 penguin species and a number of seal species including Weddell Seal, Fur Seals and even Southern Elephant Seals.
Le Soléal is an elegant, chic yacht with a sleek silhouette, refined ambiance, quality workmanship and contemporary decor. The 132 comfortable suites and staterooms, range from superior, deluxe and prestige staterooms, to deluxe and prestige suites, The can accommodate up to 264 passengers (200 in Antarctica). All rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, king or twin beds, en-suite shower, Wi-Fi access and a TV, and all cabins except the superior staterooms feature a balcony. The ship is designed to take passengers to the furthest reaches of the planet with sophistication and modern touches, as well as top-of-the-range services. This is adventure in a luxury setting. The ship has many premium features, including a theatre for performances and onboard lectures by naturalist guides, a wellness area including a hair salon, spa, hammam and fitness studio, a panoramic lounge and outdoor bar, which overlooks the pool deck. Sailing onboard Le Soleal you will enjoy room service, most beverages and an in room mini bar included in the cost of your voyage. You can choosse from 2 premium restaurants onboard, one with a wine cellar and the other a grill restaurant. Afternoon tea is served at around 4pm daily.
Ice Class:
Length: 142m (466ft)
Breadth: 18m (59 ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:264
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on government regulations, weather and ice conditions.
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals whilst on board
Comprehensive pre-departure information
All scheduled landings and excursions, conditions permitting
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep)
A pair of expedition boots for use during voyage
Beverages (Excludes premium alcohol drinks served à la carte)
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares to and from embarkation/disembarkation city
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Personal expenses such as on board communications
Any pre or post cruise packages or accommodation stays
Gratuities for the crew
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.