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Antarctica Luxury All-Gay Cruise 2027
13 nights from/to Buenos Aires, Argentina
November 14 27, 2027
Ponant Cruises Le Lyrial
A once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic All-Gay adventure awaits! The most remote continent on Earth is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve seen on previous travels, Antarctica is different from any other destination on the planet. Here, in the midst of the great Southern Ocean, you’ll find nature at its most magnificent. Join VACAYA as we host the latest all-LGBTQ+ full-ship charter to Antarctica on the most thrilling expedition of all time!
For those who’ve traveled all over the world but are still missing this elusive final continent, this is your chance to add #7 to the list! Or, if you’ve traveled to Antarctica with us before, come back AND bring your friends this time! This 13-night Thanksgiving-week all-gay journey isn’t just a trip… it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll be thankful for forever.
The Value of Luxury
VACAYA’s small-ship cruises are unapologetically exclusive – welcoming to all, of course, but built for discerning travelers seeking intimate experiences, splendid accommodations, and unparalleled service. Of course, savvy travelers recognize “value” rarely means “low price.” Instead, value is defined as getting something extraordinary for a great price. And that is exactly what VACAYA’s 2027 Antarctica Cruise delivers.
The V Team is dedicated to providing you with the very best. That’s what drives us, journey after journey. And it’s amazing all that’s included:
• Transfers from EZE Airport to Buenos Aires’ Hotel Madero on Nov 14
• Two Nights Accommodations at Hotel Madero in Buenos Aires, Argentina – Nov 14 & 15 (guaranteed early check-in no matter how early you arrive on Nov 14)
• Breakfast each day at Hotel Madero
• Buenos Aires Queer City Highlights Tour – Nov 15
• VACAYA Antarctic Fantasy Welcome Party – Nov 15
• Transfers from Hotel Madero to AEP Airport – Nov 16
• Charter Flight from AEP to USH at 10am on Nov 16
• Transfer from USH to Arakur Resort & Spa – Nov 16
• One Night Accommodations at Arakur Resort & Spa in Ushuaia, Argentina – Nov 16
• Half-Day Ushuaia Tour on Nov 17 (between hotel check-out and ship boarding)
• Post-Tour Transfer to Le Lyrial at 4pm on Nov 17
• Luxury accommodations for 10 Nights aboard Le Lyrial – Nov 17-27
• Daily Expeditions to the Continent
• All meals on board
• Premium Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages on board
• Daily afternoon tea and pastries on board
• Coffee & tea throughout the day on board
• 24×7 Room Service on board
• 24×7 Stateroom Service on board
• 24×7 Reception Desk on board
• Onboard Satellite WiFi (One device at a time per person)*
• The VACAYA Touch
- Your V Team Hosts
- Signature Entertainment
- Themed Cocktail Parties
- Social Activities
• Charter Flight from USH to EZE on Nov 27 at 11am (scheduled to land at EZE @ 2:30pm)
The following services are available for an additional charge:
• Optional Shore Excursions
• Spa Treatments/Massages
• Salon Services
• Laundry
• Satellite Telephone Services
• Medical Services
*Please note that we travel to some remote areas where the limits of satellite WiFi are certainly felt. Your patience at those times is greatly appreciated. With all satellite service at sea, we will occasionally encounter limited connection and reduced bandwidth. Streaming is not supported.
The Ponant Expedition Team
Made up of captivating and enthusiastic expedition leaders, naturalist guides, and experts, the PONANT expedition team will unlock the doors to pristine natural spots. During the outings on Zodiac boats and onboard talks, the team will give you the key to discover points of interest and wildlife sightings, understand the traditions and ways of life of locals (there are a few!), and get up close and personal with this remote region.
SMALL BOAT LANDINGS* INCLUDED.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest Zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula: glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry. The sturdy boats enable both water-based exploration and safe landings in otherwise inaccessible areas. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be agile to board these boats, but there’s otherwise no need to worry about traveling in them. In Antarctica, it’s mandatory to use rubber boots for all landings. These boots will be provided to you. Landing operations depend on favorable conditions.
EXPEDITION LEADERS. INCLUDED.
The ship’s experienced expedition leaders and lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of Antarctica and offer a rich program of included activities designed to immerse you in our destination. On a regular basis, they’ll conduct informative lectures on topics such as biology, history, and geology throughout the voyage. The lecture schedule will be announced every day in the onboard Daily Program. Expedition leaders like José Sarica bring your newfound knowledge to life in the field via the daily landings.
RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS. INCLUDED.
Le Lyrial’s onboard photographer will be there to assist you in the use of your photo equipment and to help improve your photo skills to successfully capture the White Continent. You’ll also have the option to purchase all the photographs the staff photographers capture during the voyage that retraces the entire story of the trip, complete with interviews with lecturers, naturalists, and the Captain. A stunning photographic “Best Of” presentation at the end of our cruise includes all the highlights.
Your Ship - Luxury Ponant Le Lyrial
Le Lyrial, like Sisterships Le Boreal, Le Soléal, and L’Austral, epitomizes the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy, and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer her guests both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquility and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Her exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Le Lyrial was built in 2015 and has led the way among PONANT’s expedition ships for over a decade. She’s a stunning vessel with sleek lines and an unusual dark-gray hull that makes her truly stand out. Le Lyrial is decidedly upscale and unashamedly French. Exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages to Antarctica, she’s guaranteed to take your breath away.
Meet PONANT Super Yacht Le Lyrial…
STATEROOMS
Elegantly-designed staterooms and spacious suites boast a warm contemporary interior design by Jean-Philippe Nuel. The designer took direct inspiration from the destinations and cultures explored during PONANT’s stopovers and then punctuated the design with beautiful ethnic touches. Nearly every stateroom on board boasts a lovely veranda (Superior rooms are the one exception), open minibar (replenished as needed), unlimited WiFi access, and 24-hour room service. Select suites offer even more luxuries including butler service to tend to your every need, including unpacking and repacking upon request. See Pricing section for specifics.
POOL & NATURE VIEWING DECK
The ship’s heated pool offers a panoramic view of our surroundings and is equipped with a counter-current swimming system for those who wish to maintain their lap swimming regimen while on vacation (or show off your physical endurance for the entire shipboard community). The pool and outdoor bar will be open weather permitting, of course. If the weather is great, this can be a cool place to meet up with friends.
RESTAURANTS
On Deck 2 Aft, you’ll find the ship’s panoramic restaurant, which can accommodate all of us in a single sitting. This dining area will have a buffet of salads, desserts, and cheeses at your disposal. And the ship’s discrete and attentive crew will provide table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 7 serves grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts, and will be open as warmer temperatures allow. And of course, complimentary room service is available to you 24×7.
LOUNGES & BARS
Different lounges enable you to socialize and share moments with other Vacayans during your cruise. Our ship features a main lounge, an ideal place to meet over a drink and watch daytime or evening events; the panoramic lounge, an intimate bar with a unique view of the horizon; and the outdoor bar, a relaxation area with access to the pool and solarium. The main lounge can accommodate all guests for VACAYA’s social activities both day and night.
THEATER
The theater seats all guests and is equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology. This will be the showcase venue for VACAYA’s and PONANT’s entertainment line-up, who are all complements to the true star of this voyage, Antarctica!
WELLNESS
The Spa offers a series of luxury treatments. Choose from moisturizing facials, relaxing massages, aromatherapy baths, anti-aging treatments, and enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation. There’s a salon as well, offering hair styling, barbering, manicures, and pedicures. The spa area includes a lovely sauna that’s larger than you’d typically expect on a ship this size. With a window facing the outdoors and long curvy benches, it’s an enticing retreat after an active expedition. The Fitness Center, boasting picture-perfect views of the open sea, features the latest Technogym machines including a Kinesis Wall.
LIBRARY
The ship has a well-stocked selection of books on different topics that will enrich your VACAYA cruise experience through this fascinating region.
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Antarctica Luxury All-Gay Cruise 2027 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 14 Nov |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| 15 Nov |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| 16 Nov |
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina |
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| 17 Nov |
Ushuaia / Le Lyrial |
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4 PM |
| 18 Nov |
Crossing the Drake Passage |
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| 19 Nov |
Crossing the Drake Passage |
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| 20 Nov |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| 21 Nov |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| 22 Nov |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| 23 Nov |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| 24 Nov |
Antarctic Peninsula |
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| 25 Nov |
Back Across the Drake |
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| 26 Nov |
Back Across the Drake |
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| 27 Nov |
Ushuaia / Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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Day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Our adventure starts with two nights in one of the greatest cities in the world, Buenos Aires, Argentina! When you arrive at EZE Airport, you’ll be whisked away to the 5-Star Hotel Madero to begin your exploration of this world-class city. No matter how early you arrive on the morning of Nov 14, your room will be waiting for you. Today is all yours to enjoy. Our Argentinian friends and BA experts will be standing by with a fantastic list of optional excursions you can purchase to make the most of your first day here.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires, Argenina Our full day here in BA includes an awesome range of activities. After enjoying your included breakfast at Hotel Madero, we’ll all head out together for a Queer Buenos Aires Highlights City Tour (10am-4pm), which will include visits to La Boca, Puerto Madero, Plaza de Mayo, Retiro, and Recoleta, with a lens on queer history, led by LGBTQ+ guides. Lunch is included on the tour. Tonight, VACAYA is hosting our Antarctic Fantasy Welcome Party from 7-11pm. Included in this magical evening are a queer tango show, great music, performers from BA’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, delicious finger foods to fill your belly, a dessert bar, and included wine, beer, and cocktails.
Day 3 - Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina
After your included breakfast at Hotel Madero, we’ll all transfer to Buenos Aire’s local airport, AEP, for our included charter flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, we’ll head to our host hotel, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa for a day of leisure or exploration of the area. Our travel partner will have several optional tours you can purchase to fill your late afternoon/evening. In addition, shuttles between our hotel and downtown Ushuaia are also available.
Day 4 - Ushuaia Exploration & Boarding Le Lyrial
Today, our included tour features regional highlights and a boxed lunch. We’ll have you back to Ushuaia and Le Lyrial around 4pm to begin embarkation. Tonight, after we’re all settled and well fed on board, our signature THIS IS ME Welcome Party will get these Antarctic festivities started!
Day 5 - Crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica
Today, our Antarctic Expedition Team will lead in-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology, and culture to provide context to our voyage and help us understand the unique destination we’re about to experience. You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.
Day 6 - Crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica
We’re getting closer now and both the sea and the sky will change dramatically. Icebergs – both large and small – begin to appear and if we’re lucky, we’ll get to see lenticular clouds, which are only seen over Antarctica and are a true otherworldly sight to behold.
Day 7 - The Antarctic Peninsula Land ho! After two days at sea, we’ve finally reached Antarctica! So few people have had the opportunity to actually walk on Antarctica. Today, you make history by becoming one of the lucky few who’ve had the chance to explore this land of extremes. Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your encounters with the huge colonies of penguins.
Day 8 - The Antarctic Peninsula Succumb to this magic place, which is unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises you unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you’ll find yourself surrounded in spectacular shades of blue and white, with exceptional wildlife all around you. Penguins, humpback whales, seals, and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas.
Day 9 - The Antarctic Peninsula Le Lyrial’s Captain decides where we go today. No matter where we land, you’re sure to see sights you’ve never seen before, and there’s no more humbling a feeling than that. Our Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced Captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for our adventure.
Day 10 - Take the Plunge in Antarctica Each day on the continent, we’ll attempt landings at several sites, with an aim to bring you the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness. Think about this for one second… at times over the past five days, you were the first person in history to walk on that bit of earth. Up for a plunge from the ship? Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to take this “right of passage”. How’s that for life changing?
Day 11 - Our Final Day in Antarctica Your entire view of our planet and of your place on it will have evolved completely by this day. Just take in the wonder and the incredible beauty of this serene and magical place one last time.
Day 12 - Back Across the Drake After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilization. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences, having fun on board, or just relaxing on deck, spotting the many sea birds which follow our ship. Today is the US Thanksgiving holiday and there’s no doubt… we all have so much to be thankful for. So, whether you’re a US citizen or one of our many international guests, we invite you to join us in all the traditions of this day of thankfulness.
Day 13 - Back Across the Drake As our journey draws to a close, you can feel time tightening its grip – each shared laugh, each quiet glance, each breath of polar air suddenly precious. Hold onto that feeling. It’s the deep satisfaction of having dared greatly, the pride of exploration, the quiet awe of standing at the edge of the world together. Savor these final moments with the friends who now feel like family, knowing that while this voyage to Antarctica will never repeat itself, its imprint on your heart will travel with you forever.
Day 14 - Arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina Today, our journey together comes to an end as we all fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (flight included). From there, there’s no telling where you’ll go! As you’ve come to learn, Buenos Aires is one of the world’s great cities and we highly recommend staying a few extra days to explore on your own if you have the desire and the time.
The French Touch of Ponant
As the only French cruise company, PONANT is an ambassador of the “French Touch” around the world. With French crew, discrete service, refined cuisine, and partners that embody the same spirit of excellence and refinement, PONANT does their utmost to maintain a unique cruising philosophy.
FRENCH CREW. INCLUDED.
The French Touch means, above all, a French crew to welcome you and ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your cruise. In an atmosphere of elegant luxury, you’ll find 5-Star Service on board. It’s a unique travel experience that’s simultaneously authentic and refined.
A FRENCH WAY OF LIVING. INCLUDED.
The French Touch also means a way of living in which gastronomy takes pride of place. Every day you’ll discover fragrant flavors, carefully selected cheeses and wines, and delicious specialty breads & pastries from Maison Lenôtre. Maison Taillevent provides its fine selection of vintage wines by the glass, Maison Veuve Clicquot champagne is served at our gala cocktails, and delicious sweets from Ladurée bakery are on offer during afternoon teatime.
PRESTIGIOUS PARTNERS. INCLUDED.
Finally, the French Touch is also evident in PONANT’s choice of partners whose expertise and passion for their work is in line with VACAYA’s quest for excellence: interior design by Jean Philippe Nuel, fabrics by Pierre Frey, delicate flavours from Le Palais des Thés, Hermès bath products in all staterooms and suites, spa care products by Sothy’s, and signature perfumes from Fragonard.
Product partner brands referenced are those currently used onboard by PONANT and are subject to change, substitution, or discontinuation at any time and without notice, based on availability and shipboard operations.
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