Date
Nov 28, 2021 - Dec 10, 2021
Trip Type
By Sea

Ship Size: Up to 180 guests
Price: Starting from $14,095 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Duke, Smithsonian, Colorado College

Activity Level
3
Trip Brochure (2.28 MB)

Trip Overview

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Earth’s most wondrous cosmic event in pristine Antarctica. From aboard the exclusively chartered, Five‑Star L'Austral, be among the privileged few to witness the total solar eclipse from the Wedell Sea on December 4, 2021. Your ice‑class ship will be precisely positioned in the path of totality, revealing the spectral glow of the corona for nearly two minutes*, an evocative moment for both umbraphiles and first-time observers. Cruise for 10-nights to the unspoiled wonders of the White Continent to enjoy fantastically shaped icebergs, sparkling turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries, and awe-inspiring whales. Accompanied by the ship’s expert team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac watercraft for excursions ashore and to observe Antarctica’s abundant marine wildlife. 

Schedule by Day

  • Nov 27: Depart the U.S. for Argentina
  • Nov 28: Buenos Aires
  • Nov 29: Fly to Ushuaia/Embark L'Austral
  • Nov 30: Cruising the Drake Passage
  • Dec 1: King George Island
  • Dec 2: Elephant Island
  • Dec 3: Coronation Island, South Orkney Islands
  • Dec 4: Total Solar Eclipse, Weddell Sea
  • Dec 5: Heroina Island
  • Dec 6: Brown Bluff, Antarctic Continent / Bernardo O'Higgins Station
  • Dec 7: Deception Island
  • Dec 8: Cruising the Drake Passage
  • Dec 9: Ushuaia, Argentina/Disembark ship/Fly to Buenos Aires/Depart for the U.S.
  • Dec 10: Arrive in the U.S. 

*Eclipse viewing and cruise itinerary are subject to weather, ice and sea conditions and may be revised as necessary.

Pricing

Per person double occupancy:

  • Category 8:            $14,095
  • Category 7:            $15,395
  • Category 6:            $16,695
  • Category 5:            $17,095
  • Category 4:            $18,095
  • Category 3:            $18,495
  • Category 2:            $18,995
  • Category 1:             $19,395
  • Deluxe Suite:        $19,795
  • Prestige Suite II: $20,095
  • Prestige Suite I:   $20,995
  • Owner’s Suite:      $21,595

Single occupancy:

  • Category 6:           $27,595
  • Category 4:           $30,095

Accommodations

  • Ten nights aboard L'Austral

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

This is an expedition-type cruise involving shore landings by rubber Zodiac boats. Participants must be able to get in and out of the Zodiacs with minimal assistance. While ashore in Antarctica, the excursions involve a fair amount of walking over rocky, uneven, and sometimes steep terrain. Please be aware that crossing the Drake Passage can be rough and unpredictable. Because of the remoteness of the destination and an absence of shore-side facilities for medical treatment, each participant must have a health statement signed by a physician verifying they are in very good physical condition in order to participate.

Study Leader(s)

David P. Wheatland Curator of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and a Lecturer on History of Science
Additional Lecture Info
From Duke: Andrew Read, Stephen Toth Professor of Marine Biology; From Colorado College: Christine Siddoway, Professor of Geology, and Shane Burns, Professor of Physics

Mode of Travel

Revolutionizing the small ship cruising experience, the deluxe L’Austral features a new generation of unprecedented design, technology and standards in comfort and elegance, and caters to the most discerning passengers.

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.