Total Solar Eclipse in Antarctica 2021 on L'Austral

We are looking forward to safely traveling once again with alumni and faculty. Our hopeful planning is informed by University precautions and protocols. Due to the pandemic, Harvard has prohibited all University-related travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Since group travel is planned far in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your study leader’s participation before cancellation fees begin for your program.

Waitlist only

Date: November 27, 2021 - December 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

Terms and Conditions

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. Spend one night in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina. Extend your journey with the Buenos Aires Pre-Program and Iguazú Falls Post‑Program Options.

Schedule by Day

Nov 27: Depart the U.S.
Nov 28: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nov 29: Buenos Aires/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

One night at the InterContinental Buenos Aires Hotel
Ten nights aboard L'Austral

Extensions

Optional Buenos Aires Pre‑Extenstion

$645 per person double occupancy
$845 single occupancy

Optional Iguazú Falls Post‑Extension

Jungle View Rooms:

$2,295 per person double occupancy
$2,995 single occupancy

Falls View Rooms:

$2,445 per person double occupancy
$3,245 single occupancy

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)

Elsie Sunderland

Gordon McKay Professor of Environmental Chemistry

Andrew Reed, Stephen Toth Professor of Marine Biology at Duke, Christine Siddoway, Professor of Geology, and Shane Burns, Professor of Physics both at Colorado College.

Mode of Travel

L'Austral

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.