Abercrombie & Kent and Lindblad Expeditions confirmed their Antarctica seasons from Argentina, citing the country’s reopening of its borders in November.
Expedition operators only recently started confirming their Antarctica seasons due to the border closure in Argentina, whose southernmost city of Ushuaia is the main gateway to the White Continent. Some companies made the decision to move their operations to Chile in order to guarantee a restart.
Lindblad will kick off its season on Nov. 3 and base three of its Lindblad-National Geographic ships in the region, including the line’s two newest vessels, the National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance, as well as the National Geographic Explorer.
Itineraries will include 14-, 19-, 20- and 24-day sailings, including one that embarks form Punta Arenas, Chile.
Lindblad said that with an increase in family travel to Antarctica, ships will offer the National Geographic Global Explorers program provided in the Galápagos, Alaska and Baja. Led by a National Geographic-trained education specialist, the program offers educational activities and experiences designed to help kids and teens make the most of their experiences.
Abercrombie & Kent chartering Le Lyrial
A&K will launch its 30th season visiting the White Continent, with four expedition cruises embarking from Ushuaia.
“Our Antarctica operations this year will be based in a single country, Argentina, to maintain the integrity of our itineraries and minimize any impact on the guest experience,” said Bob Simpson, A&K vice president of expedition cruising.
A&K’s cruise will begin with two nights Buenos Aires prior to boarding in Ushuaia. The operator will charter Ponant Line’s 244-passenger Le Lyrial and limit capacity to approximately 80% with no cruise exceeding 199 guests.