Disney’s New Expedition Cruises: Antarctica & Galapagos

le boreal ponant exterior expedition ship

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Adventures by Disney, the family-focused tour and river cruise division of the entertainment giant, has announced it will launch expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands.

Beginning late this year, Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruising will sail the first of two 12-day Antarctica and Patagonia itineraries in partnership with luxury expedition line Ponant. With the sailing, the 15-year-old Adventures by Disney will achieve the milestone of offering travel to all of the planet’s seven continents.

le boreal ponant exterior expedition ship
Le Boreal (Photo courtesy of Ponant)

As well, the company announced it will launch five 9-day sailings in 2022 on three different routes in the Galapagos aboard boutique expedition ship Galapagos Legend.

The cruises promise programming designed for both adults and children, including special presentations by naturalists. Select sailings will also feature animal and photography experts and workshops about wildlife, conservation, and travel photography.

Adventures by Disney also offers family river cruises in Europe aboard ships operated by AmaWaterways, and has announced new photography focused excursions along France’s Seine River with National Geographic photographers aboard in 2022.

Exploring Antarctica In Luxury

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(Photo courtesy of Ponant)

Beginning with an exploration of the diverse landscapes and rich culture of Patagonia at the southern tip of South America, the Adventures by Disney Antarctica cruise will enable guests to hike through penguin colonies, search for pods of whales, and cruise past glaciers and ice floes.

Travelers can also take advantage of a four-day pre-cruise land package in Buenos Aires prior to the flight south to Ushuaia, Patagonia where the cruise begins.

The Antarctica cruises will be offered on sister vessels that are among the most elegant and amenity-packed expedition ships afloat.

Launched in 2010, the 264-passenger (250 in Antarctica) Le Boreal features elegant design and state-of-the-art marine technology. Staterooms and suites range in size from 200 to 398 square feet, and 95 percent of the ship’s accommodations feature private balconies.

Other highlights include a single-seating dining room, al fresco dining, an outdoor heated pool, and a modern lecture facility and theater. There is also a comfortable gathering area and library, full-service salon, spa, and fitness center. 

Le Lyrial is five years younger than Le Boreal, but similar in size and capacity. The 122 staterooms and suites start at 200 square feet and range up to 580 square feet.

Graceful In The Galápagos

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Galápagos Seals (Photo courtesy of Adventures by Disney)

On an Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, families will island-hop from one extraordinary adventure to the next with five 9-day, 8-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. 

Carrying just 100 guests, the Legend promises intimacy combined with comfortable and spacious social areas. Open decks will allow guests to admire the islands’ flora and fauna, enjoy a barbecue at night, or take in the sun at the pool and bar areas.

Guests on these cruises will explore the diverse islands and ecosystems of the Galápagos Archipelago, getting up-close and personal with the many endemic species, including marine iguanas, giant land tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and many more. 

Disney River Cruising: The Seine Gets A Close-Up

adventures by disney national geographic photography river cruise
(Photo courtesy of Adventures by Disney)

In addition to launching its brand-new Expedition Cruise itineraries, Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return once again to Europe with three itineraries along the Danube, Rhine, and Seine.

New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. 

These 8-day, 7-night voyages will inspire photographers with sights ranging from the provincial landscape of Monet’s Giverny to the beaches of Normandy. Guests will be able to hone their skills through an array of photography workshops. 

Advanced booking begins January 19, 2021 for all previous Adventures by Disney guests, and January 21 for Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Club Members, and Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Club Members. General booking begins January 22.

READ MORE: Disney Cruise Line Returns to Hawaii in 2022

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