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Adventures by Disney offers first expedition cruises, to Antarctica, Galápagos

PHOTO: OLIVIER BLAUD/PONANT CRUISE_Ponant_Le Lyrial_Antarctica_Photo_by_Olivier Blaud.jpg
Two Antarctica voyages will be offered, one on Le Lyrial, picture here at Neko Harbor in Antarctica
Adventures by Disney is branching into expedition cruises for the first time with family trips to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands.

Antarctica voyages begin in late 2021 in partnership with Ponant and Galápagos sailings start in 2022 on the boutique expedition ship Galápagos Legend.

For both, family-focused activities will be curated by Disney's travel experts. Naturalists and Disney-trained Adventure Guides will lead engaging programming for adults and junior adventurers alike. As well, Disney animal and photography experts will host conversations and hands-on workshops about wildlife, conservation and travel photography.

Antarctica

Scheduled for 2021 and 2022, two 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruises will sail, one on Ponant's Le Lyrial and one on Le Boréal.

Following an overnight stay at Buenos Aires, the adventure begins in Ushuaia where, over two days in Patagonia, families will visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, ride the rails of the world’s southernmost functioning railway, visit the Harberton Settlement (the southernmost tip of South America) and take a catamaran tour of the Beagle Channel.

In Antarctica, travelers will embark on daily rigid inflatable boat excursions and hike along the shorelines. A premium, add-on kayaking excursion will be available.

Pre-cruise Buenos Aires add-on

A three-night guided group experience will highlight Argentina’s capital, including tango dancing and horseback riding at an estancia.

Galápagos

During eight-night Galápagos trips, there will be ample opportunities for viewing wildlife such as the albatross, frigatebird, blue-footed booby, giant tortoise, marine iguana and Galápagos penguin during snorkeling, kayaking and hiking adventures.

Families will also get a taste of culture in the islands as they try their hand at making fresh sugar cane juice at a family farm, discover local crafts with artisans-in-training at a bazaar, demonstrate their fancy footwork in a game of soccer and visit a coffee plantation.

Three routes are scheduled in 2022. Departing Feb. 9, the north and south Galápagos itinerary includes excursions to San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santa Fe. Departing March 6, July 10 and Aug. 7, the south and east Galápagos itinerary visits South Plaza, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz. And the Dec. 18 north and west Galápagos itinerary includes excursions to Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Mosquera, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina.

River cruises with AmaWaterways continue

Adventures by Disney’s river cruises return to Europe in 2022 with itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine rivers in partnership with AmaWaterways.

New next year are specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine featuring photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers.