Superior Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
226 ft²
3
Emblematic Antarctica
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dates:
27/02/2027
to
10/03/2027
Other available dates
days
nights on board
NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES + FLIGHT BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA + VISIT+ FLIGHT USHUAIA/BUENOS AIRES
If there is one place on the globe that fires the imagination of travellers and arouses in them an instant thirst for adventure, it is the immaculate and faraway lands of the White Continent. Inhabited by a surprising endemic fauna, the Antarctic will welcome you during an 11-day expedition cruise.
At the border between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, you will enter Drake Passage. At the roaring fifties and the screaming sixties, the wind blows and the waves beat against the stern of the ship. In the sky, cape petrels lead you toward their realm until you reach the first of the continent’s lands.
Ice is there in all its forms. The mountainous landscapes open up to give way to huge calving glaciers, tabular icebergs drift in the middle of the Southern Ocean, and the sea ice shimmers in the distance. On board, the naturalists share with you the secrets of this unique ecosystem. As you near the shores, the first penguins appear. Gentoo, Adelie, chinstrap: these surprising birds, emblematic of the Antarctic, share their beaches with leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals. During an outing on land or at sea, in a zodiac dinghy or a kayak, you will move through a stunning scenery bathed in polar light.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the IAATO.
Ref : UUJS45 - LY280227
Your itinerary
An expedition cruise to discover the Antarctic Peninsula and its most beautiful secrets surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
You may also like...
You may also like...
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
L'AUSTRAL
05/11/2025 to the 23/11/2025
LE CHAMPLAIN
03/12/2025 to the 13/12/2025
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Kayak Discovery
Get as up close to the natural environment as possible with an excursion aboard a two-person sea kayak, during one 2-hour session.
Guided by a state-registered polar navigation specialist, you'll discover and explore breathtakingly scenic polar landscapes and scenery.
All the necessary equipment will be provided for you on board.
How is the activity organised?
Once you’ve arrived onboard the ship, you’ll meet your guides and the rest of the people taking part in the activity. This will be an opportunity to provide a general introduction to the activity, outline the rules that need to be followed, provide the necessary equipment and separate the participants into groups based on personal preferences and/or ability level.
The day before the activity is due to take place, a new briefing session will be organised to provide you with further details about the port of call and how the excursion will be organised. We’ll then provide you with the necessary equipment, which you’ll be required to take very good care of.
On the day of the kayak activity, you’ll first get changed at the ship’s marina platform (keeping your boots and parkas with you) before then being transported to land by Zodiac® and taken to your kayaks.
Before you climb into your kayaks and set off on your adventure, your guides will provide a final safety briefing.
What requirements do you need to meet in order to go sea kayaking?
Though it’s always useful to have at least one experience of sea kayaking under your belt, due to the high quality of the equipment we provide and the experience of the guides who’ll be supervising you, we are able to take complete beginners to places normally only accessible to professional kayakers and seasoned outdoor adventurers.
Participants will be formed into groups based on ability level onboard the ship to ensure everyone is able to make smooth progress on the trip.
Sea kayaking is a physically demanding activity, for both the heart and the muscles. We require you to be in a good state of general physical health and to have a good sense of balance.
This activity is available to adults (aged 18 or over) and to children of 16 and over when accompanied by a parent.
Please note:
- One 2-hour session. Price per participant: 350 €
- Number of participants restricted to 20 per trip.
- This activity must be pre-booked in advance at least 7 days before the start of your cruise. Bookings made after this deadline will only be confirmed once onboard and are dependent on availability.
- Your vouchers will be dropped off directly in your room, during your cruise.
- Due to restrictions on the number of places available and a high level of interest from our passengers, there may be limited access to certain activities. The cost of any kayak trip cancelled by a passenger prior to departure will still remain payable in full.
- PONANT provides each participant with a sea kayak (Prijon Excursion EVO - two-person kayak for two participants), a dry suit (Sandyline - specially designed for PONANT), a life jacket, hand protection, kayak sea socks, spray skirt, carbon paddle (TNP Wolferine) and a waterproof bag.
- Depending on opportunities/availabilities during your cruise, additional Kayak tours can be booked only onboard.
- Kayak excursions are subject to weather and ice conditions on the day.
- You will be accompanied by state-certified kayakers each time you go out in a kayak.
- We require you to be in a good state of general physical health and to have a good sense of balance.
Highlights
- An expedition cruise to discover the Antarctic Peninsula and its most beautiful secrets surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Explore the magic of Antarctica with a sea kayak adventure. Lead by experienced, State-Certified kayak guides, you will skim the water’s surface amid the ice. For more information about your kayak tour, please go to the section ‘PONANT activities’ and to book your kayak tour, contact your cruise advisor.
- Hiking opportunity.
- Visit research stations and former whaling stations, if conditions allow.
- Lectures and information sessions hosted by our naturalist guides, covering wildlife, history, geopolitics, the great explorers, climate, environmental protection and educational discovery in the respect of environment.
- Landscapes: a multitude of drifting icebergs, ice floes, imposing glaciers and tall, snow-covered mountains.
- Wildlife: humpback whales; Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; leopard, crabeater and Weddell seals; and numerous seabirds.
- For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Buenos Aires the day before embarkation and the flights to/from Ushuaia (for details, see the “Included in your cruise” tab).
Subject to weather conditions. The expedition highlights, encounters with the wildlife and itinerary described illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ports of Call & Excursions
28 February 2027 - Ushuaia
Embarkation 28/02/2027 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 28/02/2027 at 18:00
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
1 March 2027 2 March 2027 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 01/03/2027
Departure 02/03/2027
Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings. Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.
3 March 2027 7 March 2027 - Antarctic Peninsula
Arrival 03/03/2027
Departure 07/03/2027
Succumb to the magic of a place unlike any other. To this day, the mythical Antarctic Peninsula still holds real fascination and promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas. Depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit, you may get the chance to observe them and share with them the beauty of these extreme parts.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands.
8 March 2027 9 March 2027 - Crossing the Drake Passage
Arrival 08/03/2027
Departure 09/03/2027
If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.
10 March 2027 - Ushuaia
Arrival 10/03/2027
Disembarkation 10/03/2027 at 08:00
Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mundo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible…
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Decks
NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES + FLIGHT BUENOS AIRES/USHUAIA + VISIT+ FLIGHT USHUAIA/BUENOS AIRES
For your serenity, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation
The day before embarkation – Buenos Aires
Meet at Ezeiza international airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative.
You will be transferred to your hotel.
Day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day – Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
An early morning breakfast will be served before leaving to the airport for you flight Buenos Aires – Ushuaia.
Transfer to the airport.
Flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia selected by PONANT in economy class. Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.
Meet and greet at the airport (English-speaking assistance).
According to the flight schedule, PONANT will adapt services and activities before your transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise on board your ship -
Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT in economy class.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.
Your programme includes :
-
Transfer from the airport to your hotel, the day before embarkation.
-
1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation.
-
Hospitality desk at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
-
Return flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT, in economy class.
-
Services of local guides, in Ushuaia.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
-
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.
-
Summer season in Buenos Aires: temperatures may be very hot, but often between 68 °F (20 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C).
-
Summer season in Ushuaia: temperatures vary between 41 °F (5 °C) and 65 °F (15 °C)
-
We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
-
Duration and order may vary.
-
PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
26/02/2027 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + ADDITIONAL NIGHT BEFORE AIR PACKAGE 1N (PRE) + IGUAZU FALLS 4N (POST)
ADDITIONAL NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES BEFORE AIR PACKAGE (1 NIGHT)
Total : £230
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.ARGENTINIAN NOROESTE DISCOVERY
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
With this rich and varied programme, you'll discover north-western Argentina, the majesty of the Andes landscapes, with their salt deserts, colorful hills and vineyards.
Day 1 - Buenos Aires
Meet&greet at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Sofitel Recoleta hotel (or similar).
Lunch, afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires - Salta
Breakfast.
You will be transferred to the airport to connect with the domestic flight selected by PONANT (subject to airline changes) to Salta.
Meet&greet at the airport by our local English-speaking guide.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
You will be transferred to your hotel, the Legado Mitico (or similar) in the historic center of Salta.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3:- Salta - Purmamarca
Breakfast.
Province of Jujuy discovery, famous for Humahuaca, a small Andean town 3000m above sea level, and its Quebrada, a Unesco World Heritage site. You'll enjoy a gastronomic experience in the heart of a vineyard, with food and wine pairings, before continuing your day's sightseeing.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Purmamarca, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 4 - Purmamarca - Salta
Enjoy breakfast.
You'll set off to discover the Salinas Grandes, endless stretches of salt dotted with softly blue pools. Enjoy an incredible gastronomic experience in the heart of the Pristine Camps. You'll continue your day's sightseeing before heading back to Salta, where you'll stay for two days at your Relais&Châteaux hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Salta
Day at leisure in your Relais&Châteaux, where you can take advantage of the hotel's facilities. A local representative will be on hand to guide you during your stay.
Day 6 - Salta- Buenos Aires
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Buenos Aires, where you will join the Air Package group included in your cruise.
Your hotels :
Sofitel Recoleta *****
Located in the elegant Recoleta district, rooms at the Sofitel feature flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and minibars. They feature refined mahogany furnishings and bathrooms with separate bath and shower. The Sofitel Recoleta offers a full buffet breakfast, as well as an on-site restaurant serving contemporary Argentine cuisine.
Legato Mitico Salta boutique hotel ****
Set in a 1930s house in the heart of Salta's historic center, the Legado Mitico Salta boutique hotel combines contemporary and traditional Argentine style. Just a few steps from the 9 de Julio square, it offers exclusive rooms with free Wi-Fi, an indoor patio and a library with a fine selection of cultural and travel books.
Manantial del Silencio ****
Located in Purmamarca, at the foot of the famous Hill of Seven Colors, Hotel Manantial del Silencio features a large garden with swimming pool, rooms with free Wi-Fi, a spa and a restaurant. Rooms are bright and airy, with large windows offering views of the garden and mountains. You can enjoy Andean specialties and international dishes at the restaurant.
House of Jasmines Relais&Châteaux *****
At the foot of the Andes, the House of Jasmines Relais&Châteaux estancia welcomes you to its vast 100-hectare park, a place steeped in Quechua traditions. In the new restaurant La Table de House of Jasmines, you can admire the large fireplace, the old earthen oven where you can see the meats being grilled for the asado, and the breathtaking view of the Andes... The cuisine, simple and tasty, tells the story of fresh produce from the garden.
Your program includes :
- 1 night in Buenos Aires at the Sofitel Recoleta (or similar), in a Superior room with early check-in on day 1 (from 11 a.m.), breakfast included.
- 1 night in Salta at the Legado Mitico in a Deluxe room, breakfast included.
- 1 night in Purmamarca at the Manantial del Silencio, in a Standard room, breakfast included.
- 2 nights at the Relais&Châteaux House of Jasmines Salta, breakfast included.
- Economy-class domestic flights Buenos Aires/Salta/Buenos Aires.
- Meals and drinks as mentioned in the program.
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
-
Your program does not include :
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.
- Tips to drivers and local guides.
Please note:
- If you have chosen a flight other than the one selected by PONANT: in order to book your transfer from the airport to your hotel, it is imperative that the details of your departure flight are communicated to your consultant, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise.
- Travelers must check the necessary formalities with the competent authorities of the countries concerned before departure. Maximum baggage weight: 23 kg.
Tour durations are given for information only. The order of visits may be reversed. To find out the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel consultant, or refer to the electronic ticket enclosed with your travel book.
Total : £2,800
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.IGUAZU FALLS (4 NIGHTS)
Total : £2,820
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.ARGENTINIAN ESCAPE (1 NIGHT)
Total : £440
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + ADDITIONAL NIGHT BEFORE AIR PACKAGE 1N (PRE) + IGUAZU FALLS 4N (POST)
Total : £0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.