Highlights of Antarctica

Overview

Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise to Antarctica, departing from and returning to Buenos Aires. Dive deep into the heart of the frozen continent during the summer months, where every moment is dedicated to exploration.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica’s landscapes, with towering glaciers and majestic icebergs dominating the scenery. Join our Expedition Team on ice-cruising expeditions and landings, where you’ll get up close to the remarkable icescapes and wildlife.

Encounter Antarctica’s diverse wildlife, including seals, penguin colonies, and magnificent whales. Depending on the time of year, witness penguins courting and nesting, chicks hatching, or whales in their peak feeding season.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable Expedition Team will provide insightful lectures on topics ranging from glaciology and wildlife to climate change and polar exploration. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Antarctica on this unforgettable expedition cruise.

Highlights

• – Explore an enchanting world of towering icebergs and ice sculptures

• – See penguin rookeries up close

• – Keep watch for Antarctic wildlife, including seals, whales and seabirds

• – Witness the massive calving glaciers aboard Zodiacs

• – Visit Latin Americas most enchanting city, Buenos Aires

Itinerary

Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive at the vibrant metropolis of Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of South America. You will be greeted on arrival by your representative and transferred to your pre-cruise hotel. Full of Latino energy and color, you will have the opportunity to explore this exciting city in the afternoon and evening, perhaps taking in a Tango show or simply enjoying the wonderful ambiance of the many bars and restaurants.

Day 2 – Ushuaia

You will fly early in the morning to Ushuaia and transfer onto your ship where a warm reception awaits. After settling into your cabin, enjoy the stunning views surrounding the Beagle channel as the vessel sets sail, relax, and unwind with a sumptuous welcome-onboard dinner.

Days 3 & 4 – Drake Passage

Over the coming few days, the ship heads south across the infamous Drake Passage, en route to Antarctica. You can enjoy fascinating lectures from the expert polar team which will prepare you for your first landings, learning about the unique world of Antarctica and the wildlife that inhabits this magical continent. Or simply relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery and onboard facilities, keeping watch for the first icebergs as you enter scenes from another world.

Days 5 to 9 – Antarctica

Welcome to Antarctica! Your Captain and expert expedition crew will create a unique itinerary to ensure you get the very best from your time in this spectacular environment, based on the local weather and ice conditions. The crew aim to guide you to Deception Island, infamous for its breathtaking active volcanic and glacier-covered landscapes and one of the few places on earth where ships can navigate directly into a flooded caldera. The region is also home to eight varies of seabirds including huge colonies of chinstrap penguins, an abandoned whaling station, and a derelict British base.

You may visit stunning Half Moon Island, a real favorite for photographers with its otherworldly landscapes and chance to spot a variety of seals, chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, and Antarctic terns. Other possible landing spots include Cuverville Island, with its sizable colony of Gentoo penguins and the beautiful Neko Harbour, located on Andvord Bay. Neko Harbour is where you can witness enormous glaciers calving chunks of ice into the bay, creating majestic icebergs and mystical ice sculptures. The expedition team will continue to guide you to the highlights of the Great White Continent with further landings, such as to the aptly named Paradise Bay. Visit the stunningly crystal-clear waters of Wilhelmina Bay, cruising through incredible landscapes rich with icebergs, keeping watch for its famous visitors, the humpback whale. Throughout the expedition, you can experience a varied range of activities, from setting foot on the Antarctic ice sheet and getting up close to penguins, hiking to panoramic vantage points for photographs, kayaking into serene icescapes spotting basking leopard seals or Zodiac cruising past massive glaciers and icebergs, admiring the sheer magnificence of the environment around you.

Back on board, the array of activities continues, with the Science Room welcoming guests for deeper discovery, and the onboard photographer is on hand to help you capture the perfect Antarctic shots. Your expedition team will organize presentations to discuss the days highlights and brief you on exciting plans for the next day. These gatherings are always fascinating as you share your memories with your fellow travelers and crew, leaving you with stories to last a lifetime.

Days 10 & 11 – Drake Passage

Feeling enriched with breathtaking experiences, the Captain steers the ship northbound as you head back to civilization. Enjoy the free time to relax, edit photos, partake in the onboard guest lecture program and recap your experiences with your newfound friends and crew.

Day 12 – Ushuaia & Buenos Aires

As your amazing adventure comes to end, you say goodbye to the crew and fellow explorers. You are transferred to Ushuaia airport, where you will fly to Buenos Aires for your flight home.