Antarctica
Discover and learn more about the incredible stories of Antarctic exploration in the 20th century with our interactive map
Get ready for a rare adventure! From Ushuaia you cross the Drake Passage and sail on to an unforgettable exploration of Antarctica. Meet penguins up close and touch icebergs with your bare hands. On board there is so much to do: learn and discover in the Activity Center, attend exciting lectures, and more, all of which are designed to enhance your trip.
- Experience glaciers, nature, and wildlife
- Go ashore in Antarctica and meet penguins up close
- Access to the high-tech Activity Center and lectures on popular topics presented on board
- Landings and excursions with the experienced expedition team
Cultural and Cool
Buenos Aires
This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. We offer an optional city tour in the afternoon. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the ‘Paris of South America’ for yourself.
Tierra del Fuego
Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where the cruise awaits you. Once on board, we kick off our journey with a welcome-on-board dinner.
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is a strait between the southern tip of South America and the northern tip of Antarctica. It connects the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean and was named after the explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Passage is around 1,000 kilometres long. Crossing the Drake Passage is seen as a pivotal moment in making the crossing to Antarctica and offers the perfect opportunity for passengers to test their endurance skills, as the waters here are some of the roughest in the world. Once through the Passage passengers will enjoy the calm waters and incredible natural landscape of Antarctica which make the trip more than worth it.
Antarctica … Another World!
Antarcticam you are now in one of the most remote areas on Earth! There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica is in an entirely different category. Go ashore to explore the breathtaking Antarctic scenery and get close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice, and from the deck there will be ample opportunities to see whales.
Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, and visit old whaling stations and its relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer. One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbor of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.
We are certain you will enjoy a visit to Half Moon Island, a staggeringly photogenic island blessed with some of the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, and Yankee Harbor, with its large colony of gentoo penguins, estimated to be approximately 4,000 breeding pairs. Cuverville Island is home to another of the largest known colonies of gentoo penguins. Neko Harbor is beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay.
Paradise Harbor got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century. Wilhelmina Bay has stunning scenery and is often called ‘Whale-mina Bay’, because of the large number of humpback whales spotted here in December. We have planned plenty of activities to have you experience Antarctica in the best possible way. This might mean that one day you will go ashore to see penguins and hear the crackling noise of glaciers. The next day, you will get to feel the salt and wind as you cruise between the sea ice, looking for leopard seals taking a snooze on the ice. On the third day, you might kayak or take a longer hike or walk. Back on board we also have activities that will satisfy a whole range of interests in the Explorer room. The onboard photographer will show you the basics of expedition photography.
Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and discuss the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities to share mingle with your fellow explorers.
Heading Back to Civilization
Drake Passage
After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilization. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences with fellow explorers, or just relaxing on deck.
End of the Adventure
Sadly, every adventure must come to an end. It is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends when we reach Ushuaia. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Consider extending your stay and enjoying our optional post-cruise expedition programs (Land Adventures).
