Valparaiso

Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in vibrant Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', it’s built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city. Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating... Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in vibrant Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', it’s built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city. Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes.   Read More

Cruising

Get into expedition mode Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip. Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well a... Get into expedition mode Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip. Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center. Grab your binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities, and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, sauna and gym.  Read More

Cruising

Castro

See stilt houses and historic churchesSet among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. From various vantage points you can get grea... See stilt houses and historic churchesSet among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. From various vantage points you can get great views of the city’s colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.  Read More

Patagonia Exploration

Witness unforgettable seascapes Your expedition cruise continues south through the waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, sea... Witness unforgettable seascapes Your expedition cruise continues south through the waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, seals and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, or just enjoy the onboard cuisine, before relaxing in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on a range of topics, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography.  Read More

Caleta Tortel

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to around 500 inhabitants. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit c... Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to around 500 inhabitants. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over the water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to investigate the milky blue waters here by kayak. While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.  Read More

Puerto Edén

Wild Patagonia: Fjords, Culture and Glaciers  We continue our adventure deep into the Chilean fjords with fantastic opportunities for scenic cruising aboard the ship and in our small expedition boats too. Adventure awaits in this wild and stunning landscape!  As we sail through the maze of... Wild Patagonia: Fjords, Culture and Glaciers  We continue our adventure deep into the Chilean fjords with fantastic opportunities for scenic cruising aboard the ship and in our small expedition boats too. Adventure awaits in this wild and stunning landscape!  As we sail through the maze of the Patagonian waterways, depending on tidal conditions, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.   Continuing further south, we will cruise the majestic fjords, taking in the incredible scenery along the way. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles, glaciers and green mountains, looking out for marine wildlife who often swim alongside the ship. Our exploration continues within Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to glaciers such as Garibaldi or Pia. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful fjords. If conditions allow, we'll reach the glacier at the head of the fjord for some of the most breathtaking glacial scenery.   Read More

Alberto de Agostini National Park

Alberto de Agostini National Park was created in 1965 and takes its name from an Italian explorer, photographer, writer and missionary of the Salesians of Don Bosco order that lived and explored Patagonia as a missionary around 1930. De Agostini was known for his d... Alberto de Agostini National Park was created in 1965 and takes its name from an Italian explorer, photographer, writer and missionary of the Salesians of Don Bosco order that lived and explored Patagonia as a missionary around 1930. De Agostini was known for his discoveries, photographs and maps of the region. The park is located in the Region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, the southernmost, largest, and second least populated region of Chile. The park covers 5,637 square miles and touches Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica provinces. It is the third largest protected area of the country. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005 and protects many species of animals and sea birds. Its rich fauna includes species like the Andean fox, the South American grey fox (also known as the Patagonian fox), the southern elephant seal, the leopard seal, the Chilean dolphin (also known as the black dolphin or tonina), and the humpback whale. Read More

Pia Glacier, Glacier Alley

Drake Passage Seas

Get set for Antarctica  Over the next two days, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.In the Science Centre, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Ant... Get set for Antarctica  Over the next two days, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.In the Science Centre, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.  Read More

Drake Passage Seas

Penola Strait

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarct... Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.  Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.  Read More

Antarctic Sound

The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued... The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south. Read More

Antarctic Sound

The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued... The Antarctic Sound is a stretch of water named after the first ship to have passed through this body of water from the Bransfield Strait to the Weddell Sea in 1902. The Antarctic eventually sank and crew and scientists had to spend quite some time in this area before they could be rescued. Sites that have to do with this story - like Hope Bay or Paulet Island - are sometimes visited. At Paulet, Hope Bay and Brown Bluff Adelie and Gentoo Penguins breed, as do Kelp Gulls and Cape Petrels, Snow Petrels and Skuas. The Sound’s main attractions are the spectacular tabular icebergs that come from the Larsen Ice Shelf further south. Read More

South Shetland Islands

Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the ea... Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches. Read More

Cruising

Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina  After incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the onboard facilities.  You can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa... Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina  After incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the onboard facilities.  You can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs. Visit the Science Centre and find out more about the things you've seen or use the time to sort through your photos.  Enlist the help of the Expedition Team to help identify species captured in your photos.    Read More

Cruising

Ushuaia

From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires  Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.Why not join one of our optional Post-Progra... From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires  Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.Why not join one of our optional Post-Programmes before heading home.  Read More