Buenos Aires

Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventureAn overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and L... Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventureAn overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic voyage. Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, the city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.  There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.  Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.  Read More

Ushuaia

Set sail from the capital of Tierra del FuegoThe morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the... Set sail from the capital of Tierra del FuegoThe morning begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia. This port city is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province, and it’s set against the magnificently rugged backdrop of the Andes mountains. Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city, and it’s from here that many adventures to Antarctica set out – including ours.  You’ll be welcomed aboard your hybrid-powered expedition ship – specially designed for exploring polar waters – and after a briefing from your Expedition Team there will be time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Your adventure has truly begun!  Read More

Drake Passage Seas

Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of AntarcticaOn the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure. Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Liste... Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of AntarcticaOn the two-day crossing over the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your upcoming adventure. Visit the onboard Science Centre and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the serious effects of modern-day environmental concerns. You'll discover how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and learn about the onboard Citizen Science projects which help protect the environment and that you can be a part of.  There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine in the ship’s restaurants, and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.  Read More

Drake Passage Seas

South Shetland Islands

Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition modeNothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you wit... Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition modeNothing quite prepares you for it. Silence and serenity infuse your soul as we sail through the deep blue waters past looming glaciers and cathedral-sized icebergs. Every moment in Antarctica will fill you with wonder.  Large groups of penguins huddle on the ice floes, avoiding the cunning leopard seals that hunt them, and majestic, migrating whales glide past pristine icebergs as they feed on shoals of krill. Look skywards and you may spot some of the many species of Antarctic seabirds that live here, including skuas, cormorants, petrels and terns.  Here, nature reigns, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for adventure, and we’ll spend nine action-packed days exploring several of the many possible landing sites. Each day promises something different and soul-stirring.   Where most journeys to Antarctica end, yours only intensifies, offering unprecedented access to some lesser-explored areas. Remember, this is an expedition voyage! This means we’ll be able to adapt our itinerary depending on the sea and ice conditions, and we’ll endeavour to spend at least one day – or possibly several – in each of the following regions: South Shetland Islands: Typically, the first glimpse of Antarctica for travellers, the South Shetland Islands boast a dramatic landscape across the 20-island archipelago. These rugged isles are not just strikingly beautiful, they are also teeming with wildlife, offering a vibrant, up-close encounter with nature's resilience and diversity. Antarctica Sound: A lesser-visited gem in the region, Antarctic Sound serves as a grand gateway to the Weddell Sea and is home to some of the largest tabular icebergs. This striking corridor of ice and water is also a prime habitat for observing the rarer Adélie Penguin and offers a unique snapshot of the grandeur of Antarctica. Gerlache Strait: A centrepiece of Antarctic exploration, the Gerlache Strait, offers sheltered waterways ideal for up-close encounters with some of the continent's most iconic sights. This is the area where our ship’s namesake, Roald Amundsen, in 1898 sailed aboard the Belgica before he and the crew became the first humans to overwinter in Antarctica. Frequented by humpback whales and other cetaceans, this area mesmerises visitors with 360-degree views of snow-covered alpine landscapes, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for adventure.  The Penola Strait (South of the Lemaire Channel): The Penola Strait, accessed via the French Channel offers a spectacular maze of penguin-covered islands set against the massive glacier-clad peaks of the continental shoreline. This remote area, often beyond the range of standard voyages, teems with wildlife and presents boundless exploration opportunities. The abundant sea ice not only enhances the beauty but also increases the chance of observing seals and other wildlife. If ice and sea conditions allow, the Expedition Team may choose the breathtaking Lemaire Channel instead of the Penola Strait. The former is often hailed as the world's most picturesque channel, for good reason.   Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, enlightening and entertaining with their insights into the wonders of the frozen continent. 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

At Sea

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

Gerlache Strait

 The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring...  The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring towering icebergs and dramatic mountain landscapes. It serves as a vital navigation route for research vessels and tourist ships visiting the region, offering access to some of Antarctica's most breathtaking sites. The waters of the Gerlache Strait are rich in marine life, including seals, whales, and various seabirds, making it a prime location for wildlife watching. Its unique ecosystem and breathtaking vistas attract adventurers and researchers alike, contributing to our understanding of this remote and pristine part of the world. Read More

Gerlache Strait

 The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring...  The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring towering icebergs and dramatic mountain landscapes. It serves as a vital navigation route for research vessels and tourist ships visiting the region, offering access to some of Antarctica's most breathtaking sites. The waters of the Gerlache Strait are rich in marine life, including seals, whales, and various seabirds, making it a prime location for wildlife watching. Its unique ecosystem and breathtaking vistas attract adventurers and researchers alike, contributing to our understanding of this remote and pristine part of the world. Read More

Penola Strait

Penola Strait

Gerlache Strait

 The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring...  The Gerlache Strait is a narrow body of water located in Antarctica, separating the Antarctic Peninsula from various islands to the west, including the Palmer Archipelago. Named after the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, this strait is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring towering icebergs and dramatic mountain landscapes. It serves as a vital navigation route for research vessels and tourist ships visiting the region, offering access to some of Antarctica's most breathtaking sites. The waters of the Gerlache Strait are rich in marine life, including seals, whales, and various seabirds, making it a prime location for wildlife watching. Its unique ecosystem and breathtaking vistas attract adventurers and researchers alike, contributing to our understanding of this remote and pristine part of the world. Read More

Drake Passage Seas

Reflect on your adventureToday, our ship begins to head back north after our exhilarating time in Antarctica. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea.  Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to de... Reflect on your adventureToday, our ship begins to head back north after our exhilarating time in Antarctica. As we make the return trip across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this time at sea.  Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to delve into areas of interest and contribute your observations to Citizen Science projects. Enlist the help of the Expedition Team to help identify species captured in your photos.   Relax with a treatment in the spa and wellness area or take in the fresh sea air from the on-deck hot tubs. Spend time in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.  Read More

Drake Passage Seas

Ushuaia

Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos AiresYour expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of y... Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos AiresYour expedition cruise ends back where we set out from in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but if you’re still in the mood for some more experiences it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.Buenos Aires is a city rich in culture, with some amazing architecture and dining options. If you fancy lingering a while longer, why not join our optional Post-Programme before heading home.  Read More