Antarctica & Falklands Expedition (Northbound)
Cruise Overview
Join us on a late-summer expedition to experience unique landscapes, wildlife and amazing sunsets in the white continent, the Falkland Islands and Puerto Madryn
Embark on a late summer expedition to explore both the Falklands and Puerto Madryn and experience Antarctica when whale watching is at its best
Wilderness and wildlife
You’ll be in Antarctica for five days in its late summer months. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises will paint the ice and snow in shades of gold, orange and pink, accentuated by snow algae in bloom. This is prime time for whale-watching, and you’ll get to see penguins in their final stage of moulting. The Expedition Team will host lectures, take you on landings and on sea activities to really discover the frozen continent. We don’t have a set itinerary here, as Antarctica is known for changeable weather and sea ice. Instead, we’ll adjust our plans according to the elements to take you to the best places available.
The Falkland Islands and Patagonia
After experiencing Antarctica and returning via the Drake Passage, you can contrast its icy wilderness with three days in the green and grassy Falklands. Visit the charming capital Stanley with its English red busses, restaurants and charming pubs, and discover the variety of wildlife living on the more remote parts of the islands. Then, it’s on to warm and inviting Puerto Madryn for its beaches and nearby nature reserve before returning to Buenos Aires where your expedition cruise ends.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Cabin 1
Adults
Available Dates
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Arrival Day
Day 1
Arrival Day
After your flight from Australia or New Zealand, arrive in Buenos Aires and be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
The beat of Buenos Aires
Day 2
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.
Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this 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.
Early start in Ushuaia
Day 3
Early start in Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia and start your adventure
Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where we'll meet your hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.
This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city.
After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.
Get set for Antarctica
Day 4-5
Get set for Antarctica
Centre on science before your Antarctic adventure
On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition cruise.
Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Antarctica: another world
Day 6-10
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. as you spend five magical days exploring Antarctica.
When we arrive, the Antarctic summer is coming to an end, so you can look forward to seeing the landscape beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. It’s a great time to see penguins in their final stage of moulting and its peak whale-watching season as large amounts of krill lure cetaceans to the area.
You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You 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 into the frozen continent.
The Drake Passage
Day 11-12
The Drake Passage
Discover more about the Falkland Islands
As you savour your Antarctic experiences, prepare for more adventures ahead as we cruise towards the Falkland Islands. Your Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the islands. In the Science Center, you can look through the microscope at the tiny krill and phytoplankton that sustains so much of the region's wildlife.
Get tips from our professional photographer to improve your images or join workshops on wildlife painting and nautical knots. You can also book a spa treatment, visit the gym, and enjoy the locally sourced, regionally inspired dishes in our restaurants.
Wildlife of the Falklands
Day 13-15
Wildlife of the Falklands
Enjoy birding and hiking in these green islands
The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sands teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape. You’ll find grassy hills and wildflowers, in contrast to the vast whiteness of Antarctica. You'll also enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
Our landings, hikes and excursions are, as always, guided by the conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, which are often found sharing space with seals, and getting as close as we can without disturbing them.
A relaxing day at sea
Day 16
A relaxing day at sea
Relax and get ready for Puerto Madryn
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Puerto Madryn. You’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica and the Falklands that your head will likely be a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and new knowledge.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure.
End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Puerto Madryn
Day 17
Puerto Madryn
Visit a UNESCO wildlife haven
Puerto Madryn boasts warm temperatures and beautiful beaches. It’s also the gateway to the dramatic Valdes Peninsula, and while we’re here, you can explore the stunning nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You might get the chance to see marine mammals. There are also no less than 180 species of birds living on the peninsula, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. Stroll through the tranquil natural beauty of the reserve, enjoy a delicious bite to eat and browse the local arts and crafts shops.
Final sailing days
Day 18-19
Final sailing days
Time at sea to rest and reflect
As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Buenos Aires, enjoy your final day at sea.
Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, mulling over the highlights of a memorable adventure. And don't forget to contribute your findings to Citizen Science projects.
End the evening in the Explorer Lounge with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.
Buenos Aires
Day 20
Buenos Aires
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
As your expedition to Antarctica and the Falklands comes to an end in Buenos Aires, take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced on this incredible journey. Your mind will be swirling with memories of icy landscapes and the resident wildlife, and your camera will contain images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Why not join our popular, optional Post-Programme before heading home.
Departure Day
Day 21-22
Departure Day
Enjoy a day at leisure in Buenos Aires before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia or New Zealand.
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What's included
Hotel
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires airport before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, including a brief tour of the town
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us