Cruise Overview
Antarctica cruise - Antarctica & Falklands Expedition (Northbound)
Late-summer Antarctica expedition gives you five days seeing its wildlife and amazing sunsets, before sailing north to the Falkland Islands.
Get close to icebergs, spot whales and penguins and join the Expedition Team hiking, kayaking, ice-cruising and perhaps even camping overnight in Antarctica.
Explore the remote Falkland Islands and see the rich wildlife there before heading to Puerto Madryn in Patagonia.
The frozen continent
Set sail through icy waters as we journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica. When we arrive in the thrilling and otherworldly Seventh Continent, we’ll enter expedition mode. Monitoring the conditions to give us the best adventure possible, and we’ll attempt kayaking, ice-cruising, wildlife watching, hiking and more.
Lush green landscapes of the Falklands
Explore the rolling green hills and white sands of the picturesque Falklands archipelago. You’ll enjoy a visit to the charming capital Stanley and see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies that populate the shores. Continuing north to Puerto Madryn, warm sandy beaches and a tranquil nature reserve await you.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Cabin 1
Adults
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Day 1
Day 1
Day 1
If you thought romance was dead, you’ve never been to Buenos Aires. The sophisticated yet down-to-earth Argentine capital thrives on its strong traditions: proud soccer fans, a cultured theater scene, and the seductive tango. Wander past French and Italian architecture in Recoleta, finding respite from the summer sun in the sprawling plazas and parks of Palermo, where fleets of parrots and songbirds roost. At night, try a choice cut of steak in San Telmo before heading to a local bar, club, or confitería along Avenida Corrientes for a late night fueled by tango dancing.
Consider arriving a few days early to participate in our Pre-Program and explore the wild land of Patagonia.
Early start in Ushuaia
Day 2
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 exploring 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.
Crossing continents
Day 3-4
Crossing continents
The two-day voyage across the Drake Passage will fly by. When you’re not on deck looking for albatross, petrels, humpback, and fin whales, our expert Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead.
The Expedition Team’s lectures will teach you about the history, environments, and challenges of the places we plan to visit. You will learn what it takes to be an Antarctic ambassador and how to safely and sustainably explore the continent’s frozen habitats while observing IAATO regulations. Our precautions include, among many others, special rubber boots for landings. The Expedition Team will also introduce you to the Citizen Science programs that will help you better understand these intricate ecosystems while contributing to current scientific research. Meanwhile, have a chat with our onboard photographer, who will sharing some useful tips on how to improve the quality of your photos.
Included activities such as art classes are also a great way to spend your down time. Or relax in the sauna. Work out in the indoor gym or strap on your running shoes to test the outdoor running track, which is just under one-tenth of a mile. Then enjoy a massage or a facial in the Wellness Area, or grab a healthy snack in one of our three onboard restaurants.
A world of ice and wildlife
Day 5-9
A world of ice and wildlife
Welcome to Antarctica. This vast continent is covered almost entirely by ice and snow. Enormous ice shelves tower over our ship, flanked by building-sized icebergs. Glaciers cascade down the mountains, crumbling toward the shoreline where they calve into the water. Austral summer is coming to an end when we arrive, and you can expect to see these landscapes beautifully illuminated by breathtaking sunsets. This is also the best time of year to see penguins in their final stage of molting and to spot different whale species as they gorge themselves on krill.
Over five days, we plan to visit several possible sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula, depending on when and where conditions are the best. We don’t just waive and sail by. The Expedition Team has big plans for you. They will guide ice-cruises and on-shore landings, bringing you to historic and scenic sites and to penguin colonies (always at a respectful distance). You may even have the opportunity to go kayaking among the icebergs, an optional activity. The Expedition Team will also continue their lecture program and, should you choose to participate, you will find plenty of wildlife to catalog as part of a Citizen Science project.
The itinerary for an expedition cruise is not set in stone, nor should it be. This allows us to be flexible and adapt to our best options throughout the voyage. After sailing these waters for years, we know all the possible landing sites, and maximize the experience by knowing when and where to go.
The Drake Passage
Day 10-11
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.
Pubs and penguins
Day 12-14
Pubs and penguins
The barren, white wilderness of Antarctica will seem a world away when we reach the lush green grass, white sands, and farms of the Falkland Islands. Similar to Antarctica, our itinerary will be flexible during our three days here exploring the islands. This allows the captain and Expedition Team to pick the best spots for each day, based on the conditions at the time.
This is a paradise for birds such as ducks, geese, albatross, caracaras, and wrens, not to mention the four different species of penguins found here: the king, rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo. The gentoo penguins typically hang out in large colonies around the islands, which you might be able to spot from the ship. If conditions allow, we might even visit a penguin colony during a landing.
Stanley, the archipelago’s capital, lies on East Falkland Island and is easy for the ship to access. Small enough to be explored on foot, it is complete with icon English red buses, inviting restaurants, and pubs full of friendly locals.
A relaxing day at sea
Day 15
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.
World Heritage wildlife haven
Day 16
World Heritage wildlife haven
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 17-18
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.
Back to the beginning
Day 19
Back to the beginning
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and your expedition cruise is no exception. Given the intensity and number of experiences you’ve had, it may seem like months since you left Buenos Aires, even though it has only been 19 days since you departed. Use this second opportunity to discover this exotic Latin city that pulsates to the rhythm of the tango. If you can stay a few extra days, venture on a Post-Program to the famous Iguazú Falls, one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world.
Whether you carry on with your adventure or head home, we bid you a fond farewell and wish you many more adventures in the years to come. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see you on an expedition to another destination we explore, or perhaps Antarctica will tempt you back again!…
What's included
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs) while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographer will help configure your camera settings before landings
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not 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 to the airport in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Ushuaia
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
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
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Up to 50% OFF – Black Friday Sale
Last cabins left on all-inclusive expeditions at up to half price! Offer ends Dec, 9 2024.
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Medical Screening Form Promise
Our Medical Screening Form Promise guarantees a full refund of your voyage, along with the option to transfer your booking to another sailing in the rare event of your medical form being declined.
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Set sail in style with our limited time suite offer
Save up to $5,500 when you book a suite before 23 December 2024.
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Exclusive Member Offers
Save an additional 5% on your next expedition
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Save up to 25% on your 2026-2027 expedition
Get a head start on your next adventure to Antarctica, the Galápagos, Greenland, & more!
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Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages