Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route
16-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise with round-trip flights from Buenos Aires
Spend nine days exploring Antarctica, visiting the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait and Penola Strait, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires.
Travel beyond the ordinary routes and visit exclusive and secluded areas. Experience every facet of Antarctica and have enough time to savour every unforgettable moment.
Learn all about the splendours of the Antarctic Peninsula, with more exploration than any other Antarctic Peninsula voyage.
A deep dive into the wonders of Antarctica
This voyage is for those who want the ultimate in Antarctica experiences. With nine full days in the White Continent, we venture further to visit iconic regions where the Antarctic explorers first set sail. You’ll witness a wildlife extravaganza as we encounter whales, seals, colonies of penguins, and many seabirds – all living wild and free in this pristine haven. On this active expedition, we’ll head out in kayaks or use snowshoes so you can really get to know Antarctica up close and personal. And with flexibility built into our itinerary, we can adapt our route to chase the extraordinary.
Explore further with the expedition factor
Our adventure begins in the birthplace of the tango, Argentina’s Buenos Aires, before we fly to Ushuaia and join our comfortable hybrid-powered expedition ship. Crossing the Drake Passage is a time of anticipation, excitement and learning with the Expedition Team, as we sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the South Shetland Islands, the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Sound and the Gerlache and Penola straits. Days will be filled with wonder and awe as we gaze upon immense glaciers and icebergs and enjoy a rich and fulfilling adventure like no other.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Feel the rhythm of Buenos Aires and get into the spirit of adventure
An 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.
Set sail from the capital of Tierra del Fuego
The 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!
Get into adventure mode and learn about the nature and science of Antarctica
On 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.
Experience all the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula as we enter expedition mode
Nothing 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.
Antarctic 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.
The Weddell Sea:
Navigable only by the most advanced ice-strengthened ships, the Weddell Sea offers a profound connection to Antarctic exploration history. It was in this region in 1925 that Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was crushed by sea ice, setting off his legendary survival journey. Visitors to this harshly beautiful environment gain a vivid sense of Shackleton’s extraordinary feats. Here, you might also see Emperor Penguins migrating to or from the nearby colony at Snow Hill Island.
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.
Reflect on your adventure
Today, 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.
Enjoy an expedition finale in Buenos Aires
Your 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.
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Antarctica ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
Offers
Enjoy limited-time savings on selected sailings. Combinable on select offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to complete a Medical Screening Form?
Due to the remote nature of our expeditions to Antarctica, it’s important for us to be aware of any health concerns. To prioritise the health and safety of our guests and crew, a Medical Screening Form is required for expeditions to Antarctica. For more detailed information on this topic, click here.
What is the Medical Screening Form Promise?
Our promise to you is that if your Medical Screening Form is declined for medical reasons as determined by Vikand Solutions, we will refund you of all bookings made by HX up until the date of declinature. This includes all applicable flights, hotels and ground transportation.
This offer applies per booked cabin on voyages to Antarctica departing from 1 October 2024.
The Medical Screening Form must be submitted to HX via the Vikand portal no later than 4 weeks prior to the departure date.
Our promise to you is that if your Medical Screening Form is declined for medical reasons as determined by Vikand Solutions, we will refund you of all bookings made by HX up until the date of declinature. This includes all applicable flights, hotels and ground transportation.
This offer excludes a refund of any bookings made outside of HX (including any bookings made by yourself). Please refer to your insurance policy for any costs booked outside of HX.
This offer must be claimed within 60 days prior to the departure date.
HX reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Please check at the time of booking as to the status of this offer.
This offer does not apply to re-scheduled or cancelled voyages.
This promise only applies to the first Medical Form submitted. It is not allowed to re-submit multiple form until failure.
Rebookings can be made at no additional cost, subject to applicable booking conditions.
How do I complete the Medical Screening Form?
We require all guests (including children) to submit and complete the Medical Form prior to departure to Antarctica.
Complete the form online through the Vikand Medical portal. It includes sections for both you and your doctor to fill out. You can begin the process up to 120 days before your sailing start date. Group bookings: access opens 90 days before your sailing start date. To start, Vikand will verify your name against our passenger list. If your name isn’t found, please contact HX or your local travel agent(if you booked through one) to ensure your name has been added to the booking exactly as it appears on your passport. For Doctor’s section - if your doctor can't sign the form, please consult an alternative or use Vikand’s online doctor service.
To make sure you receive important updates about your Medical Screening Form, we’ll send a verification email to the address you provided. Please check your inbox (and Spam/Junk folders) and click the verification link to continue. Once verified, you can complete the Guest Section of the form. If you don’t receive the email, try using an alternative address for future updates.
Please note: We only accept the Medical Screening Form available through Vikand portal and has been specially designed for HX sailings to remote destinations.
What is included when I book a suite?
À la carte dining option | On the ships that have a Lindstrøm restaurant, suite guests are offered the chance to have all their meals here. Reservations must be made on board and are offered upon availability.
Room service | Room service is available only aboard MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen in these selected suites: MF-700, MD-701, MC-749, MC-756, MA-800, MA-801, MC-849, MC-856, MC-919, MC-932. Free of charge, room service is available only from the Lindstrøm menu during the restaurant’s opening hours.
Suite check-in | Are first to check in as per our timeslot system. An exclusive welcome area in Lindstrøm is available for suite guests, where they may meet and greet some of the ship officers.
Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, the suite guests will find a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne, and a welcome greeting from the captain in their suite after check-in.
Turn-down service | Suite guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Laundry service | This service is free of charge for all suite guests. One laundry bag limit per day per suite.
Minibar | Daily replenishment of the minibar is included for suites (The first round is included, any additional refills will charged ).
Beverages | House wine, beer, soft drinks, and still and sparkling water are available and complimentary at lunch and dinner. For cabin guests, premium drinks and signature cocktails are not included; for suite guests, signature cocktails, premium beers and wines by the glass are included (premium wines including sparkling by the bottle at extra cost). Coffee, tea, and potable water that has been purified on board are included throughout the day.
For those on Santa Cruz II, only guests who book a suite will receive:
Welcome greeting | On embarkation day, all guests will receive a complimentary Galapagos wildlife book and a reusable water bottle. Suite guests will receive an additional welcome gift in their cabin.
Turn-down service | Guests will receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Wi-fi | Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but due to the Galapagos’ remote location, please be aware that the internet connection is intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Wetsuit rental | Wetsuit rental is complimentary for all guests on request.
What is a solo supplement?
A solo supplement is an additional cost for occupying a cabin alone. At HX, we actively work to reduce or remove this wherever possible. We offer two kinds of solo offers, (1) no solo supplement offers and (2) reduced solo supplements offers (e.g., 25% instead of a 100%).
