Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia. Those wishing to join the afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel lobby at 12:15pm ready to transfer to the port at 12:30pm. Here, board your catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago, slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. This cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.

Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3:oopm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation  (or 3:30pm from the meeting point at the parking lot near the pier-details will be given by ground staff at the hotel). Once on board, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence the adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

As the ship commences the Drake Passage crossing, make the most of this time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. The expedition team prepare all for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start the lecture program to help educate about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. The wildlife experiences begin with watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym and wellness center, or relaxing in one of the observation lounges.

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, possibly attempt the first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Take a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth. The western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ready to be explored, and there are many options. Being so far south, experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, enabling the days to be as busy as desired. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Hope to make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, as planned. Dress warmly before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also provide transport between the ship and landing sites that are host to penguin rookeries and historic huts. While ashore, aim to stretch the legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.

Possibly enjoy ship cruises through some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from the expedition team and learn about the wildlife, history and culture of the places that you will visit on the voyage. Consider treating yourself to a massage in the wellness center, stay active in the gym or borrow a book from the ship’s well-stocked library and relax in one of the many observation areas on board the vessel.

Sea and weather conditions will determine your arrival time into South Georgia today.

As the ship nears the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 110 miles long, but with a 9,842-foot snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship. Sail down the east coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a little shelter from the prevailing westerly winds along this enchanting coastline.

The experienced expedition team will plan the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea state and wildlife opportunities. Anticipate making landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Zodiac cruises scour craggy coves the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Watch for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well–these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerizing as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.

Zodiacs will also transport you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island.

As you sail towards the Falklands~Malvinas, there is plenty to keep you occupied on board. Your expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, history and natural world as part of the onboard lecture series. You will have ample time to enjoy observing seabirds from the stern of the ship, keeping a close watch for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoying the many facilities available to you on the ship.

Sea and weather conditions will determine your arrival time to the Falklands~Malvinas today.

The Falkland Islands comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life.

There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and wildlife opportunities.

Anticipate making landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, weather permitting. Despite being north of the Antarctic Convergence, it can be quite chilly here, so layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport guests from the ship to land to visit possible albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even enjoy a traditional English tea and scones gathering at a local cottage.

Conditions permitting, aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced townhouses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box! Colorful buildings house cozy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.

With lectures and film presentations to complete the Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the South Atlantic Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. As the ship approaches the tip of South America, the captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

During the early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will be free to disembark around 8:00am. Say farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to downtown Ushuaia before continuing to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia. Those wishing to join the afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel lobby at 12:15pm ready to transfer to the port at 12:30pm. Here, board your catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago, slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. This cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.

Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3:oopm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation  (or 3:30pm from the meeting point at the parking lot near the pier-details will be given by ground staff at the hotel). Once on board, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, gather on the deck to commence the adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

As the ship commences the Drake Passage crossing, make the most of this time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. The expedition team prepare all for the first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start the lecture program to help educate about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. The wildlife experiences begin with watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym and wellness center, or relaxing in one of the observation lounges.

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for the first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once you are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, possibly attempt the first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Take a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth. The western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ready to be explored, and there are many options. Being so far south, experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, enabling the days to be as busy as desired. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Hope to make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, as planned. Dress warmly before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also provide transport between the ship and landing sites that are host to penguin rookeries and historic huts. While ashore, aim to stretch the legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.

Possibly enjoy ship cruises through some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from the expedition team and learn about the wildlife, history and culture of the places that you will visit on the voyage. Consider treating yourself to a massage in the wellness center, stay active in the gym or borrow a book from the ship’s well-stocked library and relax in one of the many observation areas on board the vessel.

Sea and weather conditions will determine your arrival time into South Georgia today.

As the ship nears the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 110 miles long, but with a 9,842-foot snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches. On approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship. Sail down the east coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a little shelter from the prevailing westerly winds along this enchanting coastline.

The experienced expedition team will plan the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea state and wildlife opportunities. Anticipate making landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. Zodiac cruises scour craggy coves the rocky coastline in search of nesting penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Watch for South Georgia’s kelp forests as well–these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerizing as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.

Zodiacs will also transport you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and pay our respects to Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island.

Sea and weather conditions will determine your departure time from South Georgia today.

As you sail towards the Falklands~Malvinas, there is plenty to keep you occupied on board. Your expedition team will continue to share their wealth of knowledge about the wildlife, history and natural world as part of the onboard lecture series. You will have ample time to enjoy observing seabirds from the stern of the ship, keeping a close watch for whales and other marine wildlife, or simply enjoying the many facilities available to you on the ship.

The Falkland Islands comprises two large islands (East and West Falkland), with over 700 islands scattered off the coast. All but seven of these are uninhabited, with windswept coastlines, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. These beautifully barren islands are true wildlife havens, sheltering an impressive diversity of birdlife, including the largest black-browed albatross colony on earth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands make this a prime location for spotting marine life.

There are many beautiful areas to explore across the Falklands, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent archipelago. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing winds, weather and wildlife opportunities.

Anticipate making landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, weather permitting. Despite being north of the Antarctic Convergence, it can be quite chilly here, so layer up before joining Zodiac cruises into rocky coves or along sea cliffs, keeping watch for seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport guests from the ship to land to visit possible albatross colonies, penguin rookeries and perhaps even enjoy a traditional English tea and scones gathering at a local cottage.

Conditions permitting, aim to land in historic Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. This charming town has a distinctly British character, with terraced townhouses, pioneer cottages and even an iconic red telephone box! Colorful buildings house cozy cafes, English pubs, souvenir shops, a post office and the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, with displays on the maritime history of the Falkland Islands, natural history and links to Antarctica.

With lectures and film presentations to complete the Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the South Atlantic Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. As the ship approaches the tip of South America, the captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

During the early morning, cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where you will be free to disembark around 8:00am. Say farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to downtown Ushuaia before continuing to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage.