Antarctica & Falklands Expedition

16 days
15 nights
English
16-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, beginning and ending in Buenos Aires

The frozen continent

Sail iceberg-filled waters as we journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. Spot penguins, seals and whales along the way. As always, nature is in charge. We’ll monitor conditions to give you the best adventure possible, including kayaking, ice-cruising, hiking and more.

The remote Falkland Islands

Explore the rolling green hills and white sands of the picturesque Falklands archipelago. A warm welcome awaits you in the capital Stanley. You’ll also visit the albatross, penguin and seal colonies that thrive on these remote shores.

Itinerary

Day 1
City of many passions
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 on our optional Pre-Programme.

Day 2
Setting sail from Ushuaia
Flying south to Ushuaia where you'll board your ship

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you'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.

Day 3-4
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.

Day 5-9
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its majesty

Nothing quite prepares you for it. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.

In the Antarctic summer, that might be penguins tending to their chicks; cormorants, sheathbills and petrels wheeling through the skies; or even orcas or humpback whales feeding on the krill-rich waters. Antarctica is simply a place where nature is king and the rest of us are mere observers.

You’ll spend an exciting five days busily exploring several of the possible landing sites. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.

You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice cruises. You can take part in activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing and hiking, and may even get the chance to go camping overnight. Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent.

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.

Day 12-14
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 of 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.

Day 15
Out last day at sea
A relaxing day at sea with time to reflect

Your expedition cruise, taking in the wonders of Antarctica and the wildlife of the Falkland Islands nears its end. As we sail the final leg to Ushuaia, 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. End the day in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with the new friends you’ve made on your trip, sharing experiences over a relaxing drink.

Day 16
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.

Why not join our popular, optional Post-Programme before heading home.

Scheduled Expeditions

MS Roald Amundsen
Trip Code: RA20241228
Embark Date:
2024-12-28
Disembark Date:
2025-01-12
Embarkation:
Buenos Aires
Disembarkation:
Buenos Aires

What's included

Hotel

  • Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast

Flights

  • Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise
  • Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a brief tour of the town

Expedition cruise

  • A stay in a cabin of your choice
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
  • Range of included activities

Onboard activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
  • Full use of our Science Center, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment
  • Citizen Science programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
  • Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
  • Use of ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track
    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
  • Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
  • 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
  • No gratuities expected

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

Expedition's Ships

MS Roald Amundsen