Antarctica & Falklands Expedition | Northbound

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 with our optional Pre-Programme.

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.

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 Centre 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.

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty Nothing quite prepares you for the awe of Antarctica. Surrounded by towering glaciers, the continent will fill you with wonder as you spend five magical days exploring its frozen landscape.  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 Gerlache Strait is a stunning waterway located in the Antarctic Peninsula region, serving as a key passage between the Antarctic mainland and the islands to the west. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, the strait is flanked by towering glaciers and rugged mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration. The waters are rich in marine life, attracting a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, penguins, and various seabird species. The Gerlache Strait is often visited by expedition cruises, offering opportunities for kayaking, wildlife watching, and photography. Its pristine environment and stunning landscapes make it a highlight for adventurers seeking to experience the beauty of Antarctica.

The Gerlache Strait is a stunning waterway located in the Antarctic Peninsula region, serving as a key passage between the Antarctic mainland and the islands to the west. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, the strait is flanked by towering glaciers and rugged mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration. The waters are rich in marine life, attracting a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, penguins, and various seabird species. The Gerlache Strait is often visited by expedition cruises, offering opportunities for kayaking, wildlife watching, and photography. Its pristine environment and stunning landscapes make it a highlight for adventurers seeking to experience the beauty of Antarctica.

Some 770 kilometers (478 miles) south of Cape Horn, the South Shetland Islands are usually the first land seen in Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, nine major islands make up the group. The region was the first to be exploited by sealers in the early 19th century, and because of its proximity to South America, it still is the most visited by scientists and tourists. Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins all breed here. In addition, because it is the warmest part of the continent, large moss beds as well as orange, black, grey and green lichens grow –even hair grass and pearlwort manage to survive. Leopard seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals can be seen in the water and on the beaches.

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 Centre, 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.

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.

Saunders Island is the fourth-largest of the Falkland Islands in the western portion of the archipelago. The island’s topography is unusual, being made up of three peninsulas linked by narrow necks, and three big upland areas. Today the island is run as a sheep farm, but has historical importance as the location of the first British settlement in the Falklands. Saunders’ wildlife is also impressively varied. It is possible to see Gentoo and King Penguins in the open dune and sand-flat area, while Rockhopper Penguins (with the odd pair of Macaroni Penguins in between them), Imperial Shags and Black-browed Albatrosses frequent Mount Richards, the highest point on the island at 457 m (1500 feet). Other key bird species are the Black–throated Finch, Ruddy-headed Goose and Falkland Steamer Duck.

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 Centre 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.

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.

Time at sea to rest and reflect As we sail the final leg from Puerto Madryn to Montevideo, enjoy your final day at sea. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre to examine special interests in more depth. Learn more about photography, or simply relax on deck, recalling the highlights of your 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.

Disembark the ship in the morning and enjoy time to explore Uruguay’s interesting capital at your leisure. You might stroll along the Rambla of Montevideo, a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching over 13 miles, or wander through Ciudad Vieja, the historic centre lined with colonial architecture, art galleries, and bustling markets. Don’t miss the colourful Mercado del Puerto, a lively spot selling traditional Uruguayan cuisine. This is your chance to soak in Montevideo’s culture, history, and waterfront at your own pace.