En route to Antarctica, reach the Falkland Islands, with its seamless horizons, vast open spaces, stunning white-sand beaches, and rich wildlife, and where penguins walk by you like you are no stranger at all. Then sail into the open sea, where interesting and informative lectures await you on your way to South Georgia, where you arrive in time for Christmas Eve. Next on the route are the South Orkney Islands, every photographer's dream, with their majestic snow-capped mountains, blue icebergs, and endless wilderness. This is the last stop before you head to Antarctica, the most remote place on earth. Hike the distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera of Deception Island; visit Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape; and navigate through the 30-mile Antarctic Sound.
Highlights
Visit Stanley, the Falkland Islands' capital, and see its rich wildlife
Celebrate Christmas Eve in the breathtaking scenery of South Georgia
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your voyage starts in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, where MS Fram awaits you. In the evening set a course for the Southern Ocean and the Christmas adventure that awaits you.
The Falklands are teeming with wonders of wildlife and nature. Penguins come close to you, stop and take a glance before continuing on their way in total disregard to your presence, giving you some great photo opportunities! Stanley, the islands’ capital, makes a wonderful starting point for the various excursions offered in the area. The town is easy enough to discover on foot as most shops and services are centered on the port.
Spend two days cruising southward to beautiful South Georgia. En route you can participate in a number of presentations about the area’s wildlife, as well as whaling and polar history. The Expedition Team is well versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology to the mating rituals of the sooty albatross and the legends of the Norwegian whalers. One of the fascinating stories told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the ill-fated ship 'Endurance' and the amazing feats of bravery and seamanship that saved them all.
South Georgia is a superb place to celebrate Christmas Eve! There is nowhere, in any latitude, quite like South Georgia. It offers magnificent mountain scenery with majestic glaciers and beaches teeming with wildlife. While you are in South Georgia, explore abandoned whaling stations, the whaling museum, a Norwegian whaler’s church, and the tiny graveyard in Grytviken where you can pay your respects to one of Antarctica’s greatest explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
As you continue to Antarctica, learn more about the wonders of the great white continent, focusing on the history, environment, and wildlife of Antarctica.
The deserted South Orkney Islands are every photographer's dream, with majestic snow-capped mountains, blue icebergs, and an endless wilderness. Spend one day exploring these islands.
Among the highlights of your days in Antarctica is Deception Island, one of the South Shetlands, a distinctive ring-shaped volcanic caldera. This is one of the few places in Antarctica where you can take your backpack and hike. Hiking on an active volcano is a rarity, and being in Antarctica makes it even more special. You can also look forward to visiting Half Moon Island, considered a jewel of diversity in the polar landscape. It can be difficult to navigate through the 30-mile Antarctic Sound due to ice, but it offers the most impressive manifestations of icebergs that you can see on your voyage. On Brown Bluff, Adélie and chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, and Cape petrels nest below spectacular cliffs that rise over 2,400 feet out of the sea. The stony beach is suitable for shore landings outside of nesting season. When opportunities arise, launch your kayaks, pitch tents ashore, and take unforgettable hikes to explore the most beautiful, untouched places on the planet.
After some magnificent days exploring Antarctica, MS Fram heads north and makes her way back to the South American continent. During the two days spent sailing in a northbound direction, recap your experiences.
Day 19: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your voyage ends in Ushuaia, where you may want to extend your adventure and join an optional excursion.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Polar Inside - I
Size: 10-13 m2. Upper-deck cabin, No window, Double bed (optional twin)
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
