The ultimate Southern ocean experience, this 21-night expedition cruise takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a King penguin colony of some 200,000+ individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home. You’ll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of Elephant seals, and a Wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It’s the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time.
Highlights
The impossible beauty of Antarctic ice: tabular bergs, the Lemaire Channel
Massive wildlife spectacles in South Georgia and the Falklands
Superlative photos ops and on-board photo assistance
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to your fine hotel. In the afternoon, take a guided overview of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron.
The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Enjoy lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your expedition ship and setting sail.
Whales beneath, birds above, as you settle in to shipboard life. Spend time on deck or the bridge watching the sea. The ever-changing light presents endless photo possibilities.
The Falkland Islands boast the largest albatross colony in the world, irresistible Magellanic penguins in their burrows amid the green tussock grass, and herds of enormous Elephant seals. Stroll the photogenic tin-roofed, Victorian-style houses of Port Stanley. Visit the Anglican Cathedral with its organic archway of whalebones, and the Falkland Islands Museum.
As you voyage south, watch for icebergs. There is also time to enjoy a wellness treatment, workout in the fitness center, or catch up on a book. Each day your Naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Renowned for its beauty and vast colonies of King penguins, this is also the final resting place for the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Teeming wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and soaring cliffs filled with birdlife greet our ship. Hundreds of young Antarctic Fur seals are on hand as our Zodiacs make landfall. Stand in awe surrounded by 100,000 King penguins.
These days at sea give you a chance to reflect on all that you have seen and experienced n South Georgia, and prepare for the exciting days ahead in Antarctic. There is time to hear talks from the staff, read in the ship's cozy library, and search for whales from the Bridge. For the more indulgent, enjoy a rejuvenating massage with a licensed therapist, work out in the gym, or simply relax.
With long hours of daylight, make the most of your days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. Your schedule is flexible, allowing your ship Captain to take advantage of the unexpected. Sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel and land on the “White Continent,” exploring via Zodiac, kayak, and on foot, and using the ship's arsenal of tools for exploration.
As you sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross your bow. There’s time to share photos with the onboard National Geographic photographer, catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read, and write emails home, saying “don’t want this to end”.
Day 22: Disembark in Ushuaia
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Ushuaia and have some time to explore before boarding your exclusively chartered LAN flight to Buenos Aires (not included in cruise fare), and the subsequent overnight flights home.
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.
$22,430
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.