My wife and I (hereafter referred to as Karen and Tom) had a very unproductive day at work on Friday as we counted down the hours.
Finally a little after 3pm we left for the airport. We were flying ... Full Journal »
Antarctica, Falklands, & South Georgia
« All National Geographic Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires
- Day 2 Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark
- Day 3 At Sea
- Days 4-9 Antarctica
- Day 10 At Sea / Elephant Island
- Day 11 At Sea
- Days 12-16 South Georgia
- Days 17-18 At Sea
- Day 19 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
- Day 20 Falkland Islands
- Day 21 At Sea
- Day 22 Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Buenos Aires / Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| Nov 8 '13 * Feb 16 '14 * |
$20,740 | $22,240 | $23,260 | $24,350 | $29,890 | $34,490 | $39,990 | $27,790 | $28,990 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | |||||||||
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive this morning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to your fine hotel. In the afternoon, have a guided overview of the city, seeing it's Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony forever associated with Eva Peron. Return to your hotel for a relaxing dinner. (L,D)
Day 2 Buenos Aires / Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark
The morning's LAN charter flight offers some rare views of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. You'll have lunch during a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking your expedition ship and setting sail. B,L,D)
Day 3 At Sea
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. (B,L,D)
Days 4-9 Antarctica
With long hours of daylight at this time of year, make the most of your six days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands. The schedule is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of the unexpected. Antarctica is a treat for the senses. Explore on foot, cruise in Zodiacs and paddle in kayaks. Weather permitting, sail through the incomparable Lemaire Channel, where you'll be amazed by the size and beauty of this natural wonder. (B,L,D)
Day 10 At Sea / Elephant Island
Pass the speck of land that is the legendary Elephant Island, an unforgettable part of the Shackleton story, where the crew of Endurance finally landed on April 24, 1916. From here, Shackleton and five men set sail for one of the most incredible stories of survival at sea: 700 miles across the Southern Ocean in a 22' long wooden sailboat. (B,L,D)
Day 11 At Sea
As you voyage south, watch for icebergs. There will also be 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. (B,L,D)
Days 12-16 South Georgia
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. And you'll stand in awe surrounded by 100,000 king penguins. (B,L,D)
Days 17-18 At Sea
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 the Falkland Islands. There will be 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. (B,L,D)
Day 19 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
See 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. (B,L,D)
Day 20 Falkland Islands
The Falklands 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. (B,L,D)
Day 21 At Sea
Your last day at sea gives you a one more opportunity to watch for marine life, and a chance to reflect on all you have seen and heard, hearing talks from your staff and bringing to summary the colossal scope of this voyage. (B,L,D)
Day 22 Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark / Buenos Aires / Return Home
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. (B,L)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
National Geographic Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
 | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
 | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
 | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
 | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
 | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
 | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
 | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
 | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
