Holiday Antarctica

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Departing from Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and bid farewell to Tierra del Fuego, the ‘Land at the End of the World’. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

Day 2 At Sea

The welcoming Expedition Team presents talks that will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead. Tonight, attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Day 3 Stanley, Falkland Islands

Stanley is the capital of the remote Falkland Islands, and has a distinct British ambience. Stroll through the charming streets of this colourful little town, lined with quaint cottages and a variety of traditional pubs. Visit the 19th-century Anglican cathedral and wander through the small local museum. Some lingering reminders of the 1986 Falklands War between Britain and Argentina may still be seen though the island has settled back to its quiet business of raising sheep.

Day 4 West Point Island & Saunders Island, Falkland Islands

This morning, the Prince Albert II will anchor off Saunders Island – the second largest offshore island within the Falkland Islands archipelago. Plan to land your Zodiacs at The Neck, a narrow part of the island, where you will begin your explorations, hoping to encounter four different types of penguin species: king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic.

Watch for Peale’s dolphins and the distinctive black and white markings of the Commerson’s dolphin as you approach small West Point Island in the afternoon. Upon landing by Zodiac, find photographic opportunities are everywhere as you walk across the rolling moorland. Your 1.25-mile hike takes you to Devil’s Nose, a rocky promontory where hope to encounter a colony of approximately 14,500 pairs of black-browed albatross that nest side-by-side with feisty rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. Learn about the island’s unique vegetation including the rare Felton plant. After your hike, enjoy tea and cookies at the settlement. The hospitable island owners, Lily and Roddy Napier, are always happy to answer your questions and share their stories.

Day 5 At Sea

Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Lectures and seminars are presented by knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions may include photography workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Center, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Days 6-10 Antarctic Peninsula

While sailing to Antarctica, every turn can be a new and breathtaking adventure. As the pack ice becomes thicker, it’s apparent to everyone that you are moving closer into Antarctica’s vast white wilderness. Guests find this part of the world irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals. Watch for seals sunbathing on slow-moving ice floes and for humpback, minke, and orca whales to surface from below the frigid waters. Each day attempt two Zodiac departures, and, if conditions permit, cruise amidst colorful icebergs or step ashore to visit a variety of penguin rookeries and perhaps scientific research stations on complimentary excursions led by your team of natural history experts.

A flexible itinerary allows you to take advantage of favorable ice and weather conditions. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine the best course depending on weather, ice conditions and wildlife you may encounter. You will visit numerous sites, such as Aitcho Islands, South Shetland Islands, Brown Bluff, Cuverville Island, Paradise Bay, Paulet Island, Petermann Island, Pleneau Island, Wilhelm Archipelago, Whalers Bay, Port Lockroy, and the Ukrainian Research Station 'Vernadsky'.

Days 11-12 Drake Passage

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for its turbulent seas due to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar water flows northward and warmer equatorial water moves southward. When they meet, nutrients are pushed to the surface, often attracting a multitude of seabirds and whales. Spend some time on deck watching the horizon and the variety of seabirds that glide in the air currents of your ship’s wake such as the black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels. As you sail towards Ushuaia, take this opportunity to attend additional presentations offered by the onboard lecturers and to swap photos with newfound friends as you journey towards Ushuaia.

Day 13 Ushuaia, Argentina

After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II and transfer to Ushuaia International Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires.