Arrive and embark in Ushuaia, Argentina--the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. Afterwards embark the ship Ocean Victory, your home for the coming days.

Days at sea are great for participating in lectures, photo sessions and recaps, reading books in the ship library and watching the ubiquitous storm petrels and albatrosses from top deck.

South Georgia offers stunning wildlife experiences with a wealth of breeding penguins, sea birds, sea lions and seals, all seeking shelter in this oasis amidst the roaring Southern Ocean. Previous whaling history pops up in most of fjords you will explore – not least in Grytviken, the only inhabited settlement on this mountainous island. Grytviken is also the last resting place for Ernest Shackleton, after he died on yet another Antarctica voyage in 1922. You will explore the fjords of the north coast for 2-3 days and take as many shore landings as time and the swelling sea allows.

The eclipse begins early in the morning east of the Falkland Islands. From here the moonshadow speeds south at 10,000 km per hour towards the South Orkney Island and Antarctica. Observe the eclipse from a position east of South Orkney, where the sun is 11 degrees above the horizon. This wondrous phenomenon will last for almost 2 minutes.

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on the horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.

Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Days at sea are great for enjoying the seascapes, relaxing, or participating in the program onboard.

Explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain.

Projected landfalls include: Elephant Island, home to elephant seals, sheer cliffs rising from the sea and snow-covered peaks; King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Sailing back towards South America, cross the famed Drake Passage, a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for strong westerly winds, heavy sea, and its nickname "The Roaring Fifties." While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, Ocean Victory, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement--and soon you can tick it off on the list yourself!

In the Drake, excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with sights of seals, penguins and albatrosses.

After having entered the Beagle Channel between Tierra del Fuego and Isla Navarino during the night, Ocean Atlantic arrives in the port of Ushuaia. Disembarkation after breakfast.