Atlantic Odyssey, Excluding Antarctic Peninsula

The voyage begins where the world drops off: Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego – nicknamed “The End of the World” – and sail the scenic, mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the rest of the evening.

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, catch a taste of life from the perspective of the polar explorers who first braved these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling waves, maybe even a fin whale blasting up a column of sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer subantarctic seas – enter the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too: A variety of albatrosses and petrels show up, along with Cape pigeons and southern fulmars.

Aim to visit some of the world’s top king penguin rookeries. This time of year, have a good chance of seeing these animals nesting on eggs with their chicks close by. The rookeries are overflowing, with waddling rush-hour traffic to and from the beach.

Possible visits include:

Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour- Here see not only the massive king penguin colony, but also elephant seals and limitless fur seal pups playing in the surf.

Prion Island- A great location to watch wandering albatrosses.

Grytviken- Have the opportunity to check out this abandoned whaling station, where king penguins now walk the streets and elephant seals lie around like they own the place – because they just about do. Also see the South Georgia Museum as well as Shackleton’s grave. 

Cooper Bay- A great place for a Zodiac cruise, this bay also houses a rookery of macaroni penguins. King penguins, pintails and giant petrels may also appear here. 

A pleasant tailwind often accompanies the vessel through the westerlies, and on both sides of the Convergence fly vast numbers of Antarctic and Subantarctic seabirds.

First approach Gough Island for a Zodiac cruise in Quest Bay, weather permitting. Northern rockhopper penguins and Subantarctic fur seals are often seen here. In previous years, it has been possible for the vessel to circumnavigate all but four miles of the 33-mile circumference of the island, taking in the scenery and unrivaled abundance of wildlife. 

These islands are famed for their bird population, which includes rockhopper penguins, several species of albatross, petrels, skuas, terns and many others. The aim is to visit the settlement on the west side of this archipelago’s main island but the planned four days here may also allow you to land in Seal Bay on the south side or possibly at Sandy Point on the east side of Tristan da Cunha.

Here, possibly encounter wildlife such as Yellow-nosed albatrosses and Sub-Antarctic fur seals and otherwise explore a very rarely visited spot. Aim to land at Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands, with views of seabirds ranging from yellow-nosed albatrosses to brown noddies.

Two days are reserved in case of bad weather, but please remember that nature determines the itinerary here: Since beginning the Atlantic Odyssey cruise in 1998, adverse weather led to the cancellation of 35% of Tristan da Cunha landings. It is not impossible, but it is difficult.

Seabirds and dolphins indigenous to this region often follow the vessel.

After landing at Jamestown, have many opportunities to enjoy the local culture, pleasant climate and endemic birds of this remote island. One such activity is a visit to Longwood House, where Napoleon died in exile. Also have the chance to explore the island at leisure – and snorkel the shallows, seeing multitudes of tropical and subtropical fish. 

This morning, disembark after breakfast and begin the journey home.