HIGHLIGHTS
Start off in romantic
Buenos Aires before heading to Ushuaia, where your hybrid
electric-powered ship awaits you. We’ll sail the Drake
Passage and arrive at the white wilderness of Antarctica, where
you’ll spend five wonderful days. Our exact itinerary depends
on the sea ice and weather conditions, but we’ll always bring
you to the best spots available at the time.
Just as the icescapes change with the seasons, so does the wildlife. In
November, you’ll likely see thousands of penguins courting
and building nests. Whales are rarely seen until December and January,
which is also when penguin eggs hatch. By February and March, penguin
chicks start growing up. These are also peak whale-watching months. No
matter when you visit, you can join the Expedition Team in fascinating
lectures, landings, and ice-cruises.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Dec 14, 2024 | Dec 29, 2024 | EUR 8,680 |
USD 9,462 |
Dec 28, 2024 | Jan 12, 2025 | EUR 9,408 |
USD 10,634 |
Nov 14, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | EUR 8,687 |
USD 11,798 |
Dec 08, 2025 | Dec 23, 2025 | EUR 8,522 |
USD 11,565 |
Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | EUR |
USD 13,042 |
Mar 06, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | EUR |
USD 12,735 |
Mar 20, 2027 | Apr 04, 2027 | EUR |
USD 12,735 |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Dec 14, 2024 | Dec 29, 2024 | 0 |
|
Dec 28, 2024 | Jan 12, 2025 | 0 |
|
Nov 14, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | 0 |
|
Dec 08, 2025 | Dec 23, 2025 | 0 |
|
Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | 0 |
|
Mar 06, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | 0 |
|
Mar 20, 2027 | Apr 04, 2027 | 0 |
|
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Buenos Aires
Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Day 3-4 - Drake Passage
Day 5-9 - Antarctica
Day 10-11 - Drake Passage
Day 12-14 - The Falkland Islands
Day 15 - At Sea
Day 16 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Day 1 City of many
passions
Buenos Aires moves to a rhythm that is unmistakably unique to the
Argentinian capital. Just ask a local and they’ll tell you
straight away: It’s the diverse melting-pot of people who
inject vibrancy into the city. These porteños (port people)
have roots from all across the globe, bringing their diverse cultures
with them. The result is an intoxicating blend of romantic music, tango
dancing around every corner, Maradona soccer fans, Old World colonial
architecture, and flavorful food.
You’ll spend one night at a hotel in the city before catching
an early flight the next morning. Depending on when you arrive, you
could fit in some time to explore a slice of this bustling capital.
Visit Teatro Colón, a beautiful opera house dating back to
1908. Then pop into the historic Café Tortoni for
Parisian-inspired coffees and chocolate-dipped churros. Caminito is a
multi-colored street museum in the La Boca neighborhood, filled with
lively markets and restaurants hosting live folk dancing and tango
shows. The party doesn’t stop there, though. Late into the
night, the upscale Palermo district is filled with bars and boliche
clubs.
If you’d like to extend your vacation, come a few days early
to participate in our Pre-Program and explore the wild land of
Patagonia.
Day 2 Boarding your base
camp at sea
Today you’ll have an early start. We meet in the hotel lobby
in the morning to head to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia. The
capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province sits on a
bay backed by the snow-capped mountains of Martial Glacier, to the
north. Although Ushuaia claims to be the world’s southernmost
city, two other Chilean cities also lay claim to this dubious title.
Your base camp at sea, MS Roald Amundsen, will be waiting here at the
port. Once on board, you’ll meet the Expedition Team, who
will conduct a mandatory health and safety briefing. Afterward, you
will have time to tour the ship and settle into your cabin before we
enjoy a welcome dinner together. Your expedition has officially begun!
Day 3-4
Making the most of the crossing
It takes two days of sailing to reach Antarctica. This is a good thing!
Two days is the perfect amount of time to both relax and prepare for
the adventures ahead.
To make sure you are ready for the days of exploration ahead of you,
the Expedition Team will launch a series of insightful lectures at the
Science Center. Each member of the Expedition Team specializes in a
different subject. You’ll see that they are walking, talking,
treasure troves of fascinating stories and information. Listen and
learn as they share information about the local wildlife and the
IAATO-approved sustainability protocol you must follow if curious
penguins or seals come too close to you. The IAATO guidelines include
learning the importance of wearing sterilized rubber boots during all
Antarctica landings and why we thoroughly vacuum any foreign particles
from our clothes beforehand.
You’ll also appreciate how the ship is equipped with all
services and facilities added for your comfort. Work out in the gym and
or run along the outdoor track circuit. Steam away the soreness from
your workout in the sauna, or let masterful hands relax you during a
message in the Wellness Spa. Three different onboard restaurants will
delight your palate, while the Explorer Lounge & Bar is always
the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine or a bit of bubbly.
Just because the expedition is exciting doesn’t mean it
can’t be luxurious too!
Day 5-9 The Seventh
Continent
Antarctic landscapes stretch as far as your eyes can see—a
gorgeous world sealed by pristine snow and ice. Tabular icebergs, parts
of the great shelves, tower above the waters, while ancient glaciers
break off or ‘calve’ into blue-hued icebergs,
sculpted magnificently by the wind and the sun. We have entered another
world, one devoid of human influence. It is a haven for wildlife like
whales, penguins, and seals.
Just as the Antarctic icescapes change throughout its seasons, so does
the wildlife. For example, whale populations begin to steadily increase
from October through to January, both in number and range of species,
and reach their peak in February and March—this is the best
whale-watching opportunity. Around this time, the large amount of krill
in the waters attract the most whales, in which multiple species swim
over for a veritable feeding frenzy. If you arrive here in November,
you might spot thousands of penguins courting and building their nests.
December arrivals may have their hearts melted by painfully cute
penguin chicks, whereas March is usually filled with scenes of
adolescent penguins maturing and finally learn how to swim. Other
birds, which unlike penguins actually fly, vary throughout the summer
months. Eager birdwatchers will be pleased to spot cormorants, shags,
egrets, sheathbills, and many more.
You have five days to take in every magical moment. Prepare for the
unmatched scenery of Antarctica to leave you breathless. Gaze at
distant white mountains during a stroll along the shore, or let a
playful pair of Weddell seals delight you as they surface next to your
small boat (RIB). They’re checking you out, too, with their
large inquisitive eyes. Or hit the jackpot if the weather allows you to
join optional activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, or even
camping. These are the kinds of experiences awaiting you in Antarctica.
We make the most of each landing and choose the best sites from among
numerous possible locations on the Antarctic Peninsula and its
surrounding islands.
The Expedition Team will provide ongoing lectures, be it on board the
ship, ashore during landings, or even when navigating through icebergs
and ice floes on cruises in small boats (RIBs). The topics range from
glaciology and the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ice
shelves to an explanation of the cold continent’s history,
stemming from the whaling era to its present status, under an
international peace treaty. The Expedition Team’s insights
will prove invaluable throughout your journey, enhancing your sense of
discovery a hundredfold.
Think about having a chat with the Expedition Team’s
professional wildlife and landscape photographer for a few tips and
tricks to improve the quality of your images. These skills will
definitely come in handy if you choose to participate in one of the
numerous Citizen Science programs. One of these is the HappyWhale
project. Any photos you take of whales you spot can be uploaded to a
global database that helps researchers track the migration patterns and
overall health of the population. That way, aside from being precious
memories, your photos contribute to the greater good of scientific
research.
Day 10-11 Returning north
to continue the exploration
Saying goodbye to Antarctica is hard, but the time has come to point
the ship northward once again. You can spend the two days crossing the
Drake Passage sorting through your breathtaking photos of Antarctica,
and putting in another memory card for what’s about to come
next. You might also have the option to join workshops where you can
channel your memories of Antarctica into painting penguins or learning
how to tie complicated sailor’s knots.
The Science Center will be brimming with activity. The Expedition Team
will be offering presentations that are sure to whip up your enthusiasm
for the final few days of your voyage in the Falkland Islands. These
lectures would touch on the tense history of the islands, along with
the birds species seen around their beautiful beaches. In between
lectures, you can use the Science Center’s advanced
microscopes to examine water samples at a cellular level.
You’ll discover a plethora of microscopic lifeforms,
including krill and phytoplankton, which also tie into an interesting
and valuable Citizen Science initiative.
Day 12-14 Beauty in its
purest form
The remote Falkland Islands archipelago is split between the two main
islands: East and West Falkland, and nearly 800 smaller islands. For
many years, both the United Kingdom and Argentina have claimed
sovereignty over the islands.
Your three days of exploration here, along with each day’s
landing sites, will be determined by local weather conditions at the
time. After the barren, white scenery of Antarctica, it may be
reassuring to see grassy hills, blooming wildflowers, stunning
white-sand beaches and turquoise waters! It won’t be too
different, though, especially since several thousand penguins will be
there for you to catch sight of, too! These few days will entail an
attempt to view these penguin colonies, which often have families of
fur seals sprinkled in among them. We will keep a safe distance, of
course, in order not to disturb them or their tuxedoed neighbors.
For the first time in more than a week, you’ll spot signs of
civilization in the family-owned farms scattered along the island, and
in the capital of Stanley on East Falkland, where 80% of the
islands’ population live. When you visit, you’ll
find that the town is a slice of typical English life. Watch for the
iconic red buses and phone booths, and of course the typical old pubs
serving up British beer and friendly banter.
Day 15 Homeward Bound
Your expedition is approaching its end. Make sure you enjoy your last
day at sea. Head to the bar and share some drinks with the new friends
you made during your journey. Swap adventure stories with the
Expedition Team and learn more about these modern-day explorers. Treat
yourself to a fine-dining experience at the à la carte
restaurant or a refreshing massage treatment in the Wellness Spa. Or
simply relax on deck. Watch the waves and relive fond memories of the
voyage’s many highlights.
MS Roald Amundsen (Expedition, 500-guests)
Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea - bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Hotel
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise,
including breakfast
- Flights
- Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
- Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to the airport
before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the Ushuaia airport and the ship,
including a brief tour of the town
- Expedition
Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house
beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and
Fredheim
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant
Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in
remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard
water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide
activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Onboard
activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures
on a variety of topics
- Use the ship’s Science Center, which features an
extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to
current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and
tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym,
and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as
daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
- Landing
activities
- Escorted landings in a small boat (RIB) while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for
the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera
settings before landings
- Not Included
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
- Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice
conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding
requirements
- No gratuities are expected
Get the most out of
your cruise with activities run by our Expedition Team. They start from
the ship, and are available for reservation once you get on board.
Activities are subject to change.
- Camping
in Antarctica (An Amundsen Night)
- Extended
Hikes in Antarctica
- Kayaking
Adventure in Antarctica
- Snowshoeing
in Antarctica