Life Returns – Springtime Expedition To Antarctica

ITINERARY

DAY 1
The beat of Buenos Aires
Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires
Home to a proud and diverse community of ‘porteños’, or ‘people of the port’, Buenos Aires is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendor and Latin American panache.
There are plenty of places to explore, including many ‘parrillas’ serving authentic Argentine steak. This is the renowned birthplace of the tango, so maybe you’d like to practice your dance moves.
Your Expedition Ship MS Maud will be awaiting you for embarkation.
If you’d like to truly discover Buenos Aires, we recommend joining our optional Pre-Program.

DAY 2-4
Prepare for adventure
Enter expedition mode
Over the next few days at sea, you’ll learn more about the wonders we’ll encounter on our trip.
Members of the Expedition Team will start their lecture series on topics such as oceanography, geology, ornithology, and history. Pop into the Science Center for hands-on presentations as well.
Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and gym.

DAY 5-7
Wildlife of the Falklands
Enjoy birding and hiking on these green islands
The Falkland archipelago is filled with seamless horizons and white sand beaches teeming with birdlife. Only the occasional farm dots the landscape amid grassy hills and wildflowers. Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Historic Dockyard Museum.
Our landings, hikes, and excursions are – as always – subject to weather conditions. We hope to visit albatross and penguin colonies, where seals can often be found as well, getting as close as possible without disturbing them.

DAY 8-9
Adventure lies ahead
Cruising the South Atlantic
After the Falkland Islands, we will spend two days cruising toward beautiful South Georgia. Look forward to seeing an archipelago filled with diverse wildlife.
The Expedition Team will prepare you for what lies ahead. They will tell you everything they know about South Georgia, including information about the area’s wildlife, polar history, geology, glaciology, and stories of Norwegian whalers.
You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as low impact as possible. You can join our Citizen Science programs to help collect data for global research projects.

DAY 10-12
The southern Serengeti
Visit a wildlife watcher’s paradise
South Georgia’s abundant wildlife has earned it the nickname ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Its unique position, free from sea ice, makes the island an ideal breeding site for large colonies of penguins, other seabirds, and seals. In fact, it is listed as an Important Bird Area, home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas, and terns.
During three days in the area, we’ll land as often as we can to explore the wilderness and observe the wildlife. We’ll also try to reach Grytviken, the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Nature always calls the shots on our expedition route. Our experiences will vary depending on that day’s conditions as we adapt to find the best possible experience.

DAY 13-14
Antarctica bound
Time to relax and reflect
After visiting the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, take time to relax and reflect on your journey so far as we head toward Antarctica.
Antarctica is a continent dedicated to peace, science, and wildlife. As we approach, the Expedition Team will talk about the IAATO environmental guidelines and sustainability rules that we follow when visiting. We leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.

DAY 15-19
Another world
Experience Antarctica in all its majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins watch from the shores. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
During the next five days, you’ll explore several possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and discover how we can all protect it for the future.

DAY 20-22
The passage back
Land ahead!
Five unforgettable days in Antarctica are over. It’s time for us to embark upon our final adventure together: the Drake Passage. Known for its often strong winds and strong currents, the passage can also be silent and still. Luck will dictate whether you will experience the so-called ‘Drake Shake’ or the ‘Drake Lake’.
Don’t worry; even if we experience rough seas, MS Maud is perfectly equipped for this leg of the adventure exploring the Southern Ocean. During the crossing, the Expedition Team will recap our experiences, keeping your head in the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica a little while longer.

DAY 23
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onward from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. Catch a flight here to Santiago de Chile and then your connecting flight home, taking fantastic memories with you.
If you’re not ready for your adventure to end just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining our optional Post-Program.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
• Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise

Expedition Cruise

• Stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
• Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, small library, and advanced biological and geological equipment
• The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects
• Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and indoor gym
• Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities are expected

What's not included

• International flights
• Travel protection
• Baggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise