Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords – Exploration of the Southern Highlights (Southbound)
- Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and optional activities in Antarctica
- Experience both Patagonia and Antarctica in one expedition cruise
- Take the opportunity to visit Torres del Paine National Park
- Sail into the Chilean fjords and see Cape Horn
Day 1
The Jewel of the Pacific
Valparaíso, Chile – Embarkation
One of the best ways of seeing Valparaíso is to ride its charming funiculars for sweeping views. Explore the port and piers to get a feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side or explore the amazing Atacama Desert by adding it as a pre-cruise Land Adventure before embarking on MS Fram.
Day 2-3
Sailing South
At sea
As we make our way along the Pacific coast, the expedition team will start their lecture program to prepare you for experiences ahead. Make sure to spend some time on deck to watch for wildlife.
Day 4
Cosmopolitan Castro
Castro – Full Day
Located on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Castro is set among windswept hills and is known for its colorful “palafitos,” wooden houses mounted on stilts. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Iglesia San Francisco, and spot dozens of seabird species, as well as penguins and sea lions.
Day 5
Waters of Patagonia
At sea
We sail south through Patagonia to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the southern province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. We voyage through iconic Andean seascapes and you have plenty of time to gaze out on the glorious expanse of undisturbed nature.
Day 6
Isolated Beauty
Puerto Edén – Half Day
The isolated village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you, set at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by high mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar tribe.
Day 7-8
Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales – Overnight Stay – 2 full days
Puerto Natales is the gateway to world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, named for the famed rock formations of Torre Centro, Sur and Norte. Explore the park on our optional excursion and get a taste of stunning geographic variety, from vast open steppes to rugged mountain terrain and looming peaks.
Keep an eye out for llamas, pumas, and chilla foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.
Day 9
A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts
Chilean fjords
This area’s natural beauty features deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into icy waters in a landscape seemingly untouched by humans. Bask in beautiful stillness as we cruise past isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique natural gem of the Chilean landscape.
Day 10-11
Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
At sea
In the morning, we sail through Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery – HMS Beagle. If conditions allow, we attempt to land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America. Going ashore can be very difficult because of the occasional extreme weather in this area.
Next, we cross Drake Passage, where two oceans meet, on our way to the most remote continent on Earth. On our way, you can learn a great deal about Antarctica’s fantastic wildlife and history from our expedition team.
Day 12-16
The Great White Continent of Antarctica
Antarctica
This is a wilderness full of overwhelming impressions on an impressive scale. Our expert captain and crew will work with the elements to create an itinerary designed to maximize your experience of Antarctica’s amazing landscapes and wildlife observed from unobtrusive distances.
We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula with the goal of showing you Antarctica’s rich diversity of landscapes and wildlife.
At every opportunity, our expedition team will take you out for landings or ice-cruising to get close and truly explore Antarctic beauty, while careful not to disturb the wildlife.
You may also have the chance to kayak in pristine waters with icebergs floating by, take guided hikes to spectacular viewing points, or even spend the night in a tent. Every day will be different, and each carefully crafted by our expedition team to create lasting memories.
Day 17-18
Crossing the Drake Passage
Drake Passage
After five unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Fram takes us safely back across the famous Drake Passage. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 600 miles or 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage north, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica.
Day 19
The End of the Expedition
Ushuaia/Buenos Aires – Disembarkation
Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. When we reach Ushuaia, it is time to say goodbye. Your journey home continues with your flight to Buenos Aires, where you have a chance to extend your stay and enjoy our optional Land Adventure excursions.
MS FRAM
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram honors the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology and making her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in polar regions.
Many boast of their “ultimate” expedition ships. But none, save the MS Fram, contains two critical features which deliver adventure in a more safe and comfortable way. MS Fram is a purpose-build expedition ship built especially for comfortable Explorer voyages, with emphasis on relaxation and discovery.
MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland. To keep up with what’s happening on the MS Fram right now and the amazing experiences our passengers are having, stay up to date with the MS Fram blog.
MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests’ comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home.
Ship Specifications
Year of construction 2007
Year of refurbishment 2020
Ship yard Fincanteiri, Italy
Passenger capacity 318
Beds 276
Gross tonnage 11647
Length 114
Beam 20.2
Speed 13
MS FRAM IN PICTURES
DECK PLAN
Included in Your Expedition
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- Transfer in Ushuaia from ship to airport
- Coach-class flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including ice-cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team – an international handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that help you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- A farewell event
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
Not Included In Your Expedition
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability contingent on weather conditions and safety)
- Optional small-group Explorer Photo program with our Expedition Photographer
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Medical questionnaire mandatory.
