Fly to Santiago de Chile, cruise to Antarctica and see the solar eclipse! (Nov 2021)

Day 1: Depart Australia & Arrive in Santiago de Chile

After your flight from Australia or New Zealand, arrive in Santiago de Chile and be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2 - Santiago de Chile

Enjoy a day in Santiago de Chile exploring on your own. There is much to discover here, from Andean glaciers at the city borders and skyscrapers in the centre, to lovely colonial architecture, to the shores of the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Why not extend your expedition by adding an optional Pre-Programme adventure to the amazing Atacama Desert or Chilean Patagonia?

Day 3 - Santiago de Chile/Punta Arenas

Fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas, where the hybrid powered MS Roald Amundsen awaits, ready for your expedition cruise to Antarctica.

Days 4-5 - Crossing the Drake Passage

You'll sail through the scenic Beagle Channel and over the legendary Drake Passage. On board, the Expedition Team starts the lecture programme, giving you information about Antarctica’s fantastic animals, geology and history.

You will also learn what it takes to be an Antarctic Ambassador in our mandatory briefing and join the Citizen Science programme to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica. The time at sea is also great time to enjoy all the amenities of our advanced hybrid powered expedition ship

Day 6-10 - Antarctica

With white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales, Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of penguins.

The Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.

Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

Day 11 - Cruising at Sea

Relax in the tranquillity of a day at sea, sharing experiences and exchanging stories with your fellow adventurers. Enjoy the amenities of the innovative expedition ship and look out for wildlife from our outside decks.

Day 12 -South Orkney Islands & The Solar Eclipse

The South Orkney Islands consist of four islands situated in the Scotia Sea about 600km north-east of the Antarctic Peninsula. We arrive here in the very early morning to experience the Solar Eclipse, weather permitting. The Expedition Team will be on deck to give out special-purpose solar filters, which will protect your eyes while you observe the extraordinary occurrence. If your cabin faces the right direction, you can enjoy the event through the window, without even having to change out of your pyjamas.

A professional astronomer will also be part of the Expedition Team for the full duration of the voyage, delivering a series of in-depth lectures and providing insights during the Solar Eclipse.

After observing the Solar Eclipse, you'll explore the South Orkney Islands themselves. 85% of the islands’ surface is made up of glaciers, which make it the perfect home for various species of penguins and seals. We will do our best to navigate a route through the area’s icebergs, sea ice, and frequent mist.

Days 13-14 - Cruising at Sea

After exploring this unforgettable continent, you'll set course for the Falkland Islands. The Expedition Team will brief you about the history and biology of the Islands, point out wildlife from our outer decks and scout for the Albatrosses that often guide our way. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Days 15-17 - The Falkland Islands (at the edge of Antarctica)

After the wilderness of Antarctica, enjoy the contrast provided by Stanley, with red phone boxes, red buses and old pubs. The capital is a good size for roaming the streets on foot, or you can join an excursion to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area. We will be docked here throughout the day.

The Falklands are teeming with wonders of nature, with fantastically clear blue skies, seamless horizons and stunning white sand beaches.

As you reach the westernmost outposts in the Falklands, you'll see remote farms that have been family-owned for generations. Penguins waddle along the beaches here, often coming close to you to take a look out of curiosity, and even posing for photos! We plan to go ashore to explore the area on hikes and to spot some of the many bird species that live here.

Optional excursions:

Stanley - Community Walk (Included)

• Take this self-timed walk through the highlights of Stanley's Capital.

Stanley - Falklands Nature Trek

• For the nature enthusiast, this trek is an exclusive opportunity to view Falkland Islands wildlife and flora.

Stanley - Bluff Cove Lagoon Tour

• Enjoy a private wildlife haven on this exclusive tour to view King, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins as well as multitudes of sea birds, ending with tea in a café on the beach.

Stanley - Scenic Air Tour

• See the Falkland Islands from another perspective. There is no better way to see these remote South Atlantic islands than by air.

Stanley - Port Stanley Highlights

• If you want to see the highlights of Stanley in a short amount of time, then this is the ideal tour for you! Join this guided coach tour, taking you to interesting sites while you learn about the history of the Falkland Islands.

Day 18 - At sea - The Magellan Strait

As you complete the loop of the Magellan Strait, you will have a recap of everything you have experienced on this expedition cruise in the Science Center. Make sure you also spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.

Day 19 - Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile

You will arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning and fly back to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival from your charter flight you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 20 - Depart Santiage de Chile

Enjoy a day at leisure in Santiago de Chile before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia or New Zealand

Day 21 - Flying home

Day 22 - Arrive Australia

Please note itinerary is subject to change.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

21 Nov 2021 - ONE DEPARTURE ONLY!

• Twin share - from $20,629 per person
• Solo traveller - from $28,948

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book this amazing adventure to Antarctica and to see the Solar Eclipse!

POLAR OUTSIDE:

The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Outside cabin on lower/middle deck

Larger cabins on middle decks. Most 20 square meters, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, TV.

ARCTIC SUPERIOR:

Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Outside cabin with balcony

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

Outside cabin with balcony

Accessible cabin with balcony. High deck, broad balcony, double bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

Outside cabin with balcony

High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. With limited view.

Outside cabin on lower/middle decks

Large cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

Outside cabin on lower/middle deck

Large accessible cabins without balcony. Lower/middle decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, kettle, tea and coffee.

EXPEDITION SUITE:

These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four passengers. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.

XL Suite with balcony

Extra Large Corner Suite with private balcony. Ship’s most spacious cabins with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

Corner Suite with balcony

Aft Corner Suite with private balcony and hot tub. Various sizes, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

XL Suite

Extra Large Corner Suite without balcony. Aft corner suite with sofa bed, flexible sleeping arrangements, large windows, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

Suite wIth balcony

Suites with private balcony, different sizes, top-high decks, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. Please ensure that your passport is valid for more than six months after you return to your home country. Remember to check if you require a visa.

What currency should I bring on the trip?

On the Expedition ships, the currency used is Euros.

Argentinian pesos are used in Argentina, Chilean pesos are used in Chile. US dollars may be exchanged into local currency at either banks or Money Exchange kiosks, at the open market exchange rate of the day. Some shops might accept US cash, though this is not a common practice. You can also withdraw cash from ATM's using your credit card and PIN code.

When visiting the Falkland Islands, local pounds (FIP) are used as well as pound sterling. When landing in Antarctica, some bases do accept USD cash only. In Port Lockroy, the following currencies are accepted: GBP, USD, Euro, and major credit cards (for purchases above 100 USD).

Can we pay with cash and credit card on board?

We accept Visa, American Express, Diners or MasterCard and regret that our system does not support Maestro Card.

How do the landings operate in Antarctica?

All landings are dependent on the weather and ice conditions. Unfortunately, with the unpredictable weather in these polar zones, we can make no guarantees that landings will occur each and every day of your voyage.

What if there is a medical emergency?

In case of a medical emergency in Antarctica, the only method of evacuation is by plane to the city of Punta Arenas, Chile, as there are no hospital facilities in Antarctica. This is very expensive and dependent on favourable weather conditions. Therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy that also covers medical evacuation is obligatory.

Are your ships wheelchair accessible?

We are happy to welcome guests who are not fully mobile and all ships (except MS Lofoten) have at least one cabin equipped for travellers using a wheelchair.