A team of experts from around the world lead ice-cruising and landings as you hike, explore and observe wildlife in the most remote continent on Earth.
Flights:
Transfers:
Hotel:
Expedition Cruise:
Onboard Activities:
Landing Activities:
Not included in your voyage:
Notes:
Day 1: Depart Australia & Arrive in Buenos Aires
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 - Buenos Aires
Enjoy a day in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover `Paris of South America´ for yourself on a warm spring or summer day.
Day 3 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Fram awaits. Once onboard, we kick off our journey with a welcome dinner.
Day 4 - Cruising at Sea
You'll cross the open sea towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy the in-depth lectures and keep an eye out for wildlife from the deck.
Days 5-6 - The Falklands Islands
The Falkland Islands teem with wildlife, and offer clear blue skies, vast vistas and stunning white beaches. Here, the sheep graze alongside colonies of penguins, while caracaras patrol overhead and geese forage at the water’s edge. Penguins waddle close to take a look, then continue on their way, providing great photo opportunities! We hope to go ashore for exploring, hiking or taking a closer look at all the birds. Stanley makes an excellent starting point for our excursions. You will be docked in the capital the entire day,
Optional excursions:
Stanley - Community Walk (included)
Stanley - Falklands Nature Trek
Stanley - Bluff Cove Lagoon Tour
Stanley - Scenic Air Tour
Stanley - Port Stanley Highlights
Days 7-8 - Cruising the South Atlantic
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as you cross the famed Drake Passage. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team starts the lecture programme on the area’s wildlife, whaling and polar history. They are well-versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology to the mating rituals of seals and the legends of the Norwegian whalers.
One of the fascinating stories that will be told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the men of the ill-fated ship Endurance, and their amazing feats of bravery.
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.
Days 9-11 - South Georgia
You will explore the thriving ecosystem and rich history of South Georgia. The area is known as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean and is a world-famous location for wildlife photographers.
South Georgia’s unique position inside the Antarctic ecosystem - yet outside the limit of sea ice - makes an ideal home for tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. During our stay here, you will see adult seals lounge on the sand while their pups race in and out of the water, albatross soar overhead, and penguins cluster in their thousands. Enjoy the sight of hanging glaciers, cliffs, and scenic lagoons.
You will also visit a museum, the Norwegian seaman’s church, and the grave of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. South Georgia also offers good hiking, and one of our favourite trails follows part of Shackleton´s route on his brave journey across rugged mountains to find help for the 22 men left on isolated Elephant Island.
Days 12-13 - Cruising at Sea
The Expedition Team will continue the lecture programme, covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife. We are usually followed by different sea bird species, such as albatrosses.
Day 14 - South Orkney & Solar Eclipse
The South Orkney Islands consist of four islands situated in the Scotia Sea about 600km north-east of the Antarctic Peninsula. You'll 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, 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 and sea ice.
Days 15-16 - Cruising at Sea
As you continue towards Antarctica you can learn more about the wonders of the Deep South, focusing on the history, environment and wildlife of the region. 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 17-21 - Antarctica
Antarctica is wilderness on a massive scale. It is home to 90% of the world's ice, reaching up to 4,000 metres in thickness. Winter sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, Antarctica is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.
As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism. We are founding members of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and faithfully follow strict environmental guidelines designed to protect the perfect natural balance of the ecosystem here.
No human activity permitted that can alter the perfect natural balance that has evolved through millennia without interference. That´s why we follow very strict environmental guidelines and rules. When we leave, we will not even leave foot prints behind.
The captain and Expedition Team will take advantage of the often-ideal conditions to take you ice-cruising, and to come ashore on landings for exciting activities. You may have the chance to kayak the icy waters in the company of whales, hike or even camp on the world´s most isolated continent.
Day 22-23 - The Drake Passage
On your way back to civilisation, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 miles) or 40 hours of sailing time in good weather.
Day 24 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
You will make landfall in Tierra del Fuego. Your voyage ends in the world’s southernmost town, Ushuaia, and your journey back continues with a flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival from your charter flight, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 25 - Depart Buenos Aires
Enjoy a day at leisure in Buenos Aires before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia or New Zealand.
Day 26 - Flying home
Day 27 - 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!
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your bucket list ultimate adventure to Antarctica!
Your cruise will be on the MS Fram.
POLAR OUTSIDE:
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some have double beds, others offer separate beds (where one is a sofa bed) or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.
Enjoy these standard outside cabins with separate beds found on middle decks. This cabin can fit two people - 1 bed / 1 couch
Enjoy these comfortable cabins, situated on middle and upper decks, suitable for up to two people. These cabins have double beds, a seating area, TV and private bathroom/shower. Some have limited view.
ARCTIC SUPERIOR:
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. Situated on both upper and middle deck, they all have bathrooms with shower and WC. They are also equipped with tea and coffee -making facilities. Most of them have separate beds, where one doubles as a sofa, and some have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.
Enjoy these comfortable outside cabins, situated on top/upper decks. These cabins have separate beds where one doubles as a sofa.
Enjoy these comfortable cabins, situated on middle and upper decks, suitable for up to two people. These cabins have double beds, a seating area, TV and private bathroom/shower. Some have limited view.
EXPEDITION SUITE:
Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.
Enjoy these exclusive suites with one or two rooms, seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo and mini-bar. Some of them also have bathtub. Most of these suites have a private balcony or bay window.
These elegant suites are situated on upper deck with one or two rooms, seating area, TV and mini-bar.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Valid for departures between October 2021 to March 2023. ‘From’ price based on lead in cabin type for nominated departure. Book by 19 February 2021. Departure Cities: SYD/MEL/BNE/AKL/CHC . Other departure cities available with a $300 per person supplement: ADL/PER/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/WLG/CBR. Flight timings and routings only available approximately 10 to 11 months in advance. Standard Hurtigruten booking terms and conditions apply. Combinable with Ambassador, Covid-19 rebooking and back to back combination discounts. Transfers may be on a shared basis. International airfares based on economy class.
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