21-night Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition Cruise - All Inclusive

Day 1 - Embark ship in San Antonio (Santiago), Chile

Day 2 - Days at sea

Day 3 - Scenic Cruising Reloncavi Sound & dock in Puerto Montt, Chile

Puerto Montt, in Chile’s Northern Patagonia Los Lagos region is set on the shores of a large bay identified as Reloncavi Sound. To the east looms Mt. Yate, a snowcapped, glaciated stratovolcano, and beyond that the cordillera of the Andes. The sound is punctuated by islands, the three largest being Tengio, Maillén and Huar. Two much larger islands, Puluqiui and Queulín, sprawl across the mouth of the sound, separating it from the Gulf of Ancud. The point where the Reloncavi Estuary empties into the sound is effectively where the Chilean Central Valley meets the Pacific Ocean.  Salmon farms dimple the coves of the sound, and pods of orcas are sometimes seen. Near the sound on shore, Chile’s Alerce Andino National Park protects a vestigial forest of ancient alerce trees,  similar to the huge sequoias found in North America. 

Day 4- Castro, Isla Chiloe, Chile (Tender Required) & Scenic Cruising Gulf Of Corcovado

The towns are largely built of abundant local woods, and many houses are elaborately shingled in intricate designs. Even the cathedral is a beautiful, vaulted structure crafted of local hardwoods. The forest and the sea are the source of livelihood and much more in this rustic outpost.

Day 5 - Chilean Fjords

Your ship threads among the islands and waterways along Chile’s wild southern coastline. Looming, glacier polished walls of rock rise sheer from the water, furred with vegetation wherever a crevasse or groove offers foothold. Lacy veils of waterfalls tinsel the surfaces and make ripples in the mirrored sea below. In the distance, a lone fishing boat plies patiently by. Rings of brightly coloured floats mark the circular fish farms encircling silvery schools of salmon to feed a hungry world outside. In other places, the shoreline is dense with twisted dwarf forest, buffeted by the endless passing winds. Steamer ducks splash frantically out of the way as your ship glides toward them, and a sea lion’s head leaves a wake of silver as it swims away. A scene of primeval nature unreels as you watch, bewitched, from your lofty vantage point.

Day 6 - Scenic Cruising El Brujo Glacier & Scenic Cruising Canal Sarmiento

Entering Peel Fjord from the Sarmiento Channel in southern Chile, your ship veers into the branch called Asia Fjord. As you cruise deeper into the fjord, the water’s surface is dappled with floating ‘bergie bits’ of ice, and occasional larger growlers. Meanwhile the steep slopes on either side are tinselled with lacy waterfalls flowing from the snow-frosted peaks above.  Ahead, two ochre slopes cradle a glowing blue-white face of cracked and fissured ice two kilometres across and hundreds of feet high, spilling with geologic slowness from the South Patagonian Ice Field far up the valley. Occasionally a huge shard of ice falls silently into the sea, followed seconds later by the delayed sound of its crack and thunder. You are in the midst of Chile’s Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the nation’s largest protected region. 

Day 7 - Strait Of Magellan & dock in Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is the most important port and commercial centre for the immense Patagonian agricultural area of Chile. The economy revolves around the sheep raised on the expansive pampas. Located on the Strait of Magellan separating the mainland from the island of Tierra del Fuego, the city proclaims itself the southernmost city in the world. Its colonial history may be explored in the splendid Plaza de Armas, in the magnificent tombs of the Pioneer Cemetery and the opulent Braun-Menendez Mansion. The heritage of Ferdinand Magellan’s exploration can be recaptured at the Nao Victoria ship museum. Fort Bulnes national monument memorialises the earliest colonial period, while the offshore Los Pinguinos Natural Monument preserves the thriving seabird and sea lion colonies around Magdalena Island. This is also the port from which a full-day flight excursion takes visitors to the majestic peaks and picturesque lakes and wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 8 - Scenic Cruising Beagle Channel & dock in Ushuaia, Argentina

For centuries Ushuaia’s harsh climate seemed too forbidding for the establishment of a European settlement, thereby leaving the land to its native inhabitants, the Yahgan People. Today, however, Ushuaia is the southernmost city on Earth and is often referred to as "the end of the world". Nestled on the banks of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia greets its visitors with a tapestry of colourful houses dotted against a background of dramatic snow-capped mountains. The jagged peaks of Monte Olivia, which tower some 4,530’ (1,318 m) above, dominate the landscape. Dense forests of Southern beech trees, extend from sea level to alpine.  Thanks to its location and relative proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the Great White Continent. Rich in natural history, indigenous people’s heritage, and the spirit of exploration, Ushuaia offers something for everyone, from spectacular trekking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park to discovering the rich stories and historical heritage at "The End of the World" museum.

Days 9 to 10 - At sea

Days 11 to 16- Antarctic Experience - Scenic cursing & landings

Times subject to weather conditions

Antarctica! The name alone conjures up images of boundless ice, towering icebergs, comedic penguins, epic snowstorms, great sailing ships held tightly by ice and the hardy explorers striving to survive wrapped in thick, heavy parkas. All of this is, or once was, true. Today, vessels have changed and the level of safety on a journey to ‘The Great White Continent’ has increased immensely. Antarctica is the truest of wild places, the majesty of its pristine natural landscapes is second to no other location on earth.

The animals that thrive in the rigors of the Antarctic climate are present in such great numbers and concentrations that they must be seen to be believed. This untouched oasis harkens back to a time when the world was untouched by humanity, pure in its natural innocence. Antarctica has been a source of natural inspiration for as long as humans have been aware of its existence -- and it may produce in you one of the most exceptional emotional sensations it is possible to experience on our great planet.

Day 17 - Day at sea

Day 18 - Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas (Tender required)

The Falkland Islands
There is nowhere else in the world like the Falkland Islands. The archipelago is a remote, wind-swept place of stunning landscapes, dazzling white sand beaches, magnificent wildlife, and a rather gregarious mix of people. Over 200 islands surround the two main islands of West and East Falkland. These isolated and treeless shores are home to an overwhelming abundance of birdlife: albatross, penguins, caracaras, geese, and many others. Perhaps it was the very remoteness of the islands; the allure of its barren landscapes, pure in their austerity and colourful in their details, and the immensely large open skies that attracted settlers to its shores long ago.

It has accumulated a wealth of maritime and military history.  More than three hundred shipwrecks litter its shores, while the stark white crosses of both British and Argentine soldiers stand as a silent reminder to the war of 1982. Numerous claims for the islands have been put forward in the course of their history. Nowadays the Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

Stanley, Falkland Islands
The lonely lighthouse at Cape Pembroke welcomes arrivals to Stanley. It alerts ships to the treacherous rocks, reefs and shoals for which the Falkland Islands have long been known. With a population of over 2,000 people, Stanley is the largest settlement on the islands. Its gardens, tea rooms, brightly coloured houses and hotels lend it a slightly Victorian feel, seemingly suspended in time. The Anglican Cathedral, the southernmost in the world, stands prominently on Stanley’s waterfront.

The Falklands’ unique abundance of wildlife is evident in Stanley. Dolphins visit its harbour, while steamer ducks, kelp gulls, and other birds abound on shore. Southern sea lions can be spotted basking in the sun. Southern giant petrels often fly through town, oblivious to the human presence. Founded in the 1840s, the town was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, Earl of Derby, who never visited the islands.

Days 19 to 20 - Days at sea

Day 21 - Montevideo, Uruguay

Tucked in between Brazil and Argentina, the republic of Uruguay has nevertheless maintained its own identity and traditions. As South America's second smallest country, it has been called a city surrounded by a big ranch. Montevideo has also been referred to as "The Switzerland of South America," for its same secretive bank system guaranteed by law. Uruguay is principally middle class and boasts the most highly educated citizens on the continent.

Day 22 - Disembark the ship in Buenos Aires, Argentina

DEPARTS : San Antonio (Santiago), Chile - 23 February 2020
ARRIVES : Buenos Aires, Argentina - 15 March 2020

• Guarantee Suite from $16,999 pp twin share
• Veranda Suitefrom $18,499 pp twin share
• Penthouse Suite from $36,999 pp twin share
• Penthouse Spa Suite from $42,999 pp twin share
• Owner's Suite from $48,999 pp twin share

All prices are subject to change without notice until booked and deposited.

Seabourn Quest

Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the vessel design that has been called “a game-changer for the luxury segment.” True to her Seabourn bloodlines, wherever she sails around the world, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. Seabourn Quest offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and every mood, with never an extra charge.

Ocean View Suite

All Ocean View Suites feature a large picture window, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

Veranda Suite

All Veranda Suites feature a full-length window and glass door to private veranda, comfortable living area, queen-size bed or two twin beds, dining table for two, walk-in closet, interactive flat-screen television with music and movies, fully stocked bar and refrigerator, makeup vanity, spacious bathroom with separate tub and shower.

Penthouse Suite

All Penthouse Suite feature dining table for two to four and separate bedroom. Glass door to veranda, two flat-screen TVs, fully stocked bar, spacious bathroom with tub, shower and large vanity.

Packing List

For your expedition to Antarctica, you don't need a lot of gear, just the right gear.

Base Layer

Long underwear: Breathable, light-weight tops and bottoms provide warmth without bulk. Capilene wicks, dries quickly, and is a great option if you are allergic to wool. We suggest two sets.

Insulation Layer

Expedition stretch top and bottoms: This lightweight layer is worn over your base layer and under your waterproof outer layer. Warmth and flexibility are important for comfort when sitting in Zodiacs. Expedition stretch tops and bottoms are flexible. The legs taper to fit into boots and the tops have articulated sleeves that fit easily over the base layer.

Loft jacket, pullover or vest: The loft traps heat with remarkable efficiency, even when wet. It is feather light and compacts for easy packing. Loft garments are water repellent and windproof and double as outerwear in mild weather. Fleece is also an insulation layer option but it tends to bunch up when worn with layers.

Outer Layer

Antarctica Parka (provided): Custom-designed ‘Two-in-One’ hooded parka that is windproof, waterproof and large enough to fit over layers. The outer shell can be worn on its own or paired with the insulated inner jacket. Provided onboard Seabourn Quest, compliments of Seabourn.

Waterproof pants: Breathable and wide enough to fit over boots. Knee-high side zippers are preferred so you can get your boots on and off easily. Buy a size larger than your base layer to ensure you are comfortable sitting in the Zodiac with one or two layers under your pants.

Footwear

Boots: Flexible, pull-on boots with sturdy soles that are suitable for Antarctica (easy to clean penguin guano from the soles). As you will step into icy water during Zodiac landings, boots are essential and must be at least mid-calf high (12-15 inches / 30.5-38 cm in height).

Boots can be rented and delivered to your suite prior to sailing.

Socks: Extra heavyweight socks made of wool or wool blend. If your boots are not insulated, you will need to wear two pairs of socks, sock liners and possibly foot warmers. If your boots are well insulated, (e.g. Zodiac Classic High Boots or rental boots) only one pair of socks is needed. If you are prone to cold feet, add foot warmers.

Accessories

Backpack (provided): Lightweight and water-resistant backpack is provided onboard Seabourn Quest, compliments of Seabourn, for carrying items ashore and keeping your arms free for embarking/ disembarking the Zodiacs. If you have a lot of camera equipment and do not intend to use plastic seal-proof bags, pack a waterproof backpack.

Trekking poles: A lightweight, collapsible, walking staff (also called a trekking pole) provides a sense of security, increased balance, and confidence when walking on ice, snow and rugged terrain. (these can be rented and delivered to your suite prior to sailing)

Seal-proof waterproof bags: Heavy-duty plastic to use to store your camera, film, binoculars and more in your backpack.

Foot/Hand warmers: To put between your feet and your socks and to slip into your hands for extra warmth.

Binoculars: Compact, high performance binoculars ensure you don’t miss a thing. A pair with at least 10X power and 25mm objective diameter is recommended for scenic and wildlife watching.

Also recommended: A pair of good sunglasses or goggles with U.V. filter protection and protective lotion for lips, hands and face.