Discover Antarctica, Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords aboard the MS Roald Amundsen (Oct 2021)

Please note the following itinerary is for the southbound journey in Oct 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 - Valparaiso, Chile

Be transferred by our shuttle to the embarkation port in Valparaiso. Enjoy a day in Valparaíso exploring on your own. One of the best ways to see this town is by riding its funiculars to sweeping views. Explore the port to get a feel for Chile’s seafaring side. We also recommend a visit to the Historic Quarter before embarking on MS Roald Amundsen. Why not make the most out of your stay in Chile and add a 5-day Pre-Programme to Atacama Desert, one of the driest deserts in the world?

Days 3-4 - Cruising at Sea - sailing south

As we make our way along the Pacific coast of Chile, the Expedition Team will start the lecture programme to prepare you for the experiences ahead. Make sure to also spend some time on deck to look out for wildlife.

Day 5 - Castro, Chiloé Island, Chile

Castro, set among windswept hills and green vegetation, is known for its colourful `palafitos´, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Iglesia San Francisco.

Optional excursions:

• Castro Walking Tour (included)

Walk from pier to Plaza de Armas for a short visit and proceed to San Francisco church, the main Catholic church of Chiloé’s capital and rather than the typical style of the other churches of the island, it is Neo-Gothic style.

• Castro - Dalcahue, Curaco de Velez & Achao

This excursion provides a glimpse into the history of the small villages in the Castro-Delahue area. We will visit three towns by coach and ferry.

• Trek at Chiloe National Park

Trek through Chiloe National Park, where hiking trails take you to a great viewpoint with views over Cucao Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Learn about local flora and fauna and the history of the primitive settlements. We will also drive by the village of Cucao and hear about the tsunami that this town suffered in 1960.

Day 6 - Cruising at sea in waters of Patagonia

We sail south through the fabled waters of Patagonia and to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. We voyage through iconic Andean seascapes for views of a glorious expanse of undisturbed nature.

Day 7 - Puerto Edén, Chile

The village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people.

Days 8-9 - Puerto Natales (full day) - Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park, world famous for the impressive “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine) rock formation. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover a landscape of stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks that host a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.

Optional excursions:

• Puerto Natales - Scenes of Puerto Natales (included)

This excursion combines the highlights of the charming town of Puerto Natales with the interesting Milodón Cave, just a few kilometres away.

• Torres del Paine - Overnight

This excursion includes an overnight inside the park - ‘the eighth wonder of the world' - with its impressive scenery and incomparable views. The Torres del Paine National Park covers an area over 242,000 hectares and features a rich geographical diversity of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. There is always the possibility of seeing varieties of native wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Puerto Natales: Torres del Paine National Park

Visit Torres del Paine National Park with stunning scenery and amazing views! Admire the natural beauty of this area, which offers great photo opportunities.

• Torres del Paine – Grey Hike

Spectacular views abound in every direction. Torres del Paine National Park covers an area of 242.242 hectares and features an outstanding combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills, and peaks, as well as the possibility to observe various kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Puerto Natales - Hiking in Torres del Paine

This programme is designed to give you the best of both worlds. Explore Torres del Paine by both coach and foot. The eighth wonder of the world, Torres del Paine National Park, covers an area over 242.000 hectares and consists of a rich combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. It is possible to observe many different forms of life here in their natural state.

Day 10 - Chilean Fjords

Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water characterise this wild area that seems almost untouched by humans. Glacial ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the lovely isolated islands and hidden bays that form this unique fjord landscape.

Days 11-12 - Cruising at Sea - Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

In the morning, we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel before we continue into open waters, and if conditions allow, we will make an attempt to land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America.

Next, we sail the legendary Drake Passage while our lecture series prepares you for Antarctica’s fantastic wildlife and history. You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for current scientific research.

Days 13-16 - Antarctica

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

Our 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!

Days 17-18 - Cruising at Sea - Crossing the Drake Passage

MS Roald Amundsen takes us safely back across the Drake Passage as we continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. 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.

Day 19 - Punta Arenas

Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. When we reach Punta Arenas, on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, it is time to say goodbye. Your journey home continues with your flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival from your charter flight you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 20 - Depart Santiago 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. Alternatively, you can join an optional Post-Programme to Easter Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remote islands in the Pacific.

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 sell out at any time.

22 Oct 2021 (southbound)

• Twin share - from $14701 per person
• Solo traveller - from $20,583

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your bucket list adventure to Antarctica!

Your cruise will be on the MS Roald Amundsen. This state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

POLAR OUTSIDE CLASS:

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. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed.

Outside cabin on lower/middle decks

• Cabins on middle decks. Double bed, TV.

ARCTIC SUPERIOR CLASS:

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 w/balcony

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

EXPEDITION SUITES:

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 w/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.

Corner Suite

• Corner suite with large windows. Corner suite with large windows. Flexible sleeping arrangements, TV, minibar, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker. Without balcony.

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.