Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Antarctica Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel Cruises

Experience the planet’s last untouched continent from one of the most advanced expedition ships ever built. This voyage will take us through the Drake Passage, escorted by albatrosses and storm petrels before arriving at the magical white landscape. You will experience the continent in summer with its incredible wildlife including seals, penguins and whales.

Itinerary

Our flight leaves Buenos Aires in the morning which gives us a few hours for leisure in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world before our voyage departs from the Island of Tierra del Fuego in the afternoon. After the included excursion to Ushuaia National Park, you embark MS Fram from 17:00.

Named after Sir Francis Drake this stretch of water between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula has numerous myths and legends connected to it. The extraordinary seaworthiness of MS Fram ensures you a safe and comfortable passage and we encourage you to join our educational lectures en route.

The Antarctic Convergence is where the warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser, less saline waters of the south. As the colder water sinks, a mixing occurs that brings nutrients to the surface and makes the area particularly rich in marine life.

In addition to spotting for the magnificent wandering albatross and other seabirds, the crossing features our lecture series focusing on the history, environment, and wildlife of Antarctica. Our series includes a thorough introduction to the Antarctic visitor guidelines from the Antarctic Treaty and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Once we have crossed the Antarctic Convergence you will start feeling the air getting crisper and colder. You will begin to see Antarctic penguins in the water and don’t forget to be on the lookout for the first iceberg. There are no permanent human inhabitants but it is home to millions of penguins and the feeding area for thousands of whales. Words simply cannot describe the feeling of being on the Great White Continent. The ice, wind and weather dictate life in Antarctica as well as our route. Every voyage is unique and our experienced crew will make all voyages an experience of a lifetime. The final choice of landings will be made in the course of the voyage.

Drake Passage

With our bow pointed north and unforgettable images and experiences in our souls, we are invited to gain a new understanding of the Antarctic.

The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 mi) or minimum 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage north, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica.

Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Argentina’s charming and proud capital welcomes you back from your voyage of discovery and bids you a safe journey home!

We arrive at the Argentinean town of Ushuaia in the morning. Ushuaia is counted as the world’s southernmost town and lies on Tierra del Fuego, south of the Magellan Strait and here our voyage ends.

Disembark after breakfast and there may be the possibility to join an optional excursion in Ushuaia (with end at the airport) or be transferred to the airport. If time allows, we include a stop at the city center on our way to the airport. In the early afternoon there is the flight back to Buenos Aires.

Notes