Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia - The Ultimate Expedition and Solar Eclipse
About Ushuaia
- Experience the Solar Eclipse in the South Orkney Islands with an expert astronomer
- Enjoy landings to see thousands of animals: seals, penguins, birds, and whales
- Hike, kayak and go ice-cruising in stunning Antarctica, Falklands, and South Georgia
- Experience an in-depth exploration of the ‘Galápagos of the Poles’, South Georgia, home to vast numbers of king penguins
Hotel
- Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Flights
- Flights in economy class between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires airport before the expedition
- Transfers between Ushuaia airport and the ship, including a short tour of the town
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and accompany activities on board and ashore
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics, with extra focus on astronomy and Solar Eclipse
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with current scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, sauna with floor-to-ceiling window, and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small explorer boats while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help with your camera settings before landings
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Medical declaration form is mandatory
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
Itinerary
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Cultural and Cool - Buenos Aires
This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the `Paris of South America´ for yourself, or extend your stay with an optional Pre-program to explore wild Patagonia.
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Day 2 - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia
Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Fram awaits you. Once on board, we kick off our journey with a welcome dinner.
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Across the Open Sea - At sea
We cross the open sea toward the Falkland Islands. Enjoy our in-depth lectures and keep an eye out for wildlife from deck.
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Where the Natural World Rules - The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands teem with wildlife, and offer clear blue skies, vast vistas and stunning white-sand 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. We will be docked in the capital the entire day,
giving you time to discover on foot, as most shops and services are clustered around the port.
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Cruising the South Atlantic - At sea
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the famed Drake Passage. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team starts the lecture program on the area’s wildlife and 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 program to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica.
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The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean - South Georgia
We 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 by the 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 favorite trails follows part of Shakleton´s route on his brave journey across rugged mountains to find help for the 22 men left on isolated Elephant Island.
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Lectures and Scanning for Wildlife on Deck - At sea
The Expedition Team will continue the lecture program, covering history and the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography, and climate change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife as we make out way north to the Falklands. We are usually followed by different seabird species, such as albatross.
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South Orkney & Solar Eclipse - South Orkney Islands
The South Orkney Islands consist of four islands situated in the Scotia Sea about 370 miles northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. We arrive here in the very early morning to experience the Solar Eclipse, weather permitting. Our Expedition Team will be on deck to give out special-purpose solar filters which will protect your eyes while you observe the extraordinary occurrence.
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, we plan to 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, allowing you to participate in landings and other activities.
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Toward Antarctica - At sea
As we continue toward Antarctica you can learn more about the wonders of the Great White Continent, 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 analyze samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.
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Antarctica … Another World! - Antarctica
Antarctica is wilderness on a massive scale. It is home to 90% of the world´s ice, reaching up to 1,300 feet 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 is 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 footprints behind.
Our captain and Expedition Team will take advantage of the often-ideal conditions to take you ice-cruising, and to go 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.
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The Voyage North - The Drake Passage
On our way back to civilization, 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 600 miles or 40 hours of sailing time in good weather.
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The Southernmost Town in the World - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
We 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. If you crave even more exploration after Antarctica, we recommend you extend your stay in Buenos Aires or join an optional Post-program to the magnificent Iguazú waterfalls.
