Exploration of Antarctica, Chilean Fjords and Falklands (Itinerary 2)
About Punta Arenas
The Ultimate Expedition Cruise
Explore the Chilean fjords before you encounter the rich wildlife of Antarctica, as we attempt to sail below the Antarctic Circle in search of true adventure. On our way home, we visit the magical Falkland Islands.
Beautiful Patagonia
This expedition cruise to Antarctica will introduce you to the natural beauty of the Patagonian fjords before crossing Drake Passage to the mighty frozen continent of Antarctica.
Massive Icebergs, teeming wildlife and fascinating history
Our voyage ventures deep into exploring stunning Antarctica – with nine days of ice-cruising, landings and activities for all levels of explorers, led by our expert expedition team.
This is true wilderness, and the captain applies his experience to creating the very best itinerary. We hope to call on beautiful spots in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula before sailing further south with the goal of reaching the polar circle.
A world of contrasts
After Antarctica, we set course for the striking contrasts of the Falkland Islands, from the red English buses and cozy pubs of Stanley, to the vast open spaces, stunning white sandy beaches and rich wildlife of the countryside.
- Combine Patagonia, the Falklands and Antarctica in a single extraordinary journey
- Venture below the Antarctic Circle
- See incredible wildlife: penguins, whales, seals, albatross and many more
- Explore on ice-cruising outings and landing activities made for true adventure
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- Overnight in Santiago de Chile before the voyage including breakfast
- Transfer hotel to airport in Santiago de Chile
- Coach-class flights between Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas
- Transfer airport to ship including city tour and lunchbox, and transfer ship to airport in Punta Arenas
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including small boat cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international, handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the regions we sail in
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that inform you about the sights you’ll see, while contributing to research
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Optional small-group Explorer Photo program with our Expedition Photographer
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Medical questionnaire mandatory. Read all Entry Requirements for your travel.
Itinerary
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Exciting and Diverse - Santiago de Chile - Hotel
Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Santiago, the exciting capital of Chile. There is much to discover here, from Andean glaciers at the city borders, to skyscrapers and lovely colonial architecture. Why not extend your expedition with an optional pre- and/or post-cruise Land Adventure to the amazing Atacama Desert?
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Embarking the Expedition - Santiago / Punta Arenas
You fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas where MS Roald Amundsen awaits, ready for your expedition cruise to Antarctica.
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Beagle Channel - Chilean Fjords - Patagonia
Enjoy cruising through scenic Beagle Channel, with fjords surrounded by mountains plunging straight into icy waters. This wild area seems almost untouched by humans. It is an ice-carved landscape that features lovely islands and serene bays in a lush setting.
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Cape Horn and the Famed Drake Passage - Drake Passage - At sea
As the southernmost point of South America, Cape Horn ranks among the most iconic places on Earth. If conditions allow, we will make a landing here before crossing famed Drake Passage to Antarctica. Enjoy lectures in our Science Center and all the amenities on our advanced hybrid-powered expedition ship during the crossing.
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Antarctica – Impossible to Describe - Antarctica
Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder. Ninety percent of the world´s ice is here, in some places up to more than 13,000 ft thick, covering the landmass. In winter, sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, it is a fertile breeding ground for millions of penguins, seals and whales.
As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism. No human activity is permitted that alters the perfect natural balance that has evolved through millennia without interference. That´s why we follow very strict environmental rules. We want to leave nothing but our footprints and take nothing but pictures!
This is true wilderness, so our experienced captain works with the conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.
We will attempt landings on several sites in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula to show you the diversity of the region’s wildlife and landscape.
On this special voyage, we hope to cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’ south, far beyond the limit of most cruises in Antarctica and far into areas permanently locked in ice and not navigable during winter.
Whenever opportunities arise, our expedition team will take you for landings and ice cruising to get close to the surreal beauty of Antarctica.
It´s hard to sum up the power of the experience. A well-known quote from a veteran Antarctic traveler coins it: “If you can describe Antarctica with words, you have probably never been there.”
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Lectures and Observing Wildlife on Deck - At sea
After exploring this unforgettable continent, we set course for the Falkland Islands, which consist of two large islands and around 700 smaller isles. There is fascinating history here. English Captain John Strong of HMS Welfare made the first recorded landing in 1690. Our expedition team will hold fascinating lectures in our Science Center, and point out wildlife from the outside decks.
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At the Edge of Antarctica - The Falkland Islands
Our arrival at the colorful English town of Stanley - with its red phone booths and buses and cozy old pubs - is a powerful contrast to icy white Antarctica. Stanley is inviting and the ideal size for roaming the streets on foot. Or, you can join an excursion to explore wilderness and wildlife in the surrounding area.
The Falklands are teeming with wonders of nature, fantastically clear blue skies, vast horizons and stunning white sandy beaches. Bird lovers will appreciate West Point Island, an avian paradise with penguins, albatrosses and geese.
Included activity:
Stanley self guided walk (1 - 2 hrs)
Take a short self-guided walk to get insight into life in the Falklands. Start at the historic Jubilee Villa gardens where local flora and fauna are found, stroll along Ross Road and visit Christchurch cathedral and the Whalebone Arch before proceeding to the Historic Dockyard Museum. Take the tour as part of a group or on an individual basis.
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The Magellan Strait - At sea
As we complete the loop of the Magellan Strait, we recap everything we have experienced on this expedition cruise in the Science Center. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.
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The End of the Expedition - Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile
We arrive back in Punta Arenas in the morning. After the flight back to Santiago de Chile, you can extend your vacation with a post-cruise Land Adventure to experience even more of this impressive region.
