Exploration of Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia (Itinerary 2)
About Ushuaia
Beyond the Horizon
Nature rules in this magnificent wilderness, so it’s best to travel with an open mind and expect the unexpected on this truly exciting expedition cruise to Antarctica.
Starting in Buenos Aires, discover the “Paris of South America” before embarking on MS Fram in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town. From there, we set a course through scenic Beagle Channel.
Magical Falklands
We cross the open sea before reaching the endless horizons, white sandy beaches and wildlife - like penguins and albatrosses - on the Falklands.
Captivating South Georgia
Onboard lectures will prepare you for the incomparable diversity of life on South Georgia, where mountainous fjords and vast beaches provide the perfect environment for wildlife to flourish.
The Wonder of the Antarctic Peninsula & Antarctic Circle
MS Fram has the largest range of possible landing sites to enrich your expedition experience. Depending on the conditions, we will visit the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula before sailing beyond the usual limits, with the intent of making a landing south of the Polar Circle. An unforgettable experience!
- Enjoy ice-cruising and landings in the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
- See incredible wildlife in South Georgia, the “Galapagos of the Poles”
- Explore as far south as possible, well beyond the limit of ordinary cruises
- Get the chance to hike, camp and kayak in unforgettable landscapes
- Hurtigruten expeditioncruise in the cabin grade of your choice
- One hotel night in Buenos Aires before the voyage including breakfast
- Transfer hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Coach-class flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
- Transfers in Ushuaia, incl. an orientation tour
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 ice-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 AND EDUCATION
- 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 let you learn 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
- A farewell event
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- 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
- 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 contingent on 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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Explore the “Birthplace of Tango” - Buenos Aires - Hotel
Your expedition starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. We offer an optional city tour in the afternoon. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover the “Paris of South America” for yourself.
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Tierra del Fuego - Buenos Aires/Ushuaia - Embarkation
The following day, you fly to Ushuaia. The flight leaves Buenos Aires early in the morning, allowing you a few hours to explore Ushuaia or join an optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, before embarking on MS Fram to sail through scenic Beagle Channel.
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Across the Open Sea - At sea
We cross the open sea on our way towards the Falkland Islands. Enjoy our lectures and watch for wildlife from on deck.
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Where Nature is Still in Charge - The Falkland Islands
The Falklands teem with wonders of nature, offering clear blue skies, endless horizons and stunning white beaches. Sheep graze alongside immense colonies of albatross and penguins, while caracaras fly overhead and geese forage at the water’s edge. Fearless penguins waddle close, then continue on their way, providing you great photo opportunities! Stanley, the islands’ capital, makes a wonderful starting point for the excursions we offer. We will be docked for the whole day, giving you enough time to discover the town on foot.
Included activity:
Stanley self guided walk (1 - 2 t)
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 South Atlantic Ocean - At sea
We spend two days cruising southward to beautiful South Georgia. En route you can participate in lectures about the area’s wildlife, as well as whaling and polar history.
Our expedition team is well versed in every facet of South Georgia, from its geology and glaciology, to the mating rituals of seals and legends of the Norwegian whalers. One of the fascinating stories told is that of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the men of the ill-fated Endurance and their amazing feats of bravery.
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The Galapagos of the Poles - South Georgia
Next, we explore the unique beauty and incomparable wildlife of South Georgia. The area´s history, incredible scenery and diversity of wildlife make it a favorite among nature photographers.
South Georgia’s unique position inside the Antarctic ecosystem - yet outside the yearly sea ice - makes it a perfect home to tens of millions of breeding penguins, seals and seabirds. Our activities are designed to bring you close, without disturbing the wildlife.
We also hope to visit a whaling museum and to pay our respects at the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
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Towards Antarctica - At sea
As we sail south, learn more about the wonders of Antarctica, focusing on the history, environment and wildlife of the continent. Watch for the different albatross species that follow our ship. We will cruise by Washington Strait and Coronation Island before setting course towards Elephant Island.
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Penguins, Icebergs and the Antarctic Circle - Antarctica
Antarctica is different from anything you will ever experience! As we approach, the air becomes crisper and colder, and you begin to spot penguins and icebergs in the water. This is true wilderness, and our captain will work with the elements to design the very best itinerary for your expedition cruise.
We will attempt landings on several sites in the South Shetlands and Antarctic Peninsula to show you the diversity of incredible landscapes and rich wildlife.
On this special voyage, we hope to cross the Polar Circle at 66°33’ south, far beyond the limit of most cruises in Antarctica. We attempt to venture far into areas that are 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 powerful beauty of Antarctica. In addition, we will invite you to kayak among the icebergs, and perhaps pitch tents ashore or take unforgettable hikes to explore the some of the most beautiful and remote places on the planet.
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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 through the Drake Passage.
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The Southernmost Town in the World - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires - Disembarkation
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 lively Buenos Aires. Our post-cruise Land Adventures offer great experiences if you wish to extend your trip from Buenos Aires.
