Get ready for ten full days in Antarctica, being in awe of immense icebergs and whales, spotting many species of seabird and seeing colonies of penguins with their chicks. The season’s milder weather may have created a path through the sea ice south of the Antarctic Circle, all the way to Marguerite Bay to possibly visit the remote research stations there. Join the Expedition Team in lectures, ice-cruising and landings along the way.
Antarctica Circle Expedition – 18 days
Get ready for ten full days in Antarctica, being in awe of immense icebergs and whales, spotting many species of seabird and seeing colonies of penguins with their chicks. The season’s milder weather may have created a path through the sea ice south of the Antarctic Circle, all the way to Marguerite Bay to possibly visit the remote research stations there. Join the Expedition Team in lectures, ice-cruising and landings along the way.
The site of the South Pole and the southernmost continent, Antarctica, is an ice-covered landmass and is made up of 98% solid ice. Surrounded by the Southern Ocean and at 5,500,00 square miles it is the fifth-largest continent and is nearly twice the size of Australia. Inhospitable, vast and impressive, it promises to be an indescribable experience quite like no other.
Explore the amazing scenery and wonder at the unspoilt wilderness with our extreme and action-packed 18-day winter adventure.
Day 1: Day 1 - Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the vibrant and bustling capital of Argentina is the starting point for our expedition. An overnight stay gives you the chance to acquaint yourself and explore this lively city at your leisure.
Day 2: Day 2 - Buenos Aires / Ushuaia
An early morning flight to Ushuaia gives you some time to experience this beautiful city before picking up the ship. Once onboard, we kick off the cruise with a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Days 3-4 - The Drake Passage
As we cross the famed 950km Drake Passage, you know that Antarctica is just around the corner. Our Expedition Team will be waiting for you in the Science Centre, to explain more about the fascinating history and the environmental wonder that is Antarctica.
Day 4: Days 5-15 - Antarctica
Antarctica certainly doesn’t disappoint. It is a place of pure wonder and joy. You’ll gaze across waters full of intricate icebergs as a never-ending horizon of brilliant white ice edges and snow-coated mountains stretch out in front of you. In the skies above and shores below, the likes of shearwaters, sandpipers, fulmars, prions and many other seabirds can be seen. With all this to enjoy, even the ten days we spend here may not seem enough.
During the Antarctic summer, new routes through the sea ice further south and below the Antarctic Circle often become possible. We’ll be hoping for just that. MS Roald Amundsen and its strengthened PC6 ice-hull will attempt to aim for Marguerite Bay and to explore islands along the way. Providing the weather and sea ice are favourable, there might be the possibility to visit one of the few research stations, as well as Adélie penguin colonies which aren’t usually seen in the northern parts of the peninsula.
Day 5: Days16-17 - The Drake Passage
As we cross the famed 950km Drake Passage, you know that Antarctica is just around the corner. Our Expedition Team will be waiting for you in the Science Centre, to explain more about the fascinating history and the environmental wonder that is Antarctica.
Day 6: Day 18 - Ushuaia/ Buenos Aires
Sailing North: Day 18
As we head north on our return journey, you’ll notice the marked difference as temperatures start to rise. we spend two days cruising. It’s a great time to relax with your fellow explorers and enjoy all the that the ship has to offer, including the farewell dinner on the last night.
The Hurtigruten line was originally launched to transport people and goods along the coast of Norway. It was particularly prevalent in winter when infrastructure was still in its infancy and land travel was generally more difficult. Even though there are now alternative means of transport, the Hurtigruten line still runs, calling at 34 ports along the Norwegian coastline.
They are though, not traditional cruise ships and life on board a Hurtigruten ship is vastly different to what you might expect onboard a traditional cruise liner and offers less in terms of entertainment. However, as a majority of their ships are much smaller than traditional cruise ships (150 – 500 passengers as opposed to 1000s) it means that they can enter the fjords in both winter and summer. And because they stop at so many ports, you will get to see more of the Norwegian coastline as opposed to just the ‘highlights’.
They also don’t fall short when it comes to comfort and amenities. The cabins are all elegantly furnished with a choice of cabin to suit all budgets. One of the most popular ships, the MS Polarlys, was refurbished in 2016. Featuring a modern, Arctic-inspired interior, there are three restaurants offering a range of different cuisine, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. On deck you can while the time away and take in the view from one of the two hot tubs, or if you prefer, enjoy a drink at the bar at the front of the ship.
But Hurtigruten really does come into its own with its on-board Expedition team. Passionate and experienced about all things ‘Norwegian’, the team host lectures, presentation programmes and activities on a regular basis.
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