Antarctica – Highlights of the Frozen Continent

Get ready for a rare adventure! From Ushuaia you cross the Drake Passage and sail on to an unforgettable exploration of Antarctica with Hurtigruten. Meet penguins up close and touch icebergs with your bare hands. On board there is so much to do: Science Center, exciting lectures, and more, all designed to enhance your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cultural and Cool

Location: Buenos Aires

This adventure 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 ”Paris of South America” for yourself.

Day 2 - Tierra del Fuego

Location: Beunos Aires/ Ushuaia

Fly early in the morning to Ushuaia, where MS Midnatsol awaits. Once on board, we kick off our journey with a welcome-on-board dinner.

Days 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

Location: Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the infamous Drake Passage, and trust us - it will overwhelm you! MS Midnatsol is designed especially to bring polar exploration to all ages and learning levels. There will also be several lectures on the environment around us; films about Antarctica and the Activity Center will be providing the latest technology for preserving your memories. This will be the heart of the expedition community, where we gather for talks, recaps and spontaneous events, mingle and share stories.

Days 5-10 - Antarctica...another world!

Location: Drake Passage

You are now in one of the most remote areas on earth! There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica itself is in a whole different category. Come ashore to explore the breath taking Antarctic scenery and to come close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice. From the deck there will be ample opportunities to sight whales.
Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, old whaling stations and relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer. One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbour of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.
We are certain you will enjoy a visit to Half Moon Island, a staggeringly photogenic island blessed with some of the most beautiful Antarctic scenery imaginable, or Yankee Harbour, with its large colony of Gentoo penguins, estimated to be 4,000 breeding pairs. Cuverville Island is home to another of the largest known colonies of Gentoo penguins. Neko Harbour is beautifully located in the innermost part of Andvord Bay.
Paradise Harbour got its descriptive name from the whalers during the last century. Wilhelmina Bay has stunning scenery and is often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large number of humpback whales spotted here in December. We have planned plenty of activities to make you experience Antarctica in the best way. This might mean that one day you will go shore to see penguins and hear the crackling noise of glaciers.
Next day, you get to feel the salt and wind as you cruise between the sea ice, looking for leopard seals taking a snooze on the ice. Third day, kayaking or a longer hike or walk. Back on board we also have activities that will satisfy a whole range of interests in the explorer room. The on board photographer will show you the basics of expedition photography.
Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and the expedition leader discusses the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities for sharing and shared memory making and mingling with the expedition community.

Days 11-12 - Heading back to civilisation

Location: Drake Passage

After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Activity Center or just relaxing on deck.

Day 13 - The end of the adventure

Location: Ushuaia/ Beunos Aires

Sadly, every adventure must come to an end. It is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends when we reach Ushuaia. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. If you haven't had enough adventures, you have the possibility to extend your stay and enjoy our optional post expedition programmes.

Your ship on this voyage

Cruise the coast of South America and Antarctica on board MS Midnatsol, our discovery style ship with unmatched panoramic views.

MS Midnatsol has a strong environmental profile and modern design. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by Norway´s sunny warm days during summer, a motif reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. The ship is also a TV star, having been featured in the award-winning Norwegian television documentary, `Hurtigruten 365´. The vessel´s sun deck and Jacuzzi are on deck 9. Key features on MS Midnatsol include the large, two-storey panorama lounge above the bow. Its wall-to-wall windows bathe the lounge in natural light and provide extraordinary views.

MS Midnatsol is an ice class 1C ship, equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Antarctica. The ship started taking explorers on adventures to Patagonia and Antarctica in 2016.

Onboard Expedition Team

MS Midnatsol has her own onboard Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures, presentations and activities inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and waters we sail in. The Expedition Team hosts a lecture and presentations programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you may participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast.